EHS 'ponder' Wetlands Day awareness

An awareness campaign to promote World Wetlands Day has been launched by the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).

The EHS in partnership with Government and non-governmental organizations in the Freshwater Taskforce want to encourage the public to take part in the annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2006 by creating a pond to encourage wildlife diversity.

Mr Bob Davidson of EHS said: "Northern Ireland has some of the most diverse wetlands in Europe. From loughs to coasts, rivers and bogs, they provide vital and unique habitats for local wildlife.

"Our lakes and ponds are rich in biodiversity with flowers, frogs, fish, dragonflies, birds and bugs. Why not take inspiration from these habitats and create your own garden pond? Even the smallest pond is worth creating. Create structural variety by including underwater, tall and edge plants. Use native species from nurseries or neighbour's ponds. Sit back and enjoy the comings and goings in your personal wetland nature reserve around the year."

To celebrate World Wetlands Day, EHS has produced a series of information leaflets: "Creating a Wetland at home", "Enjoying our Wetlands", "Conserving our Wetlands" and "The Pollution of our Wetlands".

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February. It is celebrated since 1997 by government agencies, non-governmental organizations, groups of citizens and communities to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits.

The Freshwater Taskforce is a coalition of environmental organisations that work together to achieve good water quality in Northern Ireland.

The Taskforce comprises The Environment and Heritage Service, Friends of the Earth, National Trust, Northern Ireland Environment Link, RSPB, Ulster Anglers' Federation, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and WWF Northern Ireland.

(SP)