Ecosystem at risk - wetlands

Wetlands are ecologically and economically important in many countries in both the developed and developing world. Some wetlands have been considered of such ecological importance that they have been declared protected areas, national parks, even World Heritage sites. Many wetlands are also valuable to adjacent communities as a source of resources, or place for recreation. However, it has often proved difficult to ensure the protection of wetlands while extracting resources. Ecotourism may provide a means whereby wetlands can be protected yet provide jobs and income for adjacent communities.

In recent decades there has been important progress globally in improving the perceptions of wetland values and benefits, and proving that ‘wetlands are not wastelands’…
However, wetlands continue to be among the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
Tropical wetlands are being tarnished or ruined as development and population pressures increase. In areas of dense population and rap...