65% of the world’s wetlands have been lost and in Baja California Sur almost all of them have been altered, mainly those closest to large cities.
Some of them are El Mogote-Ensenada de La Paz, the riparian system of the San José del Cabo basin and Estero and the Bahía de Loreto National Park, said Dr. Patricia Cortés Calva, researcher at the Center for Biological Research of the Northwest (Cibnor).
Wetlands are lands associated with water, they can have soil saturated with water resources or in a superficial way, and they can be found permanently or temporarily. They are classified as natural, marine and continental; and artificial, created by man.
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In Baja California Sur, wetlands include environments such as oases, riparian systems, marshes, coastal lagoons and coral reefs. In addition to artificial ones such as oxidation lagoons, salt flats and cultivation ponds.
He said that wetlands are environments that have a high diversity of flora and fauna species, highlighting migratory and endemic birds; they provide relevant environmental services such as the recharge and regulation of groundwater, retain and export nutrients and sediments, and act as natural barriers against climatic events.
For example, in coastal lagoons, mangroves stabilize the coastline and act as a natural barrier against floods and hurricanes, and help maintain the ecological balance of the associated fauna.
He warned that wetlands face threats due to urban growth and activities such as agriculture, extensive grazing, irregular settlements, and pollution by organic and inorganic waste.
Wetlands that are closer to human settlements or large cities are more likely to be much more altered than those found in the mountainous part, or those that are difficult to access and where settlements are small.
Regarding the amount and level of alterations of the wetlands of Baja California Sur, he said that there is no field information that allows for a percentage of change in each site. Quantitative values would be the result of long-term studies, which do not exist as such.
He pointed out that the lack of adequate management plans and the insufficient link between different federal, academic and social institutions hinder the effective conservation of wetlands, so a comprehensive approach is necessary for their protection and sustainable use.
He added that it is necessary to increase awareness about the importance of wetlands and foster a sense of belonging in society for their conservation.
In Baja California Sur there are approximately 65 wetlands, where oasis, riparian, coastal lagoon, estuary and mangrove environments predominate.
At the national level, this state stands out for its number, among which 11 stand out that are classified as Ramsar sites, that is, of international importance.
Although they are internationally recognized, in Mexico we are still lacking much in considering this importance. There is little awareness of the scope of the Ramsar Convention, as well as a conservation policy.
He specified that several wetlands in Baja California Sur are associated with protected natural areas and that is why they are better cared for, but there are others that are not, so it is important to generate pertinent legislation to protect them.
He emphasized that wetlands are not only important ecologically, but also have a significant socio-cultural and economic value for local communities, which depend on them for their livelihood and traditions.
While arguing that mega-tourism developments generate pressure on the coasts of Baja California Sur, he said that the model of tourism and urban development must be rethought to ensure that the integrity of wetlands, which are vital for protection against natural disasters such as hurricanes, is not compromised.

Source: oem