Africa’s wetlands are now at the center of the continent’s environmental challenges. They play a crucial role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and water resource management. Yet these ecosystems are disappearing rapidly due to human activities and climate change. Their protection has become an urgent priority for Africa and the world.
African wetlands cover more than 131 million hectares and play a key role in biodiversity conservation and climate regulation. They store approximately 54 billion tonnes of carbon, more than all European wetlands combined, and host unique ecosystems such as mangroves and peatlands. However, these environments are disappearing rapidly due to human activities and climate change. If they were extensively drained or degraded, they could release up to 260 million tonnes of carbon annually into the atmosphere.
“Wetlands are natural production units. They provide essential services to populations around the world. As vital sources of food and freshwater, they support exceptionally rich and diverse biodiversity that is indispensable to humanity’s well-being. Mangroves and peatlands, in particular, stand out for their remarkable carbon storage capacity, accounting for 30% of terrestrial carbon—twice as much as all the world’s forests combined.”
Arlette Soudan Nonault, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development and the Congo Basin – Congo
The situation is alarming: nearly 22% of wetlands worldwide have disappeared since 1970. In Africa, urbanization, intensive agriculture, and pollution are accelerating their degradation. Yet these ecosystems are among the most productive habitats on Earth. They provide refuge for thousands of species of fish, migratory birds, amphibians, mammals, and aquatic plants.
A scientific study published in 2025 estimates the total area of African wetlands at approximately 947,750 km², representing nearly 10% of the world’s wetlands. Certain regions are particularly affected, including the Congo Basin, home to the world’s largest known tropical peatland, covering around 145,000 km² and storing nearly 30 billion tonnes of carbon, as well as Lake Chad.
“For me, one of the major challenges is moving beyond fragmented management approaches toward strong commitments to marine spatial planning. The goal is to ensure the harmonious coexistence of artisanal fishing, tourism, and new energy infrastructure such as offshore developments, while protecting ecosystems. Another key priority is strengthening the 30×30 target established under the Montreal Biodiversity Framework.”
Djibril Ly, Director of Coastal Protection, Ministry of Environment – Mauritania
These ecosystems nevertheless support millions of people. In the Sahel, wetlands occupy less than 10% of the territory but support more than 75% of the population. They are essential for fishing, agriculture, and livestock farming, while also playing a vital role in water regulation and flood prevention.
“In line with global biodiversity agreements, the Forum must accelerate both the creation and effective management of new marine protected areas. For us, at the National Parks Agency, which has been working on blue funds since 2017, and since Gabon established 20 marine protected areas, this represents an important new milestone. National financing is beginning to strengthen, making us progressively less dependent on international funding.”
Omer Ntougou, Executive Secretary of the National Parks Agency – Gabon
In response to these challenges, experts are calling for stronger protection measures and the restoration of degraded ecosystems, particularly mangroves and peatlands. Without urgent action, the loss of these environments could worsen both the climate crisis and poverty. Protecting wetlands has therefore become a major environmental priority for the African continent.
