World Wetlands Day in Liberia

On Thursday, February 2, 2017, the EPA will celebrate World Wetlands Day in commemoration of the Ramsar Convention of 1971. In accordance with this year’s global theme “Wetlands for disaster risks reduction” the EPA will organize a one day program on the peace Island (540 Community) in Congo Town in collaboration with civil society groups, environmental NGOs and the relevant agencies of government. This event will demonstrate the roles and importance of wetlands and create awareness in an effort to promote stakeholders’ participation and involvement in protecting, conserving and managing the marine and coastal environments.

EPA Commits to Conserve Wetlands in Liberia

Liberia became a party to the Ramsar Convention on 2^nd November 2003. As a signatory to the Convention, Liberia is committed to protect and sustainably manage wetlands, especially those declared as Ramsar Sites of International significance. In Liberia the wetlands of international significance are: Marshall in Margibi County, Mesurado in Montserrado County, Gbedin in Nimba County, Lake Piso in Grand Cape Mount County and Kpatawee in Bong County. The EPA, mandated by legislation, is charged with the responsibility to manage and protect the environment- marine and terrestrial as well as facilitating several restoration projects in partnerships with civil society groups and relevant government agencies. In accordance with Sections 74 & 75 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia, the EPA may publish notice; prescribe general or specific guidelines or standards for the management of rivers, lakes, wetlands and parts of the marine and coastal environments of significance.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 2^nd February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2^nd February 1971.

Wetlands play an important role in the processes that keep our landscapes healthy and productive. They support industries such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism by supplying water for crops, stock and people, maintaining water quality, providing habitat for commercial species and having cultural and recreational values. Wetlands host a huge variety of life, protect our coastlines and provide natural defenses against river flooding or storm surges and store carbon dioxide to regulate climate change.

In addition, wetlands are found near the sea or inland and can be seasonal – they are water logged only during parts of the year or perennial. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by:

• Preventing flooding by absorbing water;
• Ensuring that the soil provides a unique breeding ground for vegetation that feed fish;
• Giving shelter to animals; and
• Purifying water by removing sediments.

Unfortunately, wetlands are often viewed as wastelands and more than 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900. World Wetlands Day is an annual opportunity to raise public awareness and promote the value of wetlands and marine and coastal environments.

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since then government agencies, non-government organizations and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetlands values and benefits as well as promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. These activities include seminars, nature walks, and festivals, announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation.