Wetlands; spring for socio-economic development, and health hazards

Since the signing of the Ramsar Convension on Wetlands on 2 February, 1971 in Ramsar - Iran, Wetlands and their Management have gained much attention from both government and international organisations worldwide. Experts say the attention is necessary given the important role wetlands play in bringing about Socio-economic development. Wetlands, experts explain are a rich source of fish, crustaceans, many living species, wood, medicinal plants etc. But experts warn that this veritable spring of socio-economic development could also be a source of health hazards if not well managed. Disease like malaria, cholera, onchocerciasis, food poisoning, etc, they say could result from poorly managed wetlands.

That is why the United Nations have set aside an international day of wetlands. The day gives an
opportunity for environmental scientists and policy makers to sensitize people in the importance of preserving wetlands in the environment such as mangroves and creeks as a way of protecting the ecosystem and arresting the adverse effects of climate change.
In Cameroon for example the government through the Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (W.W.F.), recently organized an occasion to sensitize the public on the importance and dangers of wetlands. organized under the theme; “Healthy Wetlands, healthy people”, the event which took place at the Mvog-Betsi Zoological garden in the nation’s capital of Yaounde brought together partners of the environment sector as well as school children from different schools.

In Cameroon statistics from the Ministry of the Environment and Nature Protection show that two new sites have been included in the Ramsar convention list of Wetlands of International importance. These include; the Waza-Logone dam in Northern Cameroon and the Lake Barombi-Mbo in the South West Province. While stating that the country gained adhesion to the Ramsar convention on January 13, 2006 based on her
efforts in preserving and conserving wetlands, Cameroon’s minister of the Environment and Nature Protection said efforts are underway for Cameroon to register more wetland in the Ramsar sites. Also that this year a section of the river Sanaga has been classified in the Ramsar site
It should be noted here that Wetlands play an important role in human life because of their diverse values

Though Cameroon has made great strides in the preservation and conservation of wetlands, far more still needs to be done. Wetlands management in Cameroon is still at a vital stage. There is need for a clear multi-sectorial vision and strategy for the management of wetlands involving all the stakeholders – ministries concerned as well as national and international agencies” said Martin Tchamba of Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), Cameroon Whatever the case the key message therefore is to protect wetlands because they are a source of life

Courtesy - Harry Ndienla Yemti