February 15, 2025

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IUCN Urges continuous Conservation Efforts for Wetlands as the World marks World Wetland Day

February 2, 2025: The International Union for Conservation of Nature-IUCN continues its efforts to preserve and protect wetlands as the World marks World Wetland Day.

On this International Wetlands Day, TOP AFRICA NEWS website explores a statement from Dr. Gretel Aguilar, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighting the urgent need to protect and restore the world’s wetland ecosystems.

Dr. Aguilar highlighted the critical role wetlands play in providing clean water, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience, while warning that these invaluable ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate.

“Wetlands are not just mere landscapes; they are lifelines for our planet,” Aguilar stated during her address in short video posted on IUCN X account. “As we face climate change and its myriad impacts, protecting and restoring wetlands is essential for our shared future.”

Dr. Aguilar underscored three key reasons why wetlands are indispensable: biodiversity, water management, and climate action. “Wetlands are vital habitats for countless freshwater species and migratory birds, serving as crucial connectors in the water cycle,” she explained.

“We cannot underestimate their importance in supporting both freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity.”

The IUCN is deeply committed to supporting the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

“Together, we can ensure that these ecosystems not only survive but thrive,” Aguilar concluded.

In Rwanda, the similar call was echoed by Ms. Kaori Yasuda, IUCN Rwanda country representative who emphasized that this year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” holds significant meaning in Rwanda, where these ecosystems provide essential services that support both the environment climate and people.

Ms. Kaori Yasuda, underscored their importance adding that “Wetlands are crucial for various reasons. They help manage water levels during heavy rains, purify water by trapping contaminants, and provide habitats for numerous species.”

“Moreover, they sequester carbon in their plants and soils, which is essential for mitigating climate change. We must continue our efforts to preserve these invaluable ecosystems.” She adds.

IUCN has been actively collaborating with the Government of Rwanda (GoR) through the Ministry of Environment, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and partners to support and inform policies and strategies that enhance wetland conservation.

The organization has been invited to participate in strategic meetings focused on improving wetland management practices and ensuring the sustainable use of these essential resources.

Through the Ramsar Collaboration, Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in partnership with Albertine Rift Conservation Society (Arcos Network) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)  in 2021 conducted a Wetland Ecosystem Service Assessment using an Ecological Integrity Assessment and Information Management framework to guide wetland management decisions in Rwanda.

Part of the assessment includes the Ecosystem Services assessment and their economic valuation for selected sites in Kigali City and Rweru-Mugesera Wetland complexes.

The findings, presented in the report “Using Ecological Integrity Assessment and Information Management to Guide Wetland Management Decisions in Rwanda,” are crucial for prioritizing management strategies and policy measures that protect these vital ecosystems.

On this World Wetlands Day, IUCN calls upon all stakeholders including governments, development partners, youth, women, communities, and individuals to recognize the critical role of wetlands and commit to their preservation.

Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, and Ms. Kaori Yasuda, IUCN country representative, are watering a tree after planting it.

In the meantime, IUCN in Rwanda in partnership with partners continues its efforts to protect and conserve Mother Nature throughout different initiatives such as TREPA Project funded by Green Climate Fund in a bid to transform eastern province through adaptation, AREECA funded by BMU_IKi,  to restore degraded landscapes into climate resilience and EU-DeSIRA agroforestry research funded by EU which aims to study contributions of agroforestry in farmlands to list few.

IUCN in Rwanda also involved in many other initiatives like COMBIO, CcGAP and other initiatives that aimed to protect, conserve and sustain Rwanda’s natural resources.

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