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Wetland research and management |
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Why do we need wetland management?
In the past, the importance of wetlands was underestimated and
disregarded. Wetlands were often seen as wastelands. Many wetlands were
drained and converted to land for other use, e.g. agriculture or
mining. It is estimated that 50% of the original wetlands of the earth
have now disappeared. Moreover, the pressure on the remaining wetlands
is high. Population growth, hydrological changes and pollution remain a
threat for wetland ecosystems. In addition, global climate change is
having its impact on wetlands.
To protect wetlands from further damage and conserve them, wetland
management is needed. Wetland management is a systematic approach to
describe, inventory and valuate wetlands and to formulate and implement
management plans for wetlands based on clear management objectives.
Depending on the type and the functions of a wetland, the management
objectives for a wetland may change. Some wetlands are unique and need
to be protected from any form of human interference. Their main value
is their unique ecosystem and the biodiversity it harbours. For other
wetlands, some degree of human exploitation can be acceptable (see What
is "wise use of wetlands").
In some cases, it is possible to restore wetlands: to re-create
wetlands that were degraded or lost. Wetland restoration can take
various forms: bring back wetlands to their historic condition as much
as possible, or re-create the historic conditions in another location,
or create conditions that allow some of the original wetland values to
return.
An important aspect of wetland management is raising the awareness
among wetland communities and government officials about the importance
of wetlands. For the successful implementation of management plans,
communities need to be involved in their formulation and
implementation. Wetland management also involves training and capacity
building of wetland management professionals.
What is "wise use of wetlands"?
A concept that is widely used in wetland management is "wise use". Wise
use is also called "sustainable use". The concept is based on the idea
that human usage of wetlands is possible without endangering the
integrity of the wetland ecosystem in the longer term. It recognizes
both the importance of wetlands for the livelihoods of riparian
communities and the natural values of wetland ecosystems, and it leaves
room for combining wetland exploitation by humans with the conservation
and protection of wetlands.
Wise use is defined by the Ramsar Convention as "the sustainable
utilization of wetlands for the benefit of mankind in a way compatible
with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem".
Sustainable utilization is defined as: "human use of a wetland so that
it may yield the greatest continuous benefit to present generations
while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of
future generations". Natural properties of the ecosystem are "the
physical, chemical and biological components, such as soil, water,
plants, animals and nutrients and the interactions between them".
Why do we need wetland research?
First of all, wetland research is needed to obtain a better
understanding of the structure and functioning of wetlands. Basic
knowledge about the hydrology and ecology of wetland ecosystems is
essential as a basis for developing plans for wetlands and making
decisions about their management.
However, to develop good management and protection plans knowledge
about the wetland ecosystem alone is not enough. Where people live in
or near wetlands, wetlands provide services like food, income, natural
values or water treatment. There is a need to generate knowledge about
the interaction between people and the wetland ecosystem. People derive
services from the wetland, and at the same time have an impact on the
wetland. Knowledge about this interaction between people and wetlands
is necessary for the formulation of sound plans for sustainable wetland
management.
Research should also help to develop methods for participation of
wetland communities and other stakeholders. One problem in wetland
research and management is that decisions about wetland management are
taken on different scale levels. Individual members of wetland
communities take decisions about their activities at the level of their
own plot or part of the wetland. Such individual decisions are often
based on economic considerations. Local or district governments take
decisions about wetland management at the level of the whole wetland.
Their interest, apart from economics, is also in ecological and social
aspects of the wetland. At the national level, the interests of
different sectors of the economy and transboundary issues (if the
wetland is shared with other countries) may play a role. It is clear
that decision-making about the wetlands includes interests at all scale
levels, from the local riparian people to the national government.
Methods to weigh and balance these interests need to be developed.
How can research support management?
Research can support wetland management in various ways.
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To understand wetland functioning and values better. A good knowledge
of wetland ecology and hydrology is the basis for classification and
valuation of wetlands. This knowledge will also allow the monitoring of
changes in the wetland system once a management plan is implemented.
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To understand people and what they do in wetlands better. Deterioration
of wetlands is generally caused by human activities. But these
activities are often the only livelihood support for wetland
communities. To change unsustainable practices, alternatives should be
developed that satisfy the needs of these communities. Also, a lot of
traditional and indigenous knowledge about wetlands exitsts among
wetland communities. Research can help tap this important resource for
the benefit of improved management.
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To develop methods and tools for management. Wetland management
involves ecological, economic and social aspects. These should all be
considered when management plans are prepared. Tools for weighing the
importance of these different aspects should be developed.
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To support the development of legal and institutional frameworks. In
many countries, no legislation to protect wetlands exists. In some
countries, wetlands are governed by several ministries or departments
with sometimes conflicting interests. For effective protection and
rehabiliation of wetlands, appropriate regulations and institutions
must be set up. Policy research can facilitate this process. It can
also help to improve the participation of stakeholders in wetland
management.
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Wetlands Introduction 