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2. Wetlands provide important ecosystem services such as water filtration and flood prevention
3. Community-based wetlands restoration initiatives engage local communities in preserving and restoring wetlands, leading to sustainable outcomes
Wetlands are crucial for filtering water, protecting coastal communities from floods, providing habitat for wildlife, and more. They offer ecosystem services that benefit humans in various ways. With the urgent challenge of sustainable water management, wetlands play a key role in reducing surface runoff, mitigating floods, and storing carbon dioxide. The protection, preservation, and restoration of wetlands are essential for climate change mitigation and the well-being of future generations.
Coastal communities heavily rely on wetlands for protection from storm damage and sea level rise. In efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands, measures are being taken to support projects that enhance these areas. The conservation of coastal habitats, such as salt marshes, seagrass beds, and mangroves, play a significant role in preserving coastal blue carbon and combating climate change impacts. By restoring abandoned cranberry bogs to wetland states, communities are embracing nature-based solutions that benefit both the environment and local economies.
Community-based wetland restoration initiatives are gaining momentum globally, engaging local communities in conservation efforts. By involving residents in awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs, restoration efforts become more sustainable and tailored to the needs of the community. The economic value of wetlands is estimated at $47 trillion annually, highlighting the importance of their restoration for both environmental and economic reasons.