Our wetlands

Wetlands once covered large areas of New Zealand. Now they are some of our rarest and most at-risk ecosystems, with approximately 90 percent (by area) lost in the last 150 years due to human impact.

Despite their decline, wetlands remain a vital part of Canterbury's ecosystem. They provide a haven for a vast range of native plants and wildlife, including rare and threatened species. They also offer protection against flooding and can store large amounts of carbon. This makes them essential ecosystems for protecting the planet against climate change.

The small area of wetlands left need our help so that they can prosper and be enjoyed by future generations.