Wetland Eco-Systems

A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently

or

seasonally,

such

distinct ecosystem.

that

Wetlands

it

takes
are

on

the

critical

characteristics
part

of

the

of

natural

environment. They perform vital functions in the water cycle and play a
major role in flood management, groundwater re-charge, water quality
improvement, micro-climatic effects, biodiversity and global warming.
Wetlands Management also sustains the livelihoods of many hundreds of
millions of people.

However, wetlands all over the world are under threat and are being
destroyed at an alarming rate. This loss has raised the awareness of the
need for their conservation and wise use. Sound policies, strategies and
management plans for sustainable use of wetlands must be based on solid
knowledge and understanding of their ecological and socio-economic
functions and processes.

Importance of Wetlands
The importance of wetlands can be discussed under the following
functions of a wetland ecosystem.
1.0 Flood Control
Some wetlands, particularly those on floodplains and in coastal areas,
function in flood control by storing and decreasing the velocity of excess
water during heavy rainfall. As water flows into wetlands, it naturally loses
velocity as it collects and continues to spread out. Wetland vegetation
provides another natural barrier to fast moving water and therefore aids in

flood speed reduction. The result of wetland activity during floods is often
decreased damage to surrounding areas.
2.0 Silt Catchers
When flood waters are slowed by wetlands, they drop sediments among
the roots and stems of the plants. This protects downstream water bodies
by preventing siltation.
3.0 Erosion Control
Wetlands have the ability to slow the movement of water through the
landscape. This reduces the risk of erosion and can be a valuable part of
any erosion management program.
4.0 Ground Water Recharge
Many wetlands exist because their soils are impervious, thus precluding
significant groundwater recharging. However, periodically inundated
floodplains often have more permeable soils and groundwater recharge is
recognized as an important function.
5.0 Sediment/Pollutant Retention
Sediment is often the major pollutant in many rivers basins. Because
wetlands commonly occupy basins, they may serve as sediment settling
ponds. Where reeds and grasses are present, river velocities are slowed
and the opportunity for settling is increased. Because pollutants (such as
heavy metals) often adhere to suspended sediment, they may be retained
simultaneously with the sediment.
6.0 Nutrient Retention
This function occurs when nutrients, most importantly nitrogen and
phosphorus, accumulate in the sub-soil or are stored in vegetation.
Nitrates can be converted back to gaseous nitrogen and circulated back to
the atmosphere as a result of denitrification.