World Wetlands Day: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future
Every year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd.
Wetlands are defined as “land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally.” There are 3 different types of wetlands: inland wetlands, coastal wetlands, and human-made wetlands. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve lowland is a type of coastal wetland composed of a saltwater marsh surrounding a saltwater estuary. It also has two State Marine Conservation Areas (Bolsa Bay and Bolsa Chica Basin). Connected to the Pacific Ocean by a tidal inlet and harbor, the water levels rise and fall with the tides.
95% of California coastal wetlands are gone. Coastal wetlands are one of the most productive types of ecosystems in the world and should be protected. The theme for 2025 is “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” The Convention on Waters, or Ramsar Convention, states:
“This year’s theme centers around two key concepts: our unity and our future. By valuing and protecting these richly biodiverse, productive ecosystems – and inspiring action on their behalf – together, we can safeguard our common future and wellbeing. We all want a world wherein all people, everywhere, can continue to benefit from the life-sustaining services that wetlands provide.”
Learn more about why wetlands like Bolsa Chica and others are so important to protect for our common good from these 5 main infographics: biodiversity, climate, cultural and recreational, natural disasters, and economic benefits. (Click on the image to enlarge)
Bolsa Chica is an important wetland for local wildlife, migrating wildlife, and even endemic and endangered species. There are over 23 listed species at Bolsa Chica. Over 200 species of birds call Bolsa Chica home all or some of the year. The bays and muted tidal basin serve as nurseries for fish and other aquatic life. Bolsa Chica is also important for humans. It helps provide flood and erosion protection, acts as a carbon sink, and a place to restore one’s mind and body.
We believe Bolsa Chica is worth preserving and restoring to a sustainable healthy wetland. If wetlands aren’t healthy, they can’t perform their many important functions like water purification, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and so much more. That’s why there is still much to do at Bolsa Chica to preserve, restore, and maintain the health of the wetland against the constant threats of pollution, climate change, and sea-level rise. Help protect Bolsa Chica for our common future by becoming a member of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust or volunteering during our volunteer events.
