Wetlands, crucial ecosystems for environmental balance, are threatened by urban expansion and infrastructure construction, especially in areas previously covered by bodies of water. Raúl Aguirre Gómez, a researcher at the Geography Institute of UNAM, emphasizes that urbanization and the construction of buildings represent one of the main threats to these natural spaces.
According to the Ramsar Convention, Mexico has 142 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, covering more than 8.6 million hectares. Despite this recognition, the degradation of these ecosystems is a growing concern, especially during the commemoration of World Wetlands Day, celebrated every February 2. This date marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
The loss of wetlands is due not only to urbanization but also to the growth of agricultural areas, deforestation, and the use of harmful agrochemicals for wildlife. Raúl Aguirre Gómez highlights the importance of raising awareness in society about the crucial role of wetlands, which serve as habitats for various species and play an essential role in climate regulation, water conservation, and flood protection.
In Mexico, there are several types of wetlands, including riverine, lacustrine, palustrine, marine, and estuarine. Despite existing protection policies since 2014, recent studies reveal that more than half of the states in the country have experienced a significant reduction of these habitats. The most affected states include Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Baja California, Sonora, and Tabasco.
In Mexico City, urbanization has significantly impacted wetlands, with Xochimilco being a clear example of this, as it preserves remnants of what was once the lake basin of the capital. The dissemination of the ecological value of these ecosystems and the implementation of more effective policies are crucial to ensure their preservation.
