How do wetlands help the environment?
As much as 87% of the world’s wetlands has been lost over the past 300 years, which exacerbates climate change, shrinks key habitats for biodiversity, and leaves communities increasingly exposed to floods and water scarcity.
Wetlands serve as natural water filtration systems. They trap pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which stem from agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and industrial discharges. By filtering these contaminants and nutrients, wetlands significantly improve the water quality of downstream rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
They also play a crucial role in flood mitigation. Acting like sponges, they absorb and store excess water during heavy rainfall, and slow the pace of water runoff, reducing the risk of floods. Coastal wetlands, such as mangrove forests and salt marshes, act as natural buffers that protect shorelines from storm surges, reduce coastal erosion, and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
Carbon storage and regulation of the global climate is another vital role that wetlands perform. Peatlands, such as moors, store vast amounts of carbon over millennia. However, when drained or disturbed, they release significant quantities of this stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Mangroves, on the other hand, are highly effective at sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, making them critical natural carbon sink.
Wetlands are also crucial habitats for a diverse range of species, including birds, fish, amphibians, and plants. Up to 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands, therefore restoration efforts also support the recovery of endangered species and enhance biodiversity.
What benefits do wetlands provide for society?
Wetlands offer significant social benefits, particularly for public health. They help provide clean drinking water, which reduce the risks of waterborne diseases, and can protect people from extreme heat. In addition, wetland-focused recreational activities such as birdwatching, fishing, and hiking, contribute to greater physical and mental well-being.
Additionally, restored wetlands can act as living laboratories, providing opportunities for environmental education and raising awareness on their importance as an ecosystem. This promotes stewardship and fosters a deeper connection between communities and the natural environment.
What are the economic benefits of wetlands?
Wetlands offer substantial cost savings for cities, businesses, and municipalities through their infrastructure services, reducing the need for costly grey infrastructure like water reservoirs and treatment facilities. Wetlands can also mitigate the impacts of natural disasters like floods and erosion, protecting infrastructure assets from damages and reducing economic losses.
In terms of industry, wetlands are vital for sustainable fisheries and agriculture. They provide habitats for many fish species, supporting both commercial and subsistence fishing with healthy fish stocks. They also help maintain soil quality and a reliable supply of water, supporting sustainable agriculture in surrounding areas and protecting livelihoods.
Tourists are attracted to restored wetlands to observe wildlife and take part in outdoor activities, driving eco-tourism and generating income for local communities. This, in turn, can help fund conservation efforts.
More than one billion people around the world depend on wetlands for their living – that’s 1 in 8 people. Wetland restoration and protection are therefore crucial, not only for environmental protection but also for healthy economies. Restoration projects can create jobs in conservation, restoration, and maintenance, creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
Lastly, wetlands and surrounding green spaces can increase property values, benefiting homeowners and generating additional tax revenue for municipalities.
Overall, wetlands are a versatile type of nature-based infrastructure that offers extensive environmental, social, and economic benefits. Here are some wetland restoration case studies that quantify the costs and benefits of these factors.
