Africa’s wetlands are experiencing severe degradation in 2025. Millions depend on these ecosystems for food, water, and protection against climate impacts. Urbanisation, industrial growth, and infrastructure development are the main causes of wetland loss. This decline threatens biodiversity and local livelihoods. The 2025 Global Wetland Outlook (GWO) report marks Africa as one of the most affected regions globally.
Current State of Africa’s Wetlands
Africa’s wetlands are in poorer condition than those in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. The GWO report shows more widespread deterioration in Africa and Asia. South Africa’s wetlands degrade faster than restoration efforts can keep up. Many wetlands face pressures unseen without detailed field studies, suggesting the actual damage may be worse. The continent’s wetland loss outpaces global averages, undermining vital ecosystem services.
Main Drivers of Wetland Degradation
Urbanisation, industrialisation, and infrastructure development are the primary threats across Africa. These factors lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and altered water flows. Unlike North America and Oceania, where invasive species are a bigger concern, Africa’s wetland loss is closely tied to human economic activities. Drought is less of a direct cause here compared to Europe but still impacts wetland health.
Economic and Social Importance of Wetlands
African wetlands provide ecosystem services valued at around US$825.7 billion as of 2023. They support food security, flood control, carbon storage, and livelihoods for millions. For example, Zambia’s Kafue Flats restoration boosted fisheries worth $30 million annually and benefited over a million people. Wetlands contribute to agriculture, forestry, and tourism, sectors that form over 60% of GDP in some African countries.
Challenges in Conservation and Restoration
Investment in wetland restoration remains insufficient. Wetlands degrade faster than they can be rehabilitated, especially in lower-income countries. Cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and innovative financing are needed. Community engagement is crucial to sustainable management. The loss of wetlands increases vulnerability to climate shocks and raises disaster response costs.
Global Context and Future Directions
Wetlands cover 6% of Earth’s surface but deliver services worth 7.5% of global GDP. Since 1970, 22% of global wetlands have disappeared. Africa’s wetland decline mirrors trends in Latin America and the Caribbean but contrasts with improvements in Europe and North America. The upcoming Ramsar Convention COP15 in Zimbabwe aims to focus global attention on halting wetland loss and promoting restoration efforts.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the impact of urbanisation and industrialisation on natural ecosystems with suitable examples from Africa.
- Critically analyse the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation and how their degradation affects global efforts.
- Estimate the socio-economic benefits of wetland restoration, and underline the challenges faced in implementing such projects in developing countries.
- What is the significance of international environmental conventions like the Ramsar Convention? How do they contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development?
