The value of wetlands for cities

According to the United Nations, 55% of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, with this number projected to grow to 68% by 2050. While wetland ecosystems are increasingly being recognized as highly valuable natural assets that provide a wide range of benefits to urban communities, the services they provide are under immense pressure due to rapid urban expansion and human activity. With 35% loss globally since 1970, wetlands are our most threatened ecosystem, disappearing three times faster than forests*.

This fact sheet accompanies an illustrated poster and provides more in-depth information on some of the most significant aspects of urban life and municipal management that wetlands improve and contribute towards, as well as what cities can do to enhance these benefits.