Far from being useless, disease-ridden places, wetlands provide values that no other ecosystem can. These include natural water quality improvement, flood protection, shoreline erosion control, opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation and natural products for our use at no cost.
Why the wetland is important?
Not only do wetland ecosystems support a host of animal and plant life – but they are critically important for the survival humans too, from the mitigation of Climate Change to the protection of human settlements from floods. If we protect wetlands, we also protect our planet and ourselves.
What are 10 benefits of wetlands?
- Flood control.
- Groundwater replenishment.
- Shoreline stabilization & storm protection.
- Sediment & nutrient retention and export.
- Water purification.
- Reservoirs of biodiversity.
- Wetland products.
- Cultural values.
What are the 3 types of wetland impacts?
Common direct impacts to wetlands include filling, grading, removal of vegetation, building construction and changes in water levels and drainage patterns . Most disturbances that result in direct impacts to wetlands are controlled by State and Federal wetland regulatory programs.
What are 5 benefits of wetlands?
- Improved Water Quality. Wetlands can intercept runoff from surfaces prior to reaching open water and remove pollutants through physical, chemical, and biological processes. ...
- Erosion Control. ...
- Flood Abatement. ...
- Habitat Enhancement. ...
- Water Supply. ...
- Recreation. ...
- Partnerships. ...
- Education.
What are the negative effects of wetlands?
The Problem
Wetlands destruction has increased flood and drought damage, nutrient runoff and water pollution, and shoreline erosion , and triggered a decline in wildlife populations.
How do wetlands benefit humans?
Wetlands and People
Far from being useless, disease-ridden places, wetlands provide values that no other ecosystem can. These include natural water quality improvement, flood protection, shoreline erosion control , opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation and natural products for our use at no cost.
How do humans destroy wetlands?
Human activities cause wetland degradation and loss by changing water quality, quantity, and flow rates ; increasing pollutant inputs; and changing species composition as a result of disturbance and the introduction of nonnative species.
How can we protect our wetlands?
- Maintain a buffer strip of native plants along streams and wetlands. ...
- Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. ...
- Avoid non-native and invasive species of plants. ...
- Avoid stormwater run-off and don’t pollute. ...
- Keep your pets under control.
Why are wetlands important to the economy?
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. ... A wetland is a natural area that is often wet but may not be wet all year round.
What is the largest benefit of wetlands?
Wetlands provide critical wildlife habitat , prevent shoreline erosion, and protect water quality. They are the most biologically productive ecosystems in the Great Lakes watershed.
What happens if wetlands are destroyed?
The loss or destruction of wetlands can result in: ... Increased occurrence of algae blooms caused by nutrient overload from land adjacent to a wetland . Increased sedimentation , which negatively impacts natural filtration. Loss of flood plain land and flood plain protection.
What are the functions and values of wetlands?
Wetlands are considered valuable because they clean the water, recharge water supplies , reduce flood risks, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. In addition, wetlands provide recreational opportunities, aesthetic benefits, sites for research and education, and commercial fishery benefits.
What will happen if wetlands are polluted?
Water pollution in wetlands. When pollutants like chemicals get into wetlands, animals and plants that live there are killed . ... These plants and animals may kill the other plants that are meant to be there. Natural disasters such as fires, floods, cyclones and droughts causing harm to wetlands.
What are the effects of wetlands?
Importance of Wetlands
They provide food and habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals, act as buffers to flooding and erosion , and serve as key links in the global water cycle. Because of their sponge-like ability to absorb water, wetlands can slow the momentum of flood waters or of a coastal storm surge.
Can wetlands be developed?
Generally, if the construction or development plan disturbs or impacts less than half an acre of wetlands, the development will be permitted . Otherwise, to obtain a permit, a wetland master plan must be drawn up, including every impact the development will have on wetlands.
