Chris Cesare

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Without draconian measures, global population boom is ‘locked in’

Chris Cesare 1 Dec 2014

News and Inspiration from Nature's Frontline.

Why are the British flooding parts of their coast? Once farmland protected by flood defenses, Steart Marshes in southwest England now thrives as a restored salt marsh. As the defences weakened, the land became increasingly vulnerable to flooding. Instead of rebuilding defenses, conservationists, the government and local communities made a bold choice to let the sea reclaim the landscape. Just over 10 years ago the sea wall was breached, allowing the sea to take over the land, transforming the area into a vital wetland habitat. Salt marshes, which have declined by 85% in the U.K. since the 19th century, play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. They provide shelter for wetland wildlife, act as natural flood defenses by absorbing storm surges, stabilize coastlines against erosion, and store carbon to help combat climate change. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Steart Marshes now provides a model for future restoration projects, proving that working with nature can protect communities while rebuilding lost habitats.

In Tishimale Village, Konso, Belachew and 147 other farmers use flood farming techniques to grow crops three times a year. Without these methods to adapt to the drought and the shortage of rain, it would be impossible to grow sustainably in this dry region. Image by Solomon Yimer.

A wombat in Queensland, Australia. Image by Rhett A. Butler/Mongabay.

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