World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on February 2, to raise global awareness about the important role of wetlands for people and the planet, and to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
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It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1971.
This year’s theme – ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future’ – highlights the important role that wetlands play in urban environments.
As more people move into towns and cities, for jobs and better opportunities, and residential development replaces creeks, streams, wetlands and open spaces with concrete and tar, wetlands are being recognised as essential for a sustainable urban future.
Urban wetlands contribute to making towns and cities more liveable, and provide multiple environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits:
- Wetlands offer residents an important green space for recreation and access to diversity of plant and animal life. Studies confirm that interacting with nature reduces stress and improves human health and well-being.
- The abundant vegetation, mudflats and water found in urban wetlands provide a significant habitat for a wide variety of birdlife, fish, amphibians, reptiles and plant species. They also form corridors and habitats that support the migration of species, including waterbirds. Orange's wetlands are an important stopover for the migratory Latham's Snipe from Japan.
- During storms, urban wetlands absorb excess rainfall, which reduces downstream flooding and costly damage.
- Urban wetlands supply cities with water for domestic consumption either through stormwater harvesting, as is the case in Orange, or by recharging aquifers. The vegetation acts as a filter for domestic and industrial pollutants and this contributes to improving water quality.
- Wetlands provide a great environmental learning experience for students of all ages.
- Wetlands also attract tourism, with resultant economic benefits.
Orange is very fortunate to have major urban wetlands at Ploughmans Creek, Escort Way, Somerset Park, Burrendong Way and Waratahs, in addition to the wetlands at Lake Canobolas, Gosling Creek and Spring Creek reservoirs.
Unfortunately all our wetlands are under threat from the impacts of the very people they are serving. Irresponsible owners of domestic animals are allowing dogs off-lead to chase birds and swim in the wetlands, and cats to roam day and night killing wildlife.
Plastic, glass and paper litter from passing vehicles and building sites enter the wetlands and become a hazard for feeding birds and marine life.
The Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange (ECCO), are staging two events next week to celebrate World Wetlands Day.
On Friday there will be a display and information desk in the north Orange shopping centre from 10am to 3pm.
On Saturday, February 3 ECCO members will be conducting walk-and-talk inspections of the Ploughmans Wetland from 8am to 10am.
Everyone is welcome. Enquiries: 0490087424.
