Discover this year's activity for World Wetland's Day!
2nd February marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands celebrated in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Since 1997, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness about wetland values and benefits for people and planet and to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Why are wetlands important for the ecosystem?
Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation, freshwater availability, world economies, and much more. But nearly 90% of the wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s around the world. This is why it becomes urgent to raise global awareness about wetlands’ situation so we can reverse their rapid loss. This is why it is important to increase people’s understanding and encourage different actions and events to conserve and restore wetlands and peatlands.
Exploring the new nature reserve of Paul da Goucha: a celebration of wetlands
On Sunday, February 2nd, a group of nature enthusiasts gathered to explore the newly designated Nature Reserve of Paul da Goucha. The visit, organized by Friends of Nature of Alpiarça with the support of the REWET project, Alpiarça Municipality, and the University of Évora, was part of the global celebrations for World Wetlands Day.
The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands, which play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and supporting human well-being.
The day began at Quinta da Atela, the largest landowner of the reserve, where participants, around two dozen in total, received an introduction to the significance of wetlands and the unique ecosystem of Paul da Goucha. The discussions highlighted the reserve’s rich biodiversity and the ongoing efforts to protect and restore these valuable habitats.
Following a shared lunch, the group continued their exploration, visiting other important wetland areas in the municipality. Among them were the Pego do Carril floodplain and Paul da Lagoalva, a 9-hectare wetland teeming with wildlife. These visits provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the beauty and ecological importance of these natural spaces.
Initiatives like this site visit serve as a reminder of why wetland conservation is essential. By fostering a deeper understanding of these ecosystems, events like these encourage communities to engage in protecting and restoring wetlands, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations.