People Must Realize Importance Of Wetlands As Buffers Against Climate Change Impacts: Experts

Environmentalists celebrating World Wetlands Day 2018, with the theme, "Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future," here Friday urged people across the country to join hands and protect wetlands in their areas of residence or vicinity so as to be better positioned in facing climate change related threats to human existence

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 02nd Feb, 2018 ) :Environmentalists celebrating World Wetlands Day 2018, with the theme, "Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future," here Friday urged people across the country to join hands and protect wetlands in their areas of residence or vicinity so as to be better positioned in facing climate change related threats to human existence.

"People at every level have to realize that wetlands, including ponds, lakes, riverine and coastal areas are natural buffers against the threatening impact of climate change," said senior conservationist, Dr.

Tahir Qureishi. Addressing an awareness-raising campaign, organized by IUCN Pakistan in collaboration with Engro Foundation, for schools located around the Karachi's Rehri Goth and Ibrahim Hyderi villages, he said inhabitants of coastal areas are among the most vulnerable communities.

They have to be well prepared, he said emphasizing that mangroves ecosystem is a major source of oxygen and pure air for the people of Karachi in general. Dr. Babar Hussain, a natural resource management expert complimenting his colleague said wetlands are being increasingly recognized for their importance as buffers against climate change.

"Their ability to store large amounts of water reduces the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, storm surge and help regulate urban temperatures has been scientifically proven and globally recognized," he said.

Speakers highlighting importance of Wetlands, said these are extremely important as comprise some of the most important biodiverse areas in the world and provide freshwater and protection from floods.

Sharing with the participants significance of the mangroves ecosystem and the many benefits it provides, speakers reiterated that wetlands hold an important role for people and the planet, especially as critical sources of community livelihoods.

It was appreciated that IUCN and Engro Foundation have partnered with the objective of improving coastal sustainability which centers on mangroves ecosystem restoration and creating awareness among coastal communities about the importance of mangrove forests to the coastal ecosystem and the economy..

The participants comprising school students and youth pertaining to concerned areas expressed their resolve for doing more for the conservation of wetlands. At the end of the programme, a ceremonial plantation of mangrove saplings was carried out in the vicinity by the participants.