35% of the worlds wetlands have disappeared in 50 years. Join #GenerationRestoration #ForWetlands
We can all make a difference through:
Conscious Choices
Make choices that minimise the loss and degradation of wetlands, and maximise awareness of how urgent their restoration is.
Ireland peatlands are of national and international importance. Half of the blanket bogs are of conservation importance in Europe and we have some of the last Oceanic raised bog left in Europe. Only 18% of our peatlands are at ‘near-natural’ or ‘healthy’ status. Bogs help clean water, are homes for unique flora and fauna and provide multiple cultural services to society.
- We need to identify land use and land use change impacts and develop management options that considers the co-benefits of peatlands for water, climate and nature.
Persuasive Voices
Encourage others to directly support local wetland restoration efforts
Peatlands are significant cultural value in Ireland. Traditionally, they had utilitarian and economic value relating to extraction of peat for home heating and by companies such as Bord na Mona. However, a shift is occurring whereby cultural aspects such as recreation, tourism, and heritage are increasing considered of value as peatlands transform from sites of labour and employment to sites of restoration, recreation and conservation.
- Include social values in peatland management and enhance stakeholder collaboration.
Bold Actions
Use your power to create change and support wetland restoration, locally, regionally and nationally.
Peatlands and other wetlands will only be protected if Legislation and regulation is implemented to ensure that remain intact.
- We need to ask the Government to enact all outstanding legislation and provide resources to ensure that all necessary enforcement actions are undertaken.
- Learn more about the issues and become an advocate for the protection of wetlands in Ireland and across the globe.
Further Information is available in Water Forum Peatlands Research
Peatlands_Full_Report_Final_March2021b.pdf (thewaterforum.ie)
Many activities are happening across Ireland to mark World Wetlands Day including:
Find out more at:
Official website of World Wetlands Day by Ramsar – 2 February – World Wetlands Day
