Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kiraz Erciyas Yavuz, a faculty member at the Ornithology Research Center of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), stated, "Human health is dependent on the health of wetlands because wetlands are perfectly balanced systems that perform absolutely vital functions for us and nature."

In her statement, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yavuz mentioned that World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd with a different theme. Highlighting this year's theme, 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing,' she said, "Human health is tied to the health of wetlands, as they are perfectly balanced systems that perform crucial functions for us and nature. They store water during droughts, absorb water during floods, filter pollutants, and help provide clean drinking water and water for agriculture. However, we live in a time when water scarcity and stress are increasing. Therefore, it's more important than ever to offer nature-based solutions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage wetlands."

"Wetlands Act as Natural Shields Protecting Coastal Communities from Disaster Risks"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yavuz emphasized the significant role that healthy and well-managed wetlands play in human welfare, affecting various aspects of human life:

"Wetlands are vital for over a billion people, providing jobs and serving as primary freshwater sources. They ensure global food security by supplying fish, which is a primary protein source for more than a billion people, and by sustaining rice fields that feed 3.5 billion people annually. Moreover, wetlands act as natural shields, protecting coastal communities from storm, flood, erosion, and drought risks associated with climate change. These ecosystems support biodiversity and enhance mental health, inspire culture, connect people with nature, enrich traditions, and spark creativity. Essentially, wetlands are critical for maintaining human well-being, ecological balance, and cultural vibrancy. Our well-being is intricately linked to these astonishing, vital, and extraordinary systems. Thus, it is imperative that we restore these wetlands to their full health."

'Kızılırmak Delta Monitoring and Data Management' Sub-project Launched

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yavuz also shared that OMU is a partner in the 'Sustainable Wetland Conservation and Management' project, led by the Tour du Valat Research Institute, with financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD). The project, conducted by nine countries in the Mediterranean, aims to better consider wetlands in the development and planning phases. The 'Kızılırmak Delta Monitoring and Data Management' sub-project has been launched within this project.