On February 2, 2024, the world celebrated World Wetlands Day, a reminder of the crucial role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting local livelihoods. For the Caribbean, these ecosystems—including mangroves, seagrasses, and coastal swamps—act as natural storm barriers, provide habitats for marine life, and drive economic activities like fishing and tourism. However, waste pollution remains a major threat to their survival.
The Challenge: Waste Pollution and Wetland Degradation
Wetlands across the Caribbean are under increasing pressure from land-based waste pollution, including:
• Plastic debris that entangles marine species and pollutes ecosystems.
• Agricultural runoff that disrupts water quality and wetland health.
• Untreated wastewater that introduces toxins into sensitive habitats.
With some of the highest waste generation per capita, the region faces an urgent need to address waste mismanagement before these ecosystems reach critical levels of degradation.
Zero Waste Solutions for Wetland Protection
A zero-waste approach—focusing on waste prevention, reduction, reuse, and resource recovery—can significantly contribute to protecting wetlands. Key strategies include:
- Plastic Reduction Initiatives – Phasing out single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives.
- Waste Reduction Strategies – Strengthening recycling and reuse programs to reduce landfill-bound waste.
- Community-Based Waste Management – Enhancing local collection and disposal systems to prevent waste from entering wetlands.
- Organic Waste Composting – Turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost to aid wetland restoration.
- Innovative Cleanup Campaigns – Mobilizing citizens, businesses, and governments for regular wetland cleanups.
- Policy and Financial Support – Expanding circular economy investments and promoting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to hold manufacturers accountable for waste.
The Path Forward
By integrating zero waste principles into national and regional policies, the Caribbean can:
- Protect its coastal wetlands and biodiversity.
- Strengthen climate resilience against hurricanes and rising sea levels.
- Support sustainable economic growth in tourism and fisheries.
A special project of the Caribbean Sub Regional Office highlighting the importance of Wetlands and the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol.
Please read message from Mr. Vincent Sweeney
