Newsletter 2020

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WETLANDS AND HUMAN HEALTHHealthy Wetlands, Healthy PeopleThe Ramsar Convention on Wetlands defines a “wetland” as an area where water is the primary factorcontrolling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. Wetlands occur where the watertable is at or near the surface of the land, or where the land is covered by water.Wetlands can have flowing or static water, they can be natural or artificial (man-made) and the watercan be fresh, brackish or salt. A wetland can even be an area of marine water, where at low- tide thewater does not exceed six meters.Wetlands ecosystem diversity is quite variable. Wetlands greatly contribute to the world’s biodiversity.They serve as a habitat for many species of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, birds, reptiles andmammals. They also serve as important storehouses for plan genetic material. Wetlands provideenormous socioeconomic and ecological values for humanity, by offering water supplies, fisheries(over two thirds of the world’s fish harvest are linked to coastal and inland wetlands), wildliferesources, recreational usage and tourism.Wetlands provide many ecological services for societies. This includes but is not limited to healthservices. They have direct and indirect benefits to man’s health.1. Access to sufficient safe water - They provide an adequate quantity and quality of water. Thisprevents dehydration and poor hygiene.2. Water purification and detoxification of waste. They absorb nitrates from urban developmentsin their soils. Wastes materials are greatly reduced before entering marine ecosystems. This iswhy wetlands are called the earth’s kidneys. They prevent exposure to harmful toxins.3. Nutrients – Wetland ecosystems provide invertebrate and fish which serve as protein sources forcommunities. This prevents micronutrient deficits, obesity and diabetes.4. Socioeconomic security- Wetlands provide jobs in fisheries for many persons. They providefinancial resources for persons in low-income settings to attain needed health care.5. Mitigation of climate change impacts – Mangrove wetlands and floodplains buffer the harmfuleffects storm surges and sea level rise. These events can lead to loss of life, trauma anddestruction of property.6. Mental health – Healthy wetlands provide environments for culture sharing, ecotourism,sporting events and fisheries. These services all offer relaxation to tourists and residents.7. Access to medications – Many indigenous communities use plants from wetlands environmentsin their medicines. The biodiversity in wetlands has also significantly contributed to thepharmaceutical industry.We must preserve and protect our wetlands. The Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust has worked andchampioned the cause for wetland conservation and restoration for many years. Through oureducation program at the Trust (which is a wetland!) and our school trips to multiple coastalwetlands, we aim to share knowledge and passion on wetland services and values.Together, we must strive to protect our natural resources, not only for our use, but the sustainableand safe use for future generations.Maurice Frank, DVMCARPHA (The Caribbean Public Health Agency)Volunteer at The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust9
VolunteersStudents from MIC Institute of Technology spent a rewarding day at the Trust early this year, giving their time andenergy by volunteering. These young men helped do repairs around the Trust as well as upkeep the aesthetics ofthe area.TV 6 Visits the TrustCommemorating WorldWetlands Day, the TV6team showcased asegment on theimportance of Agouti’sand their role in theForest. News ReporterSeigonie Mohammedand her team visited theTrust to capture footageon the Trust’s HikingTrails where Agoutisare usually sighted forthis segment.News Reporter Seigonie Mohammedand her team on one of the Trust’sthree hiking trails.Seigonie shows off a ‘Devil’s Ear’ found onForest Walk, The Trust’s Interpretative Trailfor Forest trees.On Set: The Trust’s veryown EnvironmentalEducator, Jaleen Westjoins the TV6 NewsCrew for a specialinterview. Presentingnumerous plants andfruits that can be usedfor medicine and sharinginformation with thewider public.10
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Page 5 and 6: P-a-P Wildfowl Trust attends Climat
Page 7 and 8: Retirees at Largevisit WildfowlTrus
Page 9: 8SomeMedicinal PlantsCHADON BENI ,B
Page 13 and 14: Down Memory LaneUNITED NATIONS HONO
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Page 17 and 18: WILDFOWL TRUST ENVIRONMENTAL THERAP
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Page 21 and 22: Support Your TrustBuyBeautiful and
Page 23 and 24: Our Very Special Thanks!A special t

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