The World’s Wetlands under Threat

Abstract

Wetlands are posing some of today’s most contentious and politically sensitive environmental questions and rival tropical rain forests for priority on the World Conservation agenda. Despite the clear recognition of the environmental importance of wetland ecosystems by early human communities there has been a progressive and devastating loss of wetland resources throughout the historic period. The consequences of loss and degradation of wetlands in the developed world may result in higher prices of goods and the need for new expensive structures to replace services previously provided free. Such options are rarely possible in the Third World where large populations are still directly dependent on wetlands. Here the consequence of wetland abuse is deprivation and hunger.

Loss of wetlands continues largely because of information deficiencies, inappropriate economic structures, deficient planning concepts and governmental policy conflict and overall institutional weakness. These issues are being addressed currently by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), many NGO’s and Environment Agencies and form a focus for the environmental effort of wetland scientists.

The need for “wise use” of wetlands, a principle of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially for Waterfowl, is paramount and should be based on sound understanding of ecosystem functioning and resulting values to society. Achieving wise use is not easy and the track record is not good. Entirely new attitudes, and new socio-economic policy and planning structures will be required. Much will depend on the ability of wetland scientists, in collaboration with other professionals, to demonstrate the real values ofwellmanaged wetland resources expressed in terms in which society can appreciate the benefits arising from their conservation.