Canada Celebrating Wetlands

The most important and valuable real estate. Celebrating World Wetlands Day, all organizations teaming with National Wetland Conservation Fund.

In many Canadian cities, nature can be hard to find. However and more importantly, natural habitats like wetlands exist. That’s because Wetlands are gold. For they are considered most importantly little patches of gold. They’re so so valuable to the Earth. Most importantly, they’re more than worth saving.

World Wetlands Day

So in conclusion, Feb 2 is World Wetlands Day and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) joined conservation organizations. I mean like the National Wetland Conservation Fund. Also and various others around the globe. Therefore and all to shine a spotlight. Especially on the important role wetlands play. Thereby as a result, aiding in a sustainable urban future.

The problem: wetlands are considered wastelands by most. So as cities expand and demand for land increases, these areas get filled in. The worst part is they get built upon to make room for housing and other development.

Conserving Wetlands

Therefore and even more shockingly despite Environment and Climate Change Canada’s support for the important National Wetland Conservation Fund ending prematurely. It’s because the masses are conserving wetlands. That’s because it’s gaining ground in Canada.

Green Infrastructure

So more is done to increase using natural solutions as part of green infrastructure programming. It’s so much more popular than ever. So much more. Especially with governments and city planners as they strive to make their communities more resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Green infrastructure, which includes protected areas, vegetation and wetlands, takes the place of traditional built infrastructure like dry dams or water treatment systems. It’s building with nature instead of non-renewable resources.

Storm Retention Ponds

DUC works with cities like Moncton, N.B., Edmonton, Alta.. As well as Winnipeg and Brandon, Man to construct naturalized storm water retention ponds.

Wetland-like in appearance and similarly function, these basins incorporate natural biological processes. All to filter and store water.

Cities like these are setting important examples for others to follow. Despite how important wetland conservation is to our communities, wetlands are under threat. Up to 80 acres (32 hectares) are lost every day in settled areas of Canada. This is equal to about 45 soccer fields every 24 hours.

Wetlands Most Valuable Real Estate

Wetlands are Canada’s most valuable real estate. For they hold the key to making our cities more livable. Here’s how:

Flood prevention: Wetlands are sponges that capture, store and slowly release water over a long period. In coastal communities, salt marshes buffer against storm surges.

Clean water: Wetlands naturally filter harmful nutrients and pollutants from water.

Fight climate change: Finally, Wetlands store carbon and keep it from being released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gas.

Green Spaces

Promoting healthy, happy lifestyles:  Wetlands provide residents with green spaces. All where they recreate and enjoy diverse plant and animal life.

In conclusion, the World Wetlands Day, National Wetland Conservation Fund is February 2nd for a reason. It’s the date of adopting the Convention of Wetlands. It all started in 1971. The site, the Iranian city of Ramsar. It’s a treaty negotiated by countries and non-governmental organizations. A treaty that provides the framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands. Canada, one of the treaty’s contracting parties, now has 37 sites. Sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites).

Source: Ducks Unlimited Canada

, OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MB, Feb. 1, 2018 /CNW/