09/02/2014: Agricultural developments impact the world's wetlands

The growing demands of agriculture for water (and land) to feed a growing global population of more than seven billion people is causing the drainage and conversion of wetlands for cultivation, says Dr Christopher Briggs of the UK, who is the new Ramsar Convention Secretary General.

Greater collaboration among the agriculture, water and wetlands sectors around the world is needed to ensure healthy wetlands, he says.

Wading birds in Bundala Wildlife Park, Sri Lanka (Photo by Sara-D)

Globally, 70 percent of all water withdrawn from wetlands is used for agriculture. Wetlands also provide drinking water, water purification, transport, flood protection and fertile soils. They help store water for energy production and provide habitat for local and migrating animals and birds.

Wetlands are being degraded by the widespread use of pesticides and fertilizers, an increasing threat, says Dr Briggs. His comments came on Sunday, February 2 which was 'World Wetlands Day'

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