Our offices WETLANDS OUR WORK OUR NETWORK ABOUT US NEWS & INSIGHTS KNOWLEDGE BASE DONATE Wetlands International Wetlands Wetlands occur wherever water meets land. These unique habitats include mangroves, peatlands and marshes, rivers and lakes, deltas, floodplains and flooded forests, rice-fields, and even coral reefs. Wetlands exist in every country and in every climatic zone, from the polar regions to the tropics, and from high altitudes to dry regions. Healthy wetlands store carbon and water, reduce emissions, support 40% of biodiversity and provide for life. But, between 1900-2000, the world lost almost two-thirds of its wetlands due to drainage, conversion for agriculture, urbanisation and infrastructure such as dams, dykes, harbours and ports. And loss continues. This drives biodiversity loss, water and food shortages, devastating floods and fires, coastal subsidence and erosion. It puts the most vulnerable communities at risk of water-related disasters, exacerbated by climate change. Read on to find out more about the different types of wetlands and why they are invaluable to society. Share this post: Types of wetlands Wherever land meets water, life abounds. In every country and all climatic zones, from polar regions to the tropics, and from the highest mountains to […] Ramsar Convention The Ramsar Convention is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention was adopted […] Why wetlands matter Wetlands cover a small percentage of the earth's surface, yet they are essential water, food and fodder sources. Read on to find out more. Contact us P.O. Box 471 6700 AL Wageningen The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0) 318 660 910 E-mail: post@wetlands.org RSIN Number: 806703726 Reg No: 09099028 Global Office Contacts Quick links About Us Donate Why wetlands matter Vacancies News & Insights Privacy Policy Code of Conduct Grievance Protocol Complaints Procedure Complaints Protocol Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter! Read previous editions of our email newsletter.