Monrovia, Feb. 5 -- There was a time when Liberia's wetlands were places of wonder. Communities gathered crabs, "Kiss-meat," and oysters at dawn. Wetlands were not simply resources-they were companions, woven into the rhythm of everyday life.

Today, much has changed. Where water once flowed freely, concrete now rises. Where mangroves once stood tall, piles of waste grow higher. Where elders once shared knowledge, many of today's youth see only flooded roads, polluted trenches, and land marked for development.

On February 2, Liberia joined the global community in celebrating World Wetlands Day-an occasion that often passes quietly but carries profound significance for our nation. This year's global theme, "Wetlands and Traditional Knowle...