World Wetland Day ‘Water, Wetlands and Life are inseparable’ |02 February 2021
Minister Joubert
‘Water, Wetlands and Life are inseparable’ is the theme chosen to mark this year’s World Wetland Day being celebrated today, February 2.
In his message for the occasion, the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment Flavien Joubert has sent a message in which he urges the population to recognise the importance of wetlands and to help in its protection and conservation.
The full text of Minister Joubert’s message reads:
“World Wetland Day is an annual event celebrated globally on February 2 to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. This day marks the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. Seychelles joined this convention together with 18 other countries.
“The theme for the year is ‘Water, Wetlands and Life are inseparable. In simple terms, water, wetland and life cannot exist without each other, just as we cannot survive without water.
“Wetlands are important ecosystems with significant ecological and economical functions. They are ideal habitats for nearly 40% of global biodiversity and provide us with water we use. They are also rich in natural resources and protect us by acting as a big natural sponge to reduce flooding, especially in low lying areas.
Some wetlands are recognised globally for their ecological importance and these are designated as Ramsar Sites. A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Globally, there are 2,414 globally designated Ramsar Wetland sites, spread over 171 member countries with more than 255 million hectares.
“This shows the commitment and the involvement of the member countries in the protection, conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Seychelles has three wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention.
“In the past, large area of wetlands were reclaimed to allow development. Government recognises the roles and importance of wetlands. It has revised its policy to ensure that wetlands are protected and are sustainably used. Government has also taken additional steps to restore degraded wetland areas. With the financial support from the Adaptation Funds, Government has embarked on projects to restore various wetlands at Val d’Andorre, North East Point and Anse Royale. These wetlands benefit the agriculture sector and at the same time replenish the ground water while protecting from heavy surface runoff and flooding events during inclined weathers.
“As wetlands contribute to our water resource and to our health, let us join hands in protecting and conserving the values of wetland and the services they offer.
Press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment
