World Wildlife Day – let’s take care of aquatic ecosystems

World Wildlife Day, celebrated on March 3rd, is an opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting wild flora and fauna. Established in 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly, this day aims to raise awareness of the threats facing natural ecosystems. In particular, attention is drawn to aquatic and water-dependent ecosystems – from rivers and lakes to wetlands and oceans – and their unique inhabitants, whose survival depends on our actions.

Rivers, lakes, and wetlands – the lifeblood of our planet

The most biodiverse environments in the world are aquatic ecosystems, covering nearly 71 percent of the Earth’s surface. Wetlands play a particularly important role in their functioning – these unique ecosystems not only serve as habitats for many species but also absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, posing a serious threat to both biodiversity and climate stability.

According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, since 1700, as much as 87 percent of the world’s peatlands have disappeared, and since 1970, we have lost 35 percent of wetland areas. This is an alarming loss, considering their crucial role in filtering water, protecting against floods, and preserving unique species such as the European pond turtle or the bald eagle.

Microplastics are everywhere, even on our plates

Research by scientists from Newcastle University proves that microplastics infiltrate aquatic organisms at every level of the food chain – from plankton to large fish and marine mammals. This means that plastic pollution not only destroys aquatic ecosystems but also ends up on our tables. It is estimated that, on average, a person consumes the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic each week. The scale of the problem is enormous, and the only effective solution is immediate action.

Can we effectively protect the planet’s water resources?

Yes. Environmental protection is not only about large-scale governmental initiatives but also about everyday choices that have a real impact on aquatic ecosystems. In Europe, the Nature Restoration Law is playing an increasingly important role. This legislation aims at extensive actions to restore rivers, wetlands, and other aquatic areas. Its goal is to reinstate the natural functions of water ecosystems, which includes restoring the natural course of rivers and regenerating degraded aquatic areas.

One of the key European programs supporting these actions is Living Rivers, under which nearly 25,000 kilometers of rivers are to be restored by 2030. This is a step toward rebuilding healthy aquatic ecosystems, which play a fundamental role in water retention, protecting biodiversity, and counteracting the effects of climate change.

World Wildlife Day – time for real action

Each of us has a real impact on protecting water resources and ecosystems. Key actions include responsible water management, reducing plastic consumption, and making conscious consumer choices by supporting producers who follow sustainable practices. Let World Wildlife Day be not only an opportunity for reflection but above all, an impulse for action. Every drop counts – all it takes is starting with everyday choices to collectively contribute to a river of positive change.