wetlands

GEO/Ramsar free webinar: Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Role of Earth Observations

A free GEO/Ramsar webinar titled "Wetlands, Biodiversity and the Role of Earth Observations" is taking place today - 18 June 2015. The webinar  is designed for anyone with an interest in or passion for biodiversity and wetlands - students, scientists, experts, or anyone with a general interest in one or more of these topics – who wants to learn from these vast global communities​.

This is the first of a series of planned webinars on the role of Earth observations in monitoring and sustaining biodiversity and wetlands. The webinars will be hosted by the GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) and GEO Water Community, together with the Ramsar Secretariat and will include leading experts from the global communities highly engaged in biodiversity, wetlands and Earth observations.

To watch the event and register follow the link: https://blbgroup.leadpages.net/webinar-wetlands/





wetlands

What can Remote Sensing do for the Conservation of Wetlands?

The International Symposium "What can Remote Sensing do for the Conservation of Wetlands?" will take place on 23 October 2015 in parallel with the XVI Congreso de la Asociación Española de Teledetección (XVI Meeting of the Spanish Remote Sensing Association) in Seville, Spain.

The Symposium aims to become an interdisciplinary meeting for wetland managers and scientists interested in remote sensing as well as remote sensing experts doing research in wetlands.

Wetlands are fragile and dynamic ecosystems sensitive to changes in climate and land-use, and rich in biodiversity. For centuries they were considered to have little or no value, and most have been drained or transformed. In 1971 the first international convention for the protection of Wetlands, the Ramsar Convention, was signed to promote their conservation and sustainable use. Now it is recognized that wetlands provide fundamental ecosystem services, such as water regulation, filtering and purification, as well as scientific, cultural, and recreational values. Wetlands constitute an extensive array of ecosystems ranging from lakes and rivers to marshes and tidal flats. An increasing number of wetlands have some kind of legal protection, and many wetlands are monitored and actively managed.

For more information on the symposium, please visit the official webpage: http://wetlandssymposium.com/





wetlands

You might beat back phragmites, the scourge of wetlands, but then what?

Wetlands managers have spent years using fire and chemicals to fight phragmites, an invasive reed that chokes everything else out. But coaxing beneficial native plants to move back in is difficult.




wetlands

After fighting phragmites, scientists try to bring native plants back to wetlands

Wetlands managers have spent years using fire and chemicals to fight phragmites, an invasive reed that chokes everything else out. But coaxing native plants to move back in is difficult.




wetlands

FAO invites all Members to the Celebration of the World Wetlands Day at FAO Headquarters

World Wetlands Day raises global awareness of the importance of wetlands for human prosperity and a healthy planet. The 2024 theme "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing" focuses on the interconnectedness between [...]




wetlands

Florida Everglades: Restoring the Wetlands

With an 80-acre scale model of the 1.6 million-acre Everglades wetland system, scientists study how to restore the flow of water that was interrupted years ago




wetlands

The 'Super Bowl of Wildlife Art' Is All About Ducks, and It Has Protected America's Wetlands for 90 Years

Introduced in 1934, the federal duck stamp contest has raised more than $1.2 billion and protected at least 6.5 million acres across the nation. Now, an art exhibition at Connecticut’s Bruce Museum honors the competition’s history




wetlands

DNREC, DDA Celebrate World Wetlands Day with Agreement to Manage, Protect Delaware’s Unique Wetland Communities

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Agriculture (DDA) Forest Service are to celebrate World Wetlands Day today, Thursday, Feb. 2, by signing a cooperative agreement to manage and protect unique wetland communities that occur on state-owned forest, park and wildlife lands.




wetlands

Millions affected, billions at stake: Scientists urge ‘wiser’ use of wetlands to tackle poverty and conserve ecosystems

2nd February 2014 – Colombo, Sri Lanka Agriculture and wetlands should be managed in unison in order to conserve vital ecosystems and support the livelihoods of millions of people, according to a new report published to coincide with World Wetlands Day, today. Download the full media release Download the report

The post Millions affected, billions at stake: Scientists urge ‘wiser’ use of wetlands to tackle poverty and conserve ecosystems first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).




wetlands

From wastelands to wetlands: The fight to save Sri Lanka’s natural flood buffers

IWMI researchers comment on the importance of preserving Colombo's wetland ecosystem as the city becomes more vulnerable to flooding.

The post From wastelands to wetlands: The fight to save Sri Lanka’s natural flood buffers first appeared on International Water Management Institute (IWMI).




wetlands

Ukkadam Art District showcases Coimbatore’s wetlands in multi-coloured murals

Coimbatore’s Ukkadam Art District presents an immersive art experience as three artists reimagine the city’s rich biodiversity drawing attention to its wetlands, migratory birds and the impact of urbanisation



  • Life & Style

wetlands

New book reveals tidal freshwater wetlands are on frontlines of global change

Tidal Freshwater Wetlands focuses on wetlands found in North America and Europe near the mouths of rivers that flow into estuaries like the Chesapeake Bay.

The post New book reveals tidal freshwater wetlands are on frontlines of global change appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




wetlands

Wetlands sinking with human-built structures

Left to themselves, coastal wetlands can adapt to sea-level rise. But humans could be sabotaging some of their best defenses, according to a review paper […]

The post Wetlands sinking with human-built structures appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




wetlands

High CO2 spurs wetlands to absorb more carbon

Under elevated carbon dioxide levels, wetland plants can absorb up to 32 percent more carbon than they do at current levels, according to a 19-year […]

The post High CO2 spurs wetlands to absorb more carbon appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




wetlands

New report enables creation of carbon credits for restored wetlands

How much is a wetland worth? It’s a question that has plagued policymakers, scientists and other leaders looking to protect their communities and slow down […]

The post New report enables creation of carbon credits for restored wetlands appeared first on Smithsonian Insider.




wetlands

Coastal wetlands can protect against rising sea levels and increasing

Coastal wetlands can substantially reduce erosion, property damage and human deaths in the face of rising sea levels and severe storms, recent research concludes. Understanding whether wetlands can provide effective coastal protection is essential to developing effective climate change adaptation strategies.




wetlands

Laboratory-scale wetlands remove toxic veterinary drugs from wastewater

Constructed wetlands can effectively remove veterinary drugs from wastewater, preventing contamination of the environment, research suggests. A recent study has demonstrated that laboratory-scale constructed wetlands were able to remove between 94 and 98% of two commonly used antibiotics from pig farm wastewater.




wetlands

Will any wetlands survive future sea level rise?

Only wetland environments with high sediment input from rivers can keep pace with rising sea levels, according to a new study. However, human activity is destroying wetlands’ natural defences, making their survival increasingly unlikely. The researchers call for sustainable management approaches to protect wetlands under future climate change projections.




wetlands

Constructed wetlands help keep farmland soil out of rivers

Small, artificial wetlands can reduce river pollution by trapping soil and nutrients swept off agricultural land by rainfall, a recent study finds. The researchers recommend that they are used as a back-up option to soil management measures also designed to reduce runoff into rivers.




wetlands

Artificial wetlands on farmland help to prevent soil loss and recapture agricultural by-products

Small field wetlands are a simple and effective way to reduce soil erosion and nutrient pollution, recent research suggests. The authors adapted Norwegian designs for the UK environment and created a series of small rectangular lakes on the edges of agricultural fields. After three years, the wetlands had prevented tonnes of soil from leaving the land, and helped alleviate some of the nutrient run-off that would have affected neighbouring waterways.




wetlands

Constructed wetlands for removing human pathogens: factors affecting water safety

Constructed wetlands can remove disease-causing bacteria from wastewater, but their performance is highly dependent on the systems they use, a new study shows. Researchers reviewed results from a wide range of studies on constructed wetlands and found that combining different approaches increased removal of bacteria. However, further research and improvement of wetland systems is required to produce water that is safe for reuse.




wetlands

Irrigation threatening steppe birds in Mediterranean wetlands

Intensive irrigation of agricultural land in a Mediterranean water basin is altering the habitats of associated wetlands and changing the balance of the bird population living there, according to a recent study.




wetlands

Constructing wetlands for multiple ecosystem services

Constructed wetlands can regulate stormwater flows and improve water quality, helping humans to adapt to a changing climate. New research has now shown that, if carefully designed, they can also be used for climate change mitigation by storing carbon, while also providing biodiversity and cultural ecosystem services.




wetlands

Constructed wetlands boost biodiversity: evidence from Italy

Constructed wetlands are used in many countries as green infrastructure to treat waste water, but may also be biodiversity hotspots, a new study suggests. This study reports on a constructed wetland in an urban area of Italy, which increased the number of plant taxa — including several plants of conservation concern — by over 200%. The researchers say the ability of constructed wetlands to enhance biodiversity could support local development.




wetlands

Insights for urban planning — constructed wetlands sited near industry exposed to high levels of pollution

Constructed wetlands serve as a cost-effective and multi-purpose option for storm-water treatment in urban landscapes, offering flood protection as well as wildlife habitat. However, a new study shows that when nearby land use includes industry, wetlands can accumulate high levels of pollution and potentially become toxic to wildlife. This new piece of research offers important insights for the planning and management of wetlands.




wetlands

Acid mine drainage effectively remediated by natural wetlands

Natural wetlands can provide effective long-term remediation of contamination from abandoned mines, new research suggests. The study examined a natural wetland receiving water from a copper mine in the UK, and showed that the water’s acidity and levels of toxic metals were significantly reduced once it had passed through the wetland.




wetlands

Jindal's photo album of wetlands oil

Louisiana Gov. Jindal puts up Flickr album of gruesome oil creeping into Louisiana wetlands.




wetlands

Clean Water Act changes put wetlands in the crosshairs

The Trump administration is changing how the government defines water, and new rules will have significant effects on wildlife and water quality.



  • Wilderness & Resources

wetlands

Frog numbers and wetlands surviving drought through 'precise' environmental water flows

Controversial environmental water flows are thought to be the driving force behind the revival of the native southern bell frog, despite the drought.





wetlands

Sydney, Illawarra drinking water catchment under threat as mining takes toll on key wetlands

Sydney's drinking water catchment is under threat from longwall mining with upland swamps and streams drying out as a colliery pushes to expand.




wetlands

Tales From The Wetlands




wetlands

CBD News: Message from Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary, to the 10th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971), Changwon, Republic of Korea, 28 October - 4 November 2008




wetlands

CBD News: Message from the Executive Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, 02 February 2009.




wetlands

CBD News: Message from Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2010.




wetlands

CBD Press Release: On World Water Day, United Nations Report Demonstrates Role of Forests and Wetlands for Clean Water and A Healthy World.




wetlands

CBD News: Message from Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary, on the occasion of the Fortieth Anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 2 February 2011.




wetlands

CBD Communiqué: Water Security Depends on Forests and Wetlands.




wetlands

CBD News: Message by Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary on the occasion of World Wetlands Day "Wetlands and Tourism", 2 February 2012




wetlands

CBD News: Message from Mr. Braulio F. De Souza Dias, Executive Secretary, on the Occasion of World Wetlands Day: "Wetlands and Water Management"




wetlands

CBD News: Message of the CBD Executive Secretary, Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2014 - "Wetlands and Agriculture: Partners for Growth"




wetlands

CBD News: Wetlands are among our most valuable ecosystems. The values of benefits provided by wetlands, per unit area, have been consistently shown to be orders of magnitude higher than for other ecosystems, with the major benefit delivered through improv




wetlands

CBD News: Five new press sheets available that explain the role of wetlands for: the Aichi Biodiversity Targets; Ecosystem services; SDGs, as well as Challenges of the future and the value of wetlands.




wetlands

CBD News: The wetlands of today are essential for human health and prosperity, and the benefits they provide have enormous economic and social value. As confirmed by the 2013 report, The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Water and Wetlands, which




wetlands

CBD News: All around the world, wetlands provide huge benefits, including clean water, ensuring a stable water supply, and providing important habitat to a wide variety of species.




wetlands

CBD News: Statement by Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Acting Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day




wetlands

Housing pressure around NSW south coast wetlands threatens habitat for migrating shorebirds

Shorebirds are increasingly under pressure around Australia, as the nation's wetlands and coastal estuaries continue to be swallowed by housing.




wetlands

Federal Jury Finds That Massachusetts Cranberry Growers’ Filling Wetlands Was Subject to Clean Water Act

A federal jury this week found that the Clean Water Act applied to the filling of wetlands and other waters at two properties in Carver, Mass., owned by Charles Johnson, Genelda Johnson, Francis Vaner Johnson, and Johnson Cranberries Limited Partnership.



  • OPA Press Releases

wetlands

Buffalo Developer Indicted for Illegally Filling Over 90 Acres of Wetlands in Amherst, N.Y.

William L. Huntress and his companies, Acquest Transit LLC and Acquest Development LLC, were charged in the Western District of New York for illegally filling wetlands in Amherst, N.Y., as detailed in the seven count indictment.



  • OPA Press Releases

wetlands

$1 Million in Restitution Payments Announced to Preserve North Carolina Wetlands

North Carolina’s Waccamaw River watershed will benefit from a $1 million restitution order from a federal court, funding environmental projects to acquire and preserve wetlands in an area damaged by illegal releases of wastewater from a corporate hog farm.



  • OPA Press Releases