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 poster and accompanying fact sheet gives a snapshot of some of the most significant aspects of urban life and municipal management that wetlands improve and contribute towards.

*Global Wetland Outlook: Special Edition 2021