The enhanced protection of Africa’s wetlands is key to boost climate resilience of local communities in the face of climatic shocks, poverty and food insecurity, a green lobby said Tuesday.

The enhanced protection of Africa’s wetlands is key to boost climate resilience of local communities in the face of climatic shocks, poverty and food insecurity, a green lobby said Tuesday.

Mithika Mwenda, the executive director of Nairobi-based Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, said the continent’s ability to sustain green and inclusive growth, peace and stability hinges on conservation of its vast wetlands.

“Wetlands have economic potential besides mitigating the negative impacts of flooding, scarcity of water and soil erosion. They are also hubs for eco-tourism,” Mwenda said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

He said the theme of this year’s World Wetlands Day, “Wetlands Action for People and Nature,” underscores their critical role in the survival of African rural communities already grappling with an escalating climate crisis.

Wetlands have always acted as carbon sinks besides facilitating water purification while acting as home to iconic species that are part of Africa’s heritage, Mwenda said. He called for enactment of policies and legislation that promotes conservation of these vital ecosystems amid myriad threats like human encroachment and over-exploitation.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2.

Source: CGTN

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