Accra, Feb. 1, GNA - Ghanaians should consider proper management of wetlands as part of the country's informal economy, the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission said on Wednesday. In a press statement issued to mark World Wetlands Day, which falls on Thursday, it said the occasion should be used to focus on the importance of wetlands.

The public should also desist from all kinds of activities that tended to encroach, pollute or degrade wetlands. The statement noted that in Ghana, wetlands were distributed all over the country.

"They provide a variety of important functions and benefits to the people. They are, among other things, free stores where low income sectors balance out home economy through activities such as domestic water source, fishing, fibre harvesting, subsistence farming, salt production and eco-tourism.

"However, there is very little recognition of these values of wetlands. The result is increasing pollution, drainage, encroachment and over-exploitation leading to degradation and loss of wetlands and the services they provide, especially, for the rural poor."

The day is one of the occasions used to draw global attention to increase awareness on the importance of wetlands and the need for their conservation.

The theme for the day is; "In the Face of Poverty ... Wetlands are Lifelines."