Wetlands are commonly referred to as the earth’s kidneys, because they function as filters, removing harmful waste from water.
Increasingly waste water is recognized as a growing global concern that is threatening access to safe drinking water for about 1.8 billion people.
Furthermore poorly managed waste water generated from industry, farms and society, is flowing back into our lakes, rivers and aquifers and polluting them with harmful substances that in-danger wildlife, livelihoods as well as contaminate our fresh water sources.
Today on World Water Day, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands joins the international community to raise global awareness for the need for better management of waste water.
Population growth and accelerated urbanisation are increasing the quantity of waste-water generated. At the same time global consumption and demand for water continues to rise, even when a supply gap of 40% is projected by 2030. Therefore finding sustainable solutions for improved management and re-use of waste-water are urgent because of the existing threat to global water security, as well as being an obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal on access to safe water for all by 2030.
Plants found in wetlands can absorb a reasonable amount of waste within their roots. They act as natural filters absorbing pesticides or chemicals and removing them before they are released into fresh water bodies.