Wetlands face severe threats

The main driving forces behind wetland degradation and loss are human activities and climate change.

Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said the destruction of wetlands have a negative impact on human livelihoods and wellbeing.

He was speaking at the recent commemoration of World Wetlands and World Water Day in Opuwo, Kunene Region.

Namibia, as a party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, has listed five wetlands covering an area of 676 564 hectares.

The minister said the convention aims to prevent further loss of wetlands at a global level.

“Namibia is the most arid country south of the Sahara Desert and has highly variable rainfall patterns, which are further influenced by global warming and climate change, making every drop of water and wetlands a very important aspect of our lives.”

At risk

Globally, wetlands are in jeopardy.

“We are losing wetlands three times faster than we are losing our forests and more than 80% of wetlands have disappeared since the 1700," Shifeta said.

Since the signing of the convention, at least 35% of wetlands have been lost, indicating an acceleration of the trend.

Shifeta said wetlands are equally vital for Namibia.

Wetlands offer important ecosystem services such as clean water for livestock and wildlife, food resources and clean air.

In some wetlands, medicinal plants grow.

Shifeta highlighted that wetlands are also increasingly being recognised as important for the mental health and wellbeing of humans.

“Despite all the great benefits they provide to our society, our wetlands in Namibia are also threatened and are at risk of being degraded.”