Inextricably linked to the ecological health of our planet and to the socio-economic well-being of all peoples across the globe, wetlands serve and sustain us in immeasurable ways. In fact, they are vital for our survival. Yet, the world has lost 87% of its wetlands since 1700 — and they continue to disappear at an alarming rate, even today.

The Convention on Wetlands recognizes that the restoration of the Earth’s wetlands must be a key priority for ensuring a sustainable future. The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, which started officially on the 5th June 2021, represents a distinct and timely opportunity for joining efforts and making meaningful headway worldwide in preventing, halting, and reversing the degradation of our planet’s wetlands.

On this occasion, the Convention on Wetlands, as a global partner of the UN Decade on Restoration, has produced this fact sheet “Wetlands restoration: unlocking the untapped potential of the Earth’s most valuable ecosystem” to assist restoration efforts by Contracting Parties, policy-makers and practitioners.

In this factsheet, you will learn:
– Why are wetlands so important?
– Why should we restore wetlands?
– Notable examples of wetlands restoration.

Source: the Ramsar Convention 

Download the factsheet: