Safeguard wetlands in gratitude to God

By Msgr John Wynand Katende 

It is reported that Uganda is gifted by nature, and is, indeed, the pearl of Africa. Yet the rate at which Uganda’s wetlands are being destroyed indicates a high level of corruption by the stake-holders.

It is heartbreaking, for example, to witness large-scale and permanent concrete structures replacing wetlands along the northern by-pass that  connects Kyaliwajjala and Naalya valley; purportedly, for economic development. 

Wetlands are neither idle nor a breeding ground for mosquitoes, as some people would like to argue. Our relationship with the environmental ecology is basically determined by our relationship with God. 

Wetlands directly improve and rejuvenate surrounding ecosystems. They are vital to the health of vegetation, wildlife and humans. Many animals that live in other habitats use wetlands for migration or reproduction. Wetlands also release vegetative matter into rivers, which helps feed fish.

Wetlands prevent flooding by holding water much like a sponge does. By doing so, wetlands help to keep river levels normal and filter and purify the surface water. Wetlands help to control water levels. When the levels are low, wetlands slowly release water. 

Because of its many cleansing benefits, wetlands have been compared to kidneys. They help control water flow and cleanse the system. Wetlands help to control soil erosion, floods, pollution, sediments and help in groundwater recharge. Wetland plants can remove toxic contaminants from water and soil. They can absorb agricultural fertiliser, nutrients and pesticides before they pollute waterways. 

Wetlands have always been recreational and aesthetic grounds. Tourists can visit wetlands to watch birds and other wildlife. Some wetlands can be good for fishing, hunting and fruit collecting. 

Since wetlands are important parts of the larger natural environment, instead of destroying them, we should think of the things we will lose, such as oxygen and nature. We should aim at reducing or preventing wetland loss, in the first place. 

Educating communities about the value of wetlands is another step in protecting these natural ecosystems. People should be motivated about the unique environmental, social and economic values wetlands provide and to create practical solutions to protect, enhance, or restore those values. 

They should be educated to change their egoistic and wasteful mindset and life-style. “Predatory exploitation is practised only by alien and homeless people”, says Jyrgn Moltmann in God in Creation. Local communities should be ready to protest against such offences. 

Since the goods of the earth were created by God, they must wisely be used by all. We should observe morals concerning reverence for God and his creation. 

There is need to break with the logic of mere consumption by promoting forms of agricultural and industrial production that respect the order of creation and satisfy the basic needs of all. 

Every economic development must be concerned with the environment and foresee the costs involved, because environmental protection cannot be assured solely on the basis of financial calculations of costs and benefits.

The world presents itself before the eyes of humans as evidence of the existence, creative, providential and redemptive power of God. Then God said, “Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens…and God saw that it was very good” (Genesis 1:20,25). Humans ought to know that all beings are interdependent in the universal order established by God. 

Since wetlands are God-given for the benefit of human sustenance and development, we ought to manifest our appreciation by protecting and harnessing them responsibly for our own good and that of future generations. 

The writer is a Episcopal Vicar for Public Relations and Chair for Department of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Archdiocese of Kampala