By Albert Mwangeka
Taita – Taveta County, Kenya: Taita Taveta County recently joined the global community in marking World Wetlands Day with a tree-planting event at Mwatate Dam. In a world where wetlands, both freshwater and marine ecosystems, are increasingly recognized for their significant contributions to the planet, this initiative is in line with Governor Andrew Mwadime’s sustainable environmental conservation vision.
The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day, “Wetlands and human wellbeing”, resonated deeply with the conservationists present.
Wetlands, which include diverse ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, estuaries, deltas, mangroves, and even human-made sites like fishponds and rice paddies, are vital to both people and nature. Despite only covering approximately 6% of the Earth’s land surface, they are home to 40% of all plant and animal species.
DCC Ngunyi Maina, a proponent of tree planting in wetland areas, emphasized the aesthetic and environmental benefits of trees, including air purification and climate change mitigation.
“When you grow a tree, you are not only beautifying the planet but also improving the world,” Maina said.
Reuben Kitololo, the County Chief Officer (CCO) for Water, highlighted the importance of integrating alternative livelihoods, such as beekeeping and fish farming, with wetland conservation to foster a balanced ecosystem.
Elizabeth Mbinga, the CCO for Environment and Climate Change, compared wetlands to kidneys, indicating their crucial role in environmental purification.
“By restoring wetlands, we are securing a better future for the coming generations,” she stated.
John Mlamba, the Director of Climate Change, underscored the significance of the Forest and Landscape Restoration Implementation Plan (FOLAREP).
This draft plan aims to rehabilitate 300 hectares of wetlands in Taita Taveta County, further enhancing their role in water regulation, flood control, and water purification.
Rashid Kawawa, NEMA’s Environment Inspector for Taita Taveta County, concluded the day’s message with a compelling call to action: “Preserve the wetlands, as our planet’s future hinges on them.” With over a billion people worldwide relying on wetlands for their livelihoods, this message resonates more than ever.
