Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, threatening biodiversity, coastal protection, and livelihoods. On today’s World Wetlands Day, we’re reminded: wetlands are life. The time to act is now!
World Wetlands Day: Protecting our future
WETLANDS — mangroves, peat swamps, and freshwater lakes — are among our most valuable yet most threatened ecosystems.
They shield coastal communities from floods, store vast amounts of carbon, and provide essential habitats for endangered wildlife. But these natural defences are disappearing at an alarming rate.
With a staggering 35 per cent of wetlands lost globally since 1970 (Ramsar Convention, 2023), these vital ecosystems are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests, making them one of the most endangered natural habitats on Earth.
Unchecked deforestation, pollution, and climate change are pushing these fragile landscapes to the brink. If no urgent action is taken, the consequences will be devastating — not just for biodiversity but for the communities that depend on them for survival.
Unsung heroes of nature
Wetlands are often dismissed as “wastelands,” but in reality, they are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth.
They provide an essential line of defence against natural disasters, regulate global temperatures, sustain livelihoods, and support an astonishing variety of wildlife.
Mangroves act as natural storm barriers, absorbing wave energy by up to 30 per cent (UNEP, 2006), while their thick, tangled roots anchor shorelines, preventing erosion.
Beyond physical protection, studies have shown that these forests also save lives. One of the most striking examples occurred during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Despite being just 40 kilometres from the earthquake’s epicentre, Simeulue Island in Indonesia recorded only four fatalities. The reason? A dense belt of mangroves acted as a buffer against the devastating waves (Khor, 2005).
Similarly, in Banda Aceh, villages with extensive mangrove coverage were significantly less affected than those that had removed them.
Yet, despite their life-saving benefits, mangroves are being destroyed at an alarming rate. Large swathes of these forests have been cleared to make way for shrimp farms, urban expansion, and palm oil plantations.
This destruction is not just an environmental tragedy — it is a direct threat to human lives, leaving coastal communities defenceless against rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Peat swamp forests are equally essential in protecting our environment. These remarkable wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and preventing downstream flooding in farms and villages. Feeder canals direct floodwaters into these wetlands, naturally regulating water levels and reducing disaster risks.
The recent devastating floods in Bintulu and Miri might highlight the crucial role wetlands play in flood mitigation.
Healthy wetlands help regulate water flow, control erosion, and buffer communities from extreme weather events.
Unfortunately, the loss of these ecosystems due to development and deforestation only increases flood risks.
Beyond flood control, peatlands are among the world’s most efficient carbon sinks, storing more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests.
However, when drained or cleared, they release vast amounts of carbon dioxide, accelerating climate change. The 1997 Kalimantan forest fires, fuelled by peatland destruction, released an estimated one million tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere — underscoring the dangers of their loss.
Sarawak’s wetlands are biodiversity hotspots, home to some of the world’s most unique and threatened species. The elusive Irrawaddy dolphin, the long-nosed proboscis monkey, and the extremely rare lesser adjutant storks all depend on these habitats for survival.
Wetlands also sustain Sarawak’s fisheries. More than 50 per cent of the state’s fish species rely on these ecosystems for breeding and feeding. Traditional fishing methods, such as those practiced in Loagan Bunut National Park, allow fish stocks to replenish naturally, ensuring a sustainable food source for local communities.
Greatest threats to our wetlands
Despite their immense value, Sarawak’s wetlands are being destroyed at an alarming pace. The biggest threats include:
Deforestation, land conversion
Mangroves and peat swamps are rapidly disappearing due to large-scale palm oil plantations, logging, and urban development.
Between 2005 and 2015, Sarawak lost over 60 per cent of its peat swamp forests to land conversion (Wetlands International, 2023). When wetlands are drained for agriculture or infrastructure, their ability to store carbon, prevent floods, and support biodiversity is irreversibly compromised.
Pollution, waste
Plastic pollution, chemical runoff, and untreated sewage are contaminating Sarawak’s wetland waters. A 2023 survey found that 70 per cent of water samples taken from the Kuching Wetlands contained microplastics (Sarawak Rivers Board, 2023).
This pollution not only threatens wildlife but also affects the health of local communities that rely on these waters for fishing and daily use.
Climate change
As global temperatures rise, coastal wetlands are shrinking. Scientists predict that sea levels in Borneo will rise by at least 20 centimetres by 2050, putting low-lying villages at risk of displacement (IPCC Climate Report, 2023). If protective mangroves continue to be destroyed, the impact of rising tides will be even more severe.
Fighting for our future
Despite these threats, conservation efforts are gaining momentum. Local communities, environmental groups, and the government are working to restore and protect Sarawak’s wetlands.
In Rajang-Belawai-Paloh, mangroves are lifelines — supporting fisheries, protecting coastlines, and absorbing carbon.
However, degradation has hindered natural regeneration, making active restoration essential.
WWF-Malaysia, in collaboration with the Sarawak government and local communities, is leading replanting efforts.
Vivien Yeo, the organisation’s senior officer for mangrove and dolphin conservation, highlighted on their website the crucial role of mangroves as nurseries and feeding grounds for fish, crabs, and prawns, which directly sustain local fisheries and livelihoods.
However, she emphasised that restoring mangroves goes beyond simply planting trees.
“Mangroves thrive in distinct zones shaped by salinity, tidal patterns, and soil conditions. Selecting the right species for the right location is essential for long-term survival.
“Careful planning and site-specific approaches are key to successful restoration efforts,” Yeo said.
Despite tough conditions — mud, heat, and wildlife threats — locals remain committed, ensuring Sarawak’s mangroves thrive for future generations.
Studies show that replanted mangroves can absorb up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests (UNEP, 2023). By restoring these vital ecosystems, we not only curb carbon emissions but also strengthen natural barriers against coastal and riverbank erosion.
Recognising the importance of wetland conservation, the Sarawak Forestry Department is also working to expand legal protection for these ecosystems.
One success story is the Kuching Wetlands National Park, a 6,610-hectare Ramsar site dedicated to wetland preservation.
By securing more legally protected areas, conservationists aim to prevent further destruction.
However, safeguarding our wetlands is not just the responsibility of governments and conservation groups — it requires collective action. Every individual can play a part:
Reduce plastic waste — Much of the pollution in Sarawak’s wetlands comes from human activity. Switching to reusable bags and bottles and avoiding single-use plastics can help reduce waste.
Support reforestation efforts — Get involved in local mangrove-planting initiatives or donate to organisations working on wetland conservation.
Improve waste management — Better disposal systems and community clean-up initiatives can prevent pollution from reaching wetlands.
Promote sustainable fishing and farming — Encourage responsible fishing and agricultural practices to prevent overexploitation.
Choose eco-tourism — Visiting Sarawak’s wetlands responsibly and supporting conservation-friendly tourism helps protect these fragile ecosystems.
On today’s World Wetlands Day, the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” is more than a slogan — it’s a call to action.
Our wetlands are not merely bodies of water; they are life, they are protection, and they are our last defense against climate change, our shield against rising tides, and our hope for a sustainable future.
The question now is: Will we act in time to save them?
