Wetlands in uttar pradesh, threats to wetland, importance of wetland, floral and faunal diversity of wetland and initiative. They are characterized by having hydric soils soil that has been wet long enough to have oxidized reactions, hydrologic periods of being wet at least 5% of the growing season, and having hydrophytic plants plant found in wetlands more than not. Microbes, plants, reptiles, amphibians, migratory and native birds, amphibians, fish, and insects seek refuge in this home. Wetlands also play an important role in the hydrologic cycle a cycle we all experience quite readily, for example, with the precipitation from a thunderstorm and the evaporation of ponded. In parts of the great plains, wetlands act as an oasis due to the increased plant and animal life around them.
Wetlands are one of the worlds most important environmental. Australia currently has 65 ramsar wetlands that cover more than 8. Many great civilizations depended on them, including the maya, inca and aztec in latin america, the khmer in asia, the marsh arabs in mesopotamia and those of the nile. Wetlands purify and filter harmful waste from water.
These range from small, discrete sites, such as thoreaus bog in massachusetts or four holes swamp in south carolina, to large, spatially complex ones, such as the great dismal swamp in virginia and north carolina or. The wetland book is a comprehensive resource aimed at supporting the trans and multidisciplinary research and practice which is inherent to this field. As climate change becomes more and more prevalent, our wetlands are increasingly becoming more and more valuable. A wetland is a place where the land is covered by water. The importance of wetlands wetlands are vital for human survival. Wwg information sheet about constructed wetlands page 6 26 types of constructed wetlands 1. May 01, 2015 wetlands tend to have higher plant diversity than the surrounding area, which is good for most wildlife species. Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that. Biodiversity conservation and habitat management vol.
Marshes, ponds, the edge of a lakeocean, the delta at the mouth of a river, lowlying areas that frequently flood all of these are wetlands. Many kinds of wetland ecosystems are found within the united states table 2. These downloadable posters include additional information and activities appropriate for students in elementary and middle school. Wetland conservation for biodiversity and ecosystem services. List of ramsar wetlands of international importance wikipedia. The importance of wetlands national environment and. Wetlands are an incredibly important resource for wildlife, the public and to you as educators.
In south africa there are many terms commonly used to refer to wetlands, including marsh, sponge, vlei afrikaans, and ixhaposi zulu. Therefore, wetlands worldwide help to moderate global climatic conditions. How wetlands are essential to our future this presentation and the images it contains are provided by the ramsar convention on wetlands solely for noncommercial use in education and in promotional activities for world wetlands day 2015. Far from being wastelands, we now know that wetlands have much to offer both humans and nature.
Wetlands also help in erosion control and sediment transport, thereby contributing to land formation and increasing resilience to storms. A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally, where oxygen free processes prevail. Aware both that wetlands research is on the rise and that researchers and students are often working or learning across several disciplines, the. The rich diversity of waterbirds in southern africa totalling species is the result of the many wetlands spread across the subcontinent. A free powerpoint ppt presentation displayed as a flash slide show on id. I management of wetlands for biodiversity stefano cannicci and caterina contini encyclopedia of life support systemseolss diverse animal community. Wetlands is the definitive guide to this fragile ecosystem, providing the most comprehensive coverage and indepth information available in print. Wetlands are no longer seen as something to be eliminated, but something we desperately need in our changing world. Wetlands of international importance are also known as ramsar sites. On the next pages, you will find many questions that relate to plants of the wetlands. Ppt wetlands powerpoint presentation free to download. Importance of wetlands in ecosystem essay and speech. Some of these services, or functions, include protecting and improving water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitats, storing floodwaters and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.
Fish agriculture fuel wood recreation transport wildlife harvesting peatenergy nutrient retention flood control storm protection ground water recharge external ecosystem support microclimatic stabilization shoreline stabilization, etc. Introduction wetlands are the interfaces between land and water. Wetlands occur in different environments around the world, but they all have one thing in common. This helps in determining where wetlands used to be and assists in working out the extent of wetland loss. Oklahoma wetlands program how to maintain healthy wetlands.
Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or ecosystem services that they provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation. The growth and distribution of the macrophytes other than the free floating. While it can be difficult to calculate the economic value provided by a single wetland, it is possible to evaluate the range. Africa and latin america had remaining large freeflowing rivers. The 2303 wetlands of international importance distribute unevenly in different continents.
A wetland is a natural area that is often wet but may not be wet all year round. Wetlands are important to fish and wildlife populations and that roughly 96 percent of commercially important species of fish are wetlands dependent. Importance of wetlands in ecosystem wetlands are among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world, as it provides home for immense varieties of species of native plants and wildlife. This booklet, which includes a comprehensive glossary at the end, aims to assist you in recognising wetlands and improving your understanding of how. The convention on wetlands of international importance was adopted in iran 46 years ago, and 2 february is now celebrated globally as world wetlands day. I management of wetlands for biodiversity stefano cannicci and caterina contini.
The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. The growth and distribution of the macrophytes other than the freefloating. Historical importance wetlands were a treasure trove for early maori, providing flax for clothing, mats, kits and ropes, raupo for thatching and dried moss for bedding. Wetland ecosystem, measures to protect wetlands, nwcp pmf ias. Wetlands provide the critical habitat that many such organisms need to survive.
Due to the critical ecological services that wetlands provide, it is important to maintain existing wetlands. Besides affecting the mineral chemistry of soils with iron being especially noticeable the water regime of wetlands also has an important influence on soil organic matter. Current situation, future prospects and the importance of ramsar convention. The importance of wetlands ohio state college of food, agricultural, and environmental sciences. A 1989 study by the american fisheries societys endangered species committee found nearly one third of native north american freshwater fish species are endangered, threatened or of special concern. Wetlands and people international water management. Wetlands store carbon within their live and preserved peat plant biomass instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas affecting global climates. Pdf wetland performs numerous valuable function such as recycle nutrients, purify. Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse systems that enhance water quality, control erosion, maintain stream flows, sequester carbon, and provide a home to at least one third of all threatened and endangered species.
As of 2019 there are 2,341 ramsar sites, covering 252,479,417 hectares. By referring to the free data obtained from the ramsars official website, the. Wetlands in china are constantly under serious threat from. This land purifies the citys water supply for free world wildlife fund. Wetlands are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for people and for fish and wildlife. The most significant impact factors are pollution 54%, biological resources use 53%, natural system modification 53%, and agriculture.
Ramsar wetlands are those that are representative, rare or unique wetlands, or are important for conserving biological diversity. We are in the process of developing technical materials designed to assist landowners in the management of wetlands on their property to help maintain the important functions that wetlands provide. These are included on the list of wetlands of international importance held under the ramsar convention. Wetlands in uttar pradesh, threats to wetland, importance of wetland, floral and faunal diversity of wetland and initiative for wetland conservation in lucknow u. Even though wetlands have many benefits to society, such as purifying water, controlling erosion and providing habitat for wetland dependent species. Manmade wetlands include fish ponds, saltpans, rice paddies. Wetlands perform many services that are beneficial to the people that live near them. Wetland ecosystem services an introduction wetland ramsar. Economic benefits of wetlands wetlands contribute to the national and local economies by producing resources, enabling recreational activities and providing other benefits, such as pollution control and flood protection. On the other hand, filling, clearing and draining wetlands releases carbon dioxide. About wetlands department of agriculture, water and the.
They regulate water quantity, groundwater recharge, and can contribute to regulating floods and the impacts of storms. When both the marketed and nonmarketed economic benefits of wetlands are included, the. They are among the worlds most productive environments. Recently updated and expanded, this latest edition contains brand new information on wetland ecosystem services and an updated discussion on wetland, carbon, and climate change and wetland creation. Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial. Wetlands are particularly important providers of all waterrelated ecosystem services. Wetlands play an irreplaceable role in regulating the global climate, maintaining the global. Such is the case with the freshwater ecosystems, which cover only 1% of the total world surface, but hold 40% of the worlds. Ecosystembased adaptation south african case studies the importance of wetlands wetlands are natural assets able to provide a range of products, functions and services, free of charge. Wetlands of international importance wetlands should be selected for the list of wetlands of international importance on account of their international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology and indicates that in the first instance, wetlands of international importance to waterfowl at any season should be. More than half of the sites are affected by three or four impact factors 55%.
Europe owns the largest number of sites, while africa has the largest area of sites. This is the list of wetlands of international importance as defined by the ramsar convention for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. Wetlands and people wetlands and society wetlands typically offer a wide variety of benefits to society and they have played a central role in human development throughout history. This represents the importance of the water and wetlands. Wetlands are particularly important providers of all waterrelated ecosystem. Wetlands provide habitat wetlands provide food, shelter, breeding and resting places for an incredible number of species of plants, mammals, bird, reptiles, amphibians. It is named after the city of ramsar in iran, where the convention was signed in 1971. Also called free water surface cws fws cws surface flow constructed wetlands sfcw biological activity takes mainly place in the superior layer of the soil, in the stems of the plants and in the water. Wetlands are 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 six metres. The nakivubo swamp in kampala, uganda, for example, filters sewage and industrial effluents for free. The wetlands of southern africa are of international importance as they are the southern destination for many migratory wading birds. Our water education posters present nine different waterrelated topics drawn in a unique and creative cartoon format.
Wetlands are sometimes called ecological supermarkets because of the rich biodiversity and extensive food webs they support. Plants from wetlands help absorb harmful fertilizers and pesticides, as well as heavy metals and toxins from industry. The ramsar convention on wetlands of international importance especially as waterfowl habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Wetlands and ecosystem services convention biological diversity. Wetlands are characterized by their distinctive hydrol. Maintaining healthy wetlands in oklahoma is an important aspect of conserving our water resources for drinking, agriculture, recreation and wildlife. Microbes, plants, reptiles, amphibians, migratory and native birds, amphibians, fish, and insects seek refuge in. How do anaerobic conditions affect organic matter in the soil. In the early 1700s, wetlands covered 25% of the total area of indiana. These productive and diverse ecosystems can be used to teach young people about many different topics including the water cycle, food chains, food webs, the importance of habitat, human impacts and how to get involved in conservation activities.
1585 992 753 1354 1373 294 686 886 943 644 881 306 496 1133 820 1118 839 678 1067 566 632 18 607 438 1034 514 159 732 1018 1179 413 315 309 1382 259 56