Without Wetland, There Will Be No Water

2003 — International Year of Fresh Water

The world of water

If you look down from the space, the Earth is a “planet of Water” in a real sense. But 97.5% of water on Earth is salty, only 2.5% of it is fresh, which can be allocated as follows.

•  5% of fresh water is permanent stored in the form of ice or snow, or stored underground which can not be obtained

•  Less than 1% of fresh water can be used for the industry and agriculture as well as in our daily life

The circulation of water

We cannot live a single day without water circulation, its power comes from a huge pump which activated by the solar energy. It vapors the water from sea, lakes, river streams and swamps continuously, and then it will drop down on the ground in the form of rain or snow. Some of the water go back to the oceans directly, or is vapored into atmosphere. Some of them flow into the wetlands, such as streams, rivers, lakes and swamps, etc. Thus starts the “journey” to the oceans. The other part of water is stored in the soil, or soaked (sunk) into under the ground, just to compensate the under water supply. During this period of circulation, vegetation especially trees (woods) — plays an important role. This is because it can absorb water from the soil, and vapor back into atmosphere.

Is there enough fresh water on Earth ?

1.1 billion of population in the world cannot be provided with the clean water resource, 1.7 billion of them live in the area where is lack of water. Three challenges we are facing today: the safety of food, water and ecology. The key to sustainable development on Earth is to protect the ecological environment —— Wetlands

What is wetland?

It refers to the natural, permanent or temporary swamps, mud and charcoal lands or the water covered areas, as well as those static, dynamic, fresh water, half-salty and salty water body, include those water areas no deeper than 6 meters by the time of low tide. The kinds of wetlands include, coral reefs, red woods, lakes, rivers, the mouth of river, swamps, reservoirs, ponds and paddy fields, etc. The characteristics of wetlands in common are: the lands are often or permanently covered, full of water, they are the connecting areas just between lands and water.

The wetlands are distributed all over the world. They are the ecological system of bio-diversities and higher productivity. It plays an important role in fighting against floods, adjusting water flow and climate, pollution control, and making our surroundings more beautiful. It is either the natural reservoir on land, or the vegetation source for various kinds of wild animals, especially it is the ideal place for those rare and precious water fowls to breed and spend their winter. The wetlands can provide water and foods for human beings, they have close relations with us, and it is regarded as a kind of precious resource on Earth. Thus, the wetlands are referred as “the cradle of life”, “the kidney of Earth”, and “the paradise of birds”.

The functions and benefits of Wetland

•  Water supply

•  Compensation to water underground

•  Water flow adjust and flood control

•  The protection of banks and shield of wind

•  Clear and transform of poisonous and forein components

•  Reservation of the nutriment

•  Prevention of salty water invasion

•  Provide useable resources

•  Prevention of specific climate

•  Habitat for wild animals

•  Navigation

•  Tourism and recreations

•  Education and scientific research

What is changing in the Wetlands?

Since we know little about wetland, and neglect its functions and benefits at the same time. In this case, the wetlands are developed aimlessly and large area of wetlands is now facing the danger of retreating and disappearing. The habitats of wild animals are destroyed, and all these have threatened the existence of Mankind and the development of economy and society.

Lashihai Plateau's Wetland Nature Reserves

Founded in June, 1988, Lashihai is the first nature reserve which named after “wetland”. It divides four parts of Lashihai, Wenhai, Jizi and Wenbi Reservoirs. The high land lakes, reservoirs, forests, shrubs and meadows in the nature reserve have formed the specific ecological system of high land wetland, it is one of the most important winter habitats of water fowls in Yunnan province.

The faith in our heart s

We will spread our knowledge to our parents, relatives, classmates, teachers as well as friends around us. Let's make a joint effort to protect wetlands, forests and birds!