Exclusive wallpaper for WWF members

Despite making up just 1% of the Earth’s surface, glistening rivers, tranquil lakes and freshwater wetlands are hubs of astonishing biodiversity, home to nearly a quarter of the world’s vertebrate species. As a safe haven for birds like kingfishers, geese and ducks, and mammals including otters and beavers, wetlands are vibrant and dynamic habitats, providing food and shelter for an array of species to survive and thrive. In fact, these extraordinary places, where land is inundated with water, act as life-support systems for us all; they provide clean water for drinking and growing crops, as well as natural flood protection, and a source of income for thousands working in fisheries. 

Sadly, we’re losing wetland areas at an alarming rate. Threats like climate change, pollution, and dams that alter river flow have caused widespread damage, with freshwater species declining by almost three quarters since 1970. Around the world, wetlands are being destroyed three times faster than forests. 

But your support is helping to change that. WWF is working hard to protect and restore these vital ecosystems and manage freshwater resources. This month’s wallpaper has been chosen to mark World Wetlands Day (02 February) and commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention - an international treaty dedicated to wetlands conservation. Simply scroll down and click the relevant button to download the image.