Every year on the 2nd of February, the world celebrates World Wetlands Day. The celebrations mark the adoption of the Convention of Wetlands of International importance on the same date in 1971 in the Ramsar, Iran. On this date, activists work on raising public awareness on the importance of wetlands and the significance of preserving them.
And since it is the UN International year of Water Cooperation, it will be a great opportunityto show the interlinks and connections between water and wetlands. Properly managing wetlands will eventually lead to sustainable use and management of water resources, benefiting people and wildlife alike.
Let’s Protect Anjar-Kfar Zabad Wetland
- Anjar-Kfar Zabad Wetlands are among the unique marshlands of the Bekaa valley, the Wetlands ecosystem is formed as a result of Shamsein and Masaya spring and Gozayel river (one of the branches of the Litani river)
- Anjar-Kfar Zabad Wetlands are among the remaining wetlands of the Mediterranean, where most of the wetlands are lost as a result of drought,over exploitation and use, drying wetlands for agriculture or construction purposes,pollution or climatic aspects.
- Anjar-Kfar Zabad Wetlands represent an important Habitat for various diversity of flora and fauna (fish, turtles, crabs, birds, mammals)with endangered species (River Otter and Syrian Serin bird)
- Anjar-Kfar Zabad wetlands were announced as an IBA in 2004 based on BirdLife criteria
- Anjar-Kfar Zabad Wetlands represent a major spot for migratory birds along the African Eurasian Flyway.
- Anjar-Kfar Zabad Wetlands are important for sustaining peoplelivelihoods, mainly: agriculture, fisheries, and drinking water supply.
- Ecotourism and environmental education is currently promoted by SPNL in the Wetlands area aiming to support local communities and raise environmental awareness.
For more information about World Wetlands Day 2013
