Combatting climate change through wetland restoration
From peatlands and swamps to mangrove forests and salt marshes, wetlands provide important ecosystem services for people and the planet.
Today is World Wetlands Day! And we’re joining communities and organisations worldwide to celebrate the vital role that wetlands play in protecting biodiversity and countering the climate crisis.
Wetlands are among the most important and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
They provide essential ecosystem services including protection against floods, water filtration and purification.
But, around the world, wetlands have been declining and degrading at an alarming rate, threatening not only the livelihoods of communities who depend on them but also the habitats of numerous plant and animal species.
It's time for wetland restoration!
Not only are wetlands rich in biodiversity and vital for human, plant and animal life, they are also our planet’s greatest natural carbon stores.
And now more than ever, we need to support communities to restore and protect these vital ecosystems.
Restoration of vital wetlands in Western Kenya
Located in Kakamega, Western Kenya, Saiwa Swamp is a vital resource of natural resources for local communities as well as a key habitat for endangered species like the Aquatic Sitatunga Antelope.
But decades of unsustainable agricultural practices are threatening this vital and biodiverse ecosystem. As a result, the wetlands of Saiwa Swamp are facing multiple major threats such as drainage as well as chemical and waste pollution.
Since 2020, we’ve been supporting communities in Western Kenya to restore the Saiwa Swamp National Park in collaboration with Kipsaina Cranes & Wildlife Conservation Group and Kenya Wildlife Service.
Together, we’re planting indigenous trees with local communities to safeguard biodiversity. We’re also promoting sustainable farming practices such as agroforestry and the use of organic fertilisers for improved water and soil quality.
Happy World Wetlands Day!Donate today
Support communities on the front lines of the climate crisis to plant trees, restore ecosystems and improve their livelihoods.