Wetlands Discussion
In honor of World Wetlands Day, February 2nd, we're hosting a discussion on the reconciliation of wetland conservation and agriculture.
According to The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar Convention, Africa is home to nearly 200 wetlands that have been designated of international importance.
It's important to note the role that wetlands play in rural Africa -and how harsh agriculture practices threaten Africa’s wetlands and critical food sources.
How can wetlands conservation efforts and sustainable agricultural development in rural Africa coexist?
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ammichalek said 2 months ago
Wetlands should be an integral part of sustainable agriculture because they act as natural filters for contaminants and most importantly, nitrogen.
The nitrification and denitrification processes (i.e. nitrogen cycle) that occur in wetlands release excess nitrates into the atmosphere as harmless nitrogen gas. Without wetlands, fertilizer applications (i.e. excess nitrates) build up and drain into our waterways, creating dead zones in the estuaries.
Rural farmers should be educated on the importance of maintaining riparian buffers between agriculture lands and waterways. Constructed wetlands can also remove sediment from flowing water, reducing further erosion, and provide flood control where needed.
Constructed wetlands should also be incorporated in urban planning as well to soak up the torrential flows that cause flooding while also naturally filtering contaminants. However, such planning should take into consideration the fact that wetlands provide ideal habitat for mosquitos and managed accordingly. Wetlands can also be used to filter wastewater.
While wetland regulation would be helpful, it lacks legitimacy without enforcement.
BabaAustin said 2 months ago
When it comes to sustainable solutions in Africa no one does it better than World Neighbors. www.wn.org