26 / 56
The wonder of wetlands is a brilliant
showcase for why we need to invest
in our natural wealth. In England,
90% of wetlands have disappeared
since the industrial revolution.
100,000 hectares of wetlands were
destroyed every year between
1840 and 1880. We are calling for
Government to protect what we have
left and restore 100,000 hectares
over 25 years, as part of a suite of
habitat creation objectives.
Environmental degradation, including
wetlands, has made us poorer and
left our economy and communities
more vulnerable. Restoring wetlands
will make us richer in nature and
help solve serious social problems:
Flooding:
In England, flood damage costs
£1.3–£2.2bn a year and causes misery
for communities and businesses.
Wetland creation can help reduce
flooding, if it is targeted in the right
places. Upland wetlands are natural
sponges that trap and slowly release
waters, slowing flood peaks and
reducing erosion. Urban wetlands
can counteract the increased rate
and volume of runoff from pavements
and buildings. Coastal wetlands
reduce storm surge and slow its
velocity. Preserving and restoring
wetlands and other water retention
measures can often affordably deliver
a level of flood control otherwise
provided by expensive dredge
operations and levees.
Water quality:
Four fifths of English water bodies
are not in good ecological condition,
despite an EU target for all waters
to be healthy by 2015. This is terrible
for wildlife and costly for people.
For example, water companies spend
many millions of pounds to clean
up our water for drinking. Creating
wetlands in the right places can
remove chemicals and improve
the condition of our water bodies.
Improving and restoring existing
wetlands can also help purify our
water. According to the Environment
Agency, achieving “good” status for
all water bodies could bring £21bn
of benefits at a cost of £16bn.
38%
of freshwater
mammals
and over
25%
of freshwater
amphibians
are threatened with extinction.
%(77(5 2)) :(77(5