The whisper of the water feeding insomniac With his music in the silence, The dreams that life is still not corrupt, The future awaits as white page. Native Land. Luis Cernuda
Under the International Year of Biodiversity is celebrated as' World Wetlands Day. " The Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (MVOTMA), together with the three municipalities of Montevideo, Canelones and San José organized for the occasion a river covered by the lower basin of Rio Santa Lucia.
There are very close to Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, 87 thousand hectares of wetlands on the Rio Santa Lucia, which fall under the jurisdiction of three departmental governments, Montevideo, Canelones and San José.
The responsibility for the ecological system and environmental care, falls within the legal and administrative Uruguayan Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (MVOTMA).
The area stands out because it is a saline coastal wetland system. It features native vegetation, coastal and mountain forest park and sandy beaches, rocky points and river islands. This environmental diversity provides habitat for many species, including a variety of migratory birds. The area is a unique environment in the country to fulfill the reproductive cycle of marine species of value to the fisheries sector.
St. Lucia Wetlands. Las Brujas. Canelones. Photo by author
Santa Lucia Wetlands. Las Brujas. Canelones. Photo by author
The World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February, commemorating the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran, the Caspian Sea. That is the last century, four decades ago. We are a society of slow times. Hopefully not so much that we run out of time. That nature is wise even to decide which life forms will be kept on the planet, produced the catastrophe, to be human, not the end of the world, and sometimes arrogant, anthropocentric, too often stupid and many other much less intelligent than many other species with whom we share the earth.  |
Santa Lucia River Wetlands. Las Brujas. Canelones.  author photo |
Information on the topic of the Administration of Montevideo.Tomada of website:  | Environmental Development
Headquarters Building: July 18, 1360 Avenue 3rd Floor
, Ejido sector, door no. 3126 / 3127
Tel 1950 2060,
desarrolloambiental@imm.gub.uy
The area of \u200b\u200bwetlands in the western department of Montevideo is a unique ecosystem south of the country, being associated with a unique native forest department is important to preserve.
Its characteristics make it a unique area, as the Santa Lucia River after crossing different biogeographic regions of the country drains into the estuary, which brings with it a salt marsh by the tides of the River Silver, resulting from periodic storm surges. This area presents climatic characteristics that differentiate it from the surrounding areas due to the mass of water supplied by the streams and creeks that surround the Santa Lucia and flooded vast areas, with effects on climatic variables.
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The area remains to this day much of its natural attributes and has outstanding values \u200b\u200bfrom the point of view of biodiversity, water regulation, landscape, opportunities for scientific research and recreation.
Santa Lucia River Wetlands
- Location Wetlands in Uruguay
National Protected Areas System (SNAP) - URUGUAY- |
More than half of Uruguayans live within half an hour Wetlands Area of \u200b\u200bSt. Lucia.  | Wetlands are places where flooding is temporary or permanent factor determining the life of certain species. Ecosystems are transitional between terrestrial and one aquatic environment. Provide a host of environmental services that yield economic benefits to humans as water and food resources (fish, mammals, etc.). For agriculture, by maintaining water tables and nutrient retention in the plains flood, for timber production, procurement of peat, transportation, educational opportunities, recreation and tourism.
wetlands in our country are distributed throughout the territory. Some of the most typical ones in the south, St. Lucia Wetlands (area shared between the departments of Canelones, Montevideo and San Jose) and bathed in Carrasco (Canelones and Montevideo), the West and Islands Farrapos Esteros del Río Uruguay (Black River) and east wetlands of Rocha, known worldwide as the Eastern Wetlands. These last two areas have international recognition, having been designated RAMSAR sites.
Uruguay joined the National Protected Areas System (SNAP) National Park, Esteros de Cords and Islands Uruguay River National Park and Cabo Polonio. St. Lucia Wetlands and several areas included in the Biosphere Reserve Eastern Wetlands are in the process of income. This process is led by the National Directorate of Environment, Ministry of Housing Spatial Planning and the Environment with the participation of other governmental and social organizations with support from the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Program for Development and English and French cooperation.
. Santa Lucia Wetlands. Las Brujas. Canelones. Photo by author 
temporary or permanent water;
soil characteristics that distinguish them from the land adjacent dry;
vegetation adapted to wet conditions (water-loving plants).
The broader definition of wetlands, was developed in the Ramsar Convention, it says  |
Santa Lucia River Wetlands. Las Brujas. Depto. Canelones. Photo by author
This definition extends from lakes, rivers and floodplains, to open waters and coral reefs.
wetlands contain some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Far from being unproductive, perform ecological functions of great benefit to humans. By way of example some of them are:
Elimination of nitrates-agricultural pollution and wastewater increase nitrate levels in rivers and streams. The vegetation of marshes is able to eliminate much of these pollutants. Coastal Fisheries
Wildlife Habitat More than 60% of vertebrate species recorded in Uruguay can be found in moist environments. Hence the importance presented from the point of view of biodiversity.  |
| Wetlands cover between 748 and 778 million hectares around the world and home to countless species of plants and animals, which include birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates ye. However, 50% of the world's wetlands have disappeared in the last century as a result of poor drainage practices, pollution, irrigation, wars and climate change. | this year's theme, "Wetlands as a tool for alleviating poverty" aims to raise awareness of the role that wetlands play in reducing poverty: if properly managed, wetlands can serve as a lifeguard out of poverty. This is especially important for low-income rural population, which represents 75% of poor households worldwide. Wetlands are a major source of rural income and may be of vital importance if other sources of income fail.
amended by the Protocol of 3.12.1982 and the Amendments
Regina, 28.5. 1987. Certified copy Paris, 07.13.1994 Director, Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs Organization of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
(UNESCO)
- The Contracting Parties,
- Recognizing the interdependence of man and his environment,
- Considering the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands as regulators of water regimes and as habitats supporting a characteristic flora and fauna, especially waterfowl, Convinced that wetlands constitute a resource of great economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value, the loss would be irreparable,
- Desiring to stem the future now and in the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands, Recognizing that waterfowl in their seasonal migrations may transcend frontiers and so should be considered as an international resource,
- convinced that the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna can be ensured sighted national policies with coordinated international action,
For the purposes of this Convention wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water-covered surfaces, be they natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth at low tide does not exceed six meters.
For the purposes of this Convention are birds waterfowl that are ecologically dependent on wetlands [...]
The full text can be obtained : http://www.prodiversitas.bioetica.org/doc90.htm
FACTS AND FIGURES ON WETLANDS
* The text of the Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water-covered surfaces, be they natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth at low tide does not exceed six meters ".
* The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on February 2, 1971 in the Iranian city Ramsar. Therefore, although the name of the Convention is usually written "Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971), known as the" Ramsar Convention ". Initially the emphasis was on the Convention conservation and wise use of wetlands with the goal of providing habitat for waterfowl. However, over the years, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of conservation and wise use of wetlands, recognizing that these ecosystems are extremely important for the conservation of biological diversity and the welfare of human beings.
* Wetlands capture and retain rainfall, preventing valuable sediment washing into lakes and rivers. Wetlands also provide moisture to the atmosphere that falls as rain and cools the environment.
* A global review of wetland resources submitted to the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands in 1999, says that while "no may provide an acceptable figure on the extent of global wetlands, "the 'best' minimum global estimate at between 748 and 778 million hectares.
* The 3 largest wetlands in the world in terms surface are those of the East Siberian Lowland (780,000 to 1,000,000 km ²), the Amazon River (800,000 km ²) and the lowlands of Hudson Bay (200,000 to 320,000 km ²).
, * Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet. They are cradles of biological diversity, providing the water and productivity Primary countless species of plants and animals depend for survival. They support high concentrations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate species.
* Recent studies suggest that ecosystems provide ecological services valued at about USD 33 billion each year, of which USD 4.9 billion attributed to wetlands.
* Humans have caused the deterioration of wetlands by building dams, dikes and channeling rivers, making floodplain areas for aquaculture, planting trees in the bogs, marshes drained for agriculture, forestry and urban development and extracting peat. Often these activities have had substantial government subsidies. Despite this, throughout history, farming has been the main cause of damage due to drainage of wetlands to produce arable land.
* 50% of the world's wetlands have disappeared in the last century.
Information from the Ramsar Information Paper No. 1 "What are wetlands?" and No. 2 "What is the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands?" of the Ramsar Information Folder; Resources Section Water web site Vital Water Graphics, Article of the New UNESCO Courier "Standing water, sources of life", the section on freshwater wetlands on Population and Environment Atlas of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
- PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO THE WETLANDS
For the Secretariat of the Convention Ramsar. © Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention 2004
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on February 2, 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.
The original emphasis on the conservation and wise use of wetlands had the aim of providing a habitat for waterfowl. However, over the years, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects of conservation and wise use of wetlands, recognizing that these ecosystems are extremely important for biodiversity conservation and welfare humans.
The Depositary receives, reviews and accepts the instruments of accession by each Member State the treaty and keeps the official text of the Convention in the six official languages \u200b\u200bof the United Nations. UNESCO serves as Depositary of the Convention, however, the Ramsar Convention is not part of the system of conventions and agreements on the environment of the United Nations and UNESCO.
WETLANDS IN INTERNET
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and use of wetlands and their resources. This website contains information on Wetlands, the Convention, the Ramsar List, and access to blogs, web archives and a photo gallery.
set RAMSAR Site - MAB
- This website provides information on the world's wetlands recognized as biosphere reserves both within the UNESCO Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB) as Wetlands of International Importance in the Ramsar Convention.
- Wetlands Initiative (MedWet)
This website contains news, links, publications and information about projects, events and vacancies.
Wetlands International Wetlands International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to wetland conservation and sustainable management. This NGO works now through 15 offices located in Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, South Asia, and North East, Oceania and South America, with its headquarters in Wageningen, Netherlands.
This website contains, among others, information on wetlands and their relation to livelihoods, biodiversity and climate change, news, events and a photo gallery.
Program Wetlands and Water Resources of the World Conservation Union (IUCN)
- IUCN This program aims to improve the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and freshwater brackish, so that these ecosystems human needs and make a greater contribution to the conservation of biological diversity.
- The website provides information on issues related to wetlands, publications, projects and links.
Society Wetland Scientists is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to promote wetland science and the exchange of information on these ecosystems. This website contains links, events, publications and awards.
Wetland Center at Duke University (USA)
The aim of this center is to provide wetland scientific knowledge oriented roles and values \u200b\u200bof wetlands in the U.S. and the world. The center works to achieve this goal by directing, sponsoring and coordinating research and training on key issues related to wetlands.
This site includes links, news and projects.
Korean Wetlands Alliance
The Korean Alliance for Wetlands is a South Korean organization that brings together individuals and environmental groups committed to wetland conservation through research, education and action. Their website contains research data, an online forum, links and information on wetlands Koreans.
Center of Excellence in Wetland Hydrology (WETHYDRO)
interests of scientific research of this center are focused on two areas: hydrological modeling of wetlands and hydrological relationship of this knowledge with ecological and management issues . The main objectives are: to achieve the objectives of protection of nature, including anthropogenic influences (eg, extensive agriculture) and its impact on water resources management (in wetlands and river) and define the conditions of sustainability for wetland areas.
This site includes information on projects, seminars, courses and conferences.
WetKit
WetKit is a set of Internet-based tools designed to organize access to practical tools that can help Canadians and children around the world to understand and better manage wetlands. WetKit shows a variety of tools related to wetlands and explains how each can help conserve wetlands and how they can benefit.
On this website you will find answers to questions like: What are wetlands?, Why wetlands are important?, What is happening to wetlands?, How my actions may affect wetlands? How can wetlands benefit me? How I can help maintain the wetlands?. This website also includes news, publications, links and various teaching aids.
Wetland Center at Duke University (USA)
The aim of this center is to provide wetland scientific knowledge oriented roles and values \u200b\u200bof wetlands in the U.S. and the world. The center works to achieve this goal by directing, sponsoring and coordinating research and training on key issues related to wetlands.
This site includes links, news and projects.
Korean Wetlands Alliance
The Korean Alliance for Wetlands is a South Korean organization that brings together individuals and environmental groups committed to wetland conservation through research, education and action. Their website contains research data, an online forum, links and information on wetlands Koreans.
Center of Excellence in Wetland Hydrology (WETHYDRO)
interests of scientific research of this center are focused on two areas: hydrological modeling of wetlands and hydrological relationship of this knowledge with ecological and management issues . The main objectives are: to achieve the objectives of protection of nature, including anthropogenic influences (eg, extensive agriculture) and its impact on water resources management (in wetlands and river) and define the conditions of sustainability for wetland areas.
This site includes information on projects, seminars, courses and conferences.
WetKit
WetKit is a set of Internet-based tools designed to organize access to practical tools that can help Canadians and children around the world to understand and better manage wetlands. WetKit shows a variety of tools related to wetlands and explains how each can help conserve wetlands and how they can benefit.
On this website you will find answers to questions like: What are wetlands?, Why wetlands are important?, What is happening to wetlands?, How my actions may affect wetlands? How can wetlands benefit me? How I can help maintain the wetlands?. This website also includes news, publications, links and various teaching aids.
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