World Wetlands Day is celebrated across the world every year on 2 February, with this year’s theme shining a light on 'Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Heritage'.

Closer to home, NI Water is highlighting the fruitful biodiversity and diverse array of wildlife the 80,000 hectares of wetland habitat offers across Northern Ireland, including Bog Meadows, Glenarm, Moyola, Waterfoot and Lagan Meadows.

NI Water Catchment Liaison Officer, Kerry Morris, said: “This year’s campaign highlights the deep connection between wetlands and human life throughout history, emphasising how these dynamic ecosystems support our wellbeing and heritage. Wetlands change daily and are vital to both past and present human life, making every effort to protect them which is crucial for future generations. Every wetland matters and every effort counts to ensure their protection for future generations.”

Some of the benefits wetland areas can provide include:

• They help clean the raw water in the environment by removing pollutants through natural filtration
• Wetlands reduce the risks of climate change. For example, peatlands contain large amounts of sphagnum moss, which is extremely effective at absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. A well-managed and properly functioning peatland can reduce carbon emissions and are one way to mitigate climate change
• Wetlands can slow downstream flooding and prevent damage from storm events.
• Spending time in these beautiful landscapes is good for health and wellbeing, and can often be home to many rare birds, insects and animals

Kerry said: “Wetlands are among the world’s richest habitats, essential for biodiversity and supporting a variety of wildlife between land and water. In Northern Ireland, we are fortunate to have many wetland types – marshes, peatlands, swamps, lagoons, and saltwater marshes – each playing a vital role for nature and people alike. On World Wetlands Day, NI Water reaffirms its commitment to protecting these precious areas, which are crucial for clean water, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of our communities and future generations.”

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Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com