Wonderful Wetlands


the greenie patch (column #1)

by Jeneen R. Garcia

published on January 29, 2006 in Sun.Star Kids 'R Us

 

Hey kids, can you guess what important day is coming up in February?

 

Nope, it’s not just Valentine’s Day. On February 2, people all over the globe are celebrating World Wetlands Day.

 

Wetlands are the Earth’s naturally wet places, like marshes, lakes, mudflats, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. They cover approximately 6% of the Earth’s surface.

 

Wetlands are very important because this is where fish lay their eggs to keep them safe from bigger creatures that could eat the baby fish. Wetlands are also rich in nutrients, so animals like crabs, shellfish, and migratory sea birds like to stay here and eat. Plus, wetlands are Mother Nature’s way of protecting us from tsunamis, floods, and droughts. They act as a natural filter to help keep our drinking water clean.

 

So imagine what the world would be like if there were no wetlands! We would have no fish to eat because the baby fish won’t have a safe place to grow up in. We wouldn’t hear as many birds singing. And we would have no clean water to drink.

 

Sadly, wetlands all over the world are being destroyed by pollution like trash and sewage. When people cut mangroves or dry up marshes to make buildings, we also lose more wetlands. You can help keep our wetlands healthy by throwing your garbage in the trash can. Remember, everything you throw in canals and in the beach will eventually end up in a wetland. And be sure to tell your family and classmates about this, too! The fish, the birds, and the crabs will thank you for it.

 

 

PHOTO CAPTION (photo not shown): Cebu’s most famous wetland is in Olango Island. Thousands of birds from Russia, China and Australia come here to eat before flying home. Colorful crabs like this one also live here.

 

(Illustration and Photo by Jeneen R. Garcia :)

 

PS Please feel free to spread this in whatever form =) just please note the source. Send me a message if you want the illustrations.

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