Why wetlands are vital for humans and nature: Part 1

Wetlands vary greatly in type, yet all are indispensable for purifying water and controlling its flow. They include mountain springs, midland marshes, flood plains, coastal lakes, mangrove swamps and estuaries.

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The Ramsar international wetland conservation treaty defines wetlands as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6m”.

They may “incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than 6m at low tide lying within the wetlands”.

Wetlands help to purify water, mitigate climate change, retain and export sediment and nutrients, control flooding, and provide recreation and tourism opportunities. They are also reservoirs of biodiversity, help to stabilise the shoreline and protect it against storms, and produce numerous products for humans.

WATER PURIFICATION