The second of February of each year is observed as World Wetlands Day to mark the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Ministry of Agriculture joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Wetlands Day as they join efforts with the South East Coast Project and Saint Lucia National Trust to highlight and bring more awareness about wetlands and the critical role they play.

A wide range of resources used in everyday lives are derived from the sustainable utilization of our wetlands such as charcoal, honey, medicinal plants, and fish. In commemoration of World Wetlands Day the department of Forestry in collaboration with the South East Coast Project, the Department of Fisheries and the Saint Lucia National Trust hosted a tree planting at the Makote’ mangrove in efforts to regenerate the mangrove forest ecosystems in areas where the species previously existed.

The Director of Forestry, Alwin Donelly notes that wetlands are an integral part of the natural environment of St. Lucia and have significant value for biodiversity, coastal protection, and economic value and stressed on the importance of ensuring that they remain protected and preserved.  

“We take today to observe the importance and the value, not only to us, but the intrinsic value. Around the world about a third of our wetlands have been destroyed. Our activity here calls for us to do a lot more to protect and preserve our reminaing wetlands”

A series of water bird censuses were also conducted to determine water bird populations’ levels, determine trends in numbers and distribution, and assess the importance of these sites for water birds.

John Calixte, National Project Coordinator for the GEF South East Coast Project explains that the activity is fitting with the mandate of the organization to rehabilitate degraded areas and preserve and conserve areas in the South East Coast.

 “Wetlands have significant importance as was said as a carbon sync, there’s migratory species, bird species that come here every year and also there’s a lot biodiversity in the area which needs protection and conservation. All of these things fit nicely into our project’s objectives so therefore it was not a problem to accept the invitation to be here today to participate in the activities and support what is happening.”

The theme for this year’s event is, “Wetlands Action for People and Nature.” which highlights the importance of our actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health.