World Wetlands Day: worrying disappearances

In a context where climate issues are becoming increasingly important, World Wetlands Day serves as a reminder of the importance of these natural environments, which tend to be overlooked by many.

In Quebec, wetlands are a major issue due to their mass disappearance from the territory in recent years. Environments such as marshes, swamps, and bogs are all elements that define this concept, which is so important in terms of preserving biodiversity and reducing climate change.

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A little history

This international day highlights the importance of protecting wetlands, but it also commemorates the signing of the International Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971.

This convention aimed to ensure the fair and sustainable use of wetlands, with measures put in place to designate sites of paramount importance for the conservation of resources over time.

Despite the promises and commitments made under the Convention, a large proportion of wetlands worldwide have disappeared, raising the question of how to prevent these costly losses to biodiversity and ecosystems.

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Wetlands: key players in biodiversity

The benefits of properly conserving these areas for Quebec would significantly enrich biodiversity and natural environments.

Wetlands and water bodies alone cover nearly 390,000 km² of Quebec's land area, or nearly 23% of the total territory, hence the importance of conserving and maintaining them.

Wetlands play a key role in:

• Preserving ideal conditions for certain species;

• Storing carbon reduces certain environmental risks;

• Viable habitats for different species;

• Natural cycles by maintaining the balance of habitats.

In Quebec, the situation is critical, as the province has lost nearly 80% of its wetlands, which significantly hinders the preservation of local biodiversity. Focusing on realistic and responsible solutions requires effort not only from the province, but also from the international community.

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How Habitat authorities in addressing this issue

At Habitat, we are already partnering with communities to develop conservation plans for natural environments across Quebec.

The Habitat approach Habitat on developing a conservation plan that includes:

1. A definition of the vision and conservation objectives

2. Creating an ecological portrait

3. A review of existing regulations and constraints that may come into play

4. The implementation of conservation strategies addressing biodiversity hotspots, ecological corridors, zoning, and land use.

5. Drafting recommendations and possible courses of action

In addition to addressing all these key issues in the context of wetland projects, Habitat the necessary expertise to participate in PRMHHs, or Regional Wetland and Water Plans.

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A collaborative approach for optimized conservation

Our approach has already proven successful in a collaborative project with the Lac-Saint-Jean-Est RCM, which provided this municipality with a comprehensive overview of the ecological value of its natural environments.

Habitat role in the environmental context for this municipality in eastern Quebec contributed to the future development of a PRMHH.

It is therefore in this spirit thatHabitat everything in its power to ensure that the anniversary of the International Convention is celebrated in a memorable way and becomes better known to all, 55 years after it was signed.

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Does your community want to strengthen its wetland initiatives?