Wetland Ecology

Wetlands are areas of land that are wet, flooded either permanently or seasonally and where land retains water for long enough to allow the development of characteristics soils, plants and animals. Or Areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters, (Ramsar Convention 2009). 1. The role of wetlands in sustaining livelihood of community in developing country are as follow : Regulation Wetlands are important regulators of water quantity and water quality. Several types of wetlands are known to act as hydrological buffers, reducing peak flood flows and volumes through retention of water in surface and groundwater storage, and reducing the risks of flood damage downstream. Maintenance of natural hydrological buffering capacity also provides for greater reliability of in stream flows during dry periods - this can be extremely important for people who are reliant on subsistence irrigation farming. Wetland ecosystems are able to assimilate some biodegradable waste products, providing important treatment capabilities for substances such as excess nutrients and sediments, and improving water quality for downstream users. Some wetlands trap toxic pollutants such as heavy metals, which can later be removed for safe disposal, if necessary. The value of these services may be considerable, since technical means of regulating water quantity and maintaining water quality can often be much more expensive than the costs of retaining natural wetland ecosystem functions. Wetlands and associated ecosystems also regulate the hydrological cycle through taking up water and releasing it into the atmosphere. For example, in the Amazon rainforest, 50% of rainfall is derived from local evapotranspiration. If the forest cover is removed, the area can become

References: Understanding our wetlands a Resource book for Universities and Tertiary Institutions (2009), Nile Basin Initiative – Nile Transboundary Environmental Action Project, LA Consult Ltd. Eurowet.brgm.fr/documents/wetlands_watercycle.uk.pdf