could the sdgs help save wetlands? can wetlands help achieve the sdgs?
TRANSCRIPT
Could the SDGs help save wetlands?
Can wetlands help achieve the SDGs?
By Jane Madgwick, Chief Executive Officer, Wetlands International
Wetlands are the water systems in our landscapes
They are vital to reverse land degradation, desertification, floods and droughts
They help to bring resilience and equity in fisheries and farming...
They can reduce impacts of water-related disasters as well as help make cities & settlements safe & resilient
The SDGs are maybe the best chance to mainstream wetlands in development
Wetlands in good condition are vital to achieve the Water Goal (SDG Goal 6)
Target 6.6: By 2020,
protect and restore water-
related ecosystems, including wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.
Let’s look into the Goals and Targets...
And will make a crucial difference for the following SDG goals
Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts
Target 15.2: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems, in particular wetlands. Target 15.3: By 2020, combat desertification…
Indirectly wetlands contribute to the following SDG goals, although wetlands are not explicitly mentioned
Target 2.4: Percentage of agricultural area under sustainable agricultural practices.
Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and
decrease the economic losses relative to gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters.
Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use
of natural resources.
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Wetlands act as water sources, sinks and purifiers.
Are a source for plentiful food & fish.
They support abundant and unique nature.
Are the engines for thelocal economy
They protect our shores.
And they are Earth’s greatest natural carbon stores.
6 reasons why wetlands matter
But… since 1900 more than
64% of wetlands have been lost through drainage and conversion,
and much of the rest have been degraded.It’s time to acknowledge their importance
Source: Nick C. Davidson, 2014
Wetlands are vital ecosystems which connect the SDGs – linking and regulating water
throughout the landscape, from mountains to sea
We need landscape scale and system approaches that take full account of water wetlands
interactions and the full range of benefits these provide to society and nature.
Conservation, rehabilitation and restoration of wetlands is needed to achieve the SDGs.
In summary...
Wetlands are the indispensable link
Don’t let it break...
Support us and work with us to sustain & restore wetlands for nature and people. It’s urgent!
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Contact: [email protected]