Wetland Services
Wetlands, which are among the most productive ecosystems, provide supporting, regulating, provisioning, and cultural services, hence contributing to human well-being. These are discussed below:
1. Regulating Services: Wetlands are natural sponges, which absorb run-off water and slowly discharge water. The high biodiversity of vegetation also slows down the run-off speed. The combined effect results in flood prevention. This service is of utmost importance if a wetland is found within or downstream an urban area, where concretization has intensified the rate and volume of run-off. This prevents water-logging of agricultural fields. Also, diminished run-off rate prevents soil erosion and helps recharge underground aquifers. Wetlands’ diverse flora and fauna are part of global nutrient cycles of Carbon, Sulphur, water and Nitrogen. The carbon sequestration by the soil and plants of the wetlands play an important role in moderating the climate of the earth and improving the local air quality. Mangrove swamps are famous for protecting the coastal population against tsunamis and cyclones. Wetlands also provide free purification of water service through bioremediation.
2. Provisioning Services: Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, matching rainforests and coral reefs in biodiversity. The detritus formed by dead plant tissues form food for a large number of mosquitoes and fishes, which in turn feeds migratory birds, amphibians, reptiles, predatory fishes, and mammals. Also, some medicinal plants are endemic to wetlands. Hence, wetlands provision for fishes, medicines, timber, a variety of exotic fruits like cranberries for human consumption.
3. Supporting Services: As already seen, wetlands provide habitat for a large number of animals and birds. The complex food web in the wetland ecosystem helps in preserving the genetic diversity of the wetlands.
4. Cultural Services: Wetlands are great spots for recreation and tourism. Some of the wetlands like Chilika lake in India are a paradise for bird watchers. It attracts not just the local population of birds, but migratory birds from as far as Siberia.
Wetlands and Wise Use Principle of the Ramsar Convention
Wetlands are distinct ecosystems, that are flooded either permanently or temporarily resulting in an anoxic (oxygen-free) environment and hydric soils. These may be considered as ecotones, providing a transition between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These are characterized by the hydric soils and hydrophytes (aquatic plants) adapted to wetland conditions.
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