Valuation of Wetland Ecosystems

Abstract

Wetland ecosystems account for about 6% of the global land area, and are considered to be among the most threatened of all environmental resources. For much of the recent past, wetlands have been destroyed or altered, on a global basis, as human society sought to exploit the benefits provided by these natural systems. These losses are occurring either as a direct result of conversion to intensive agriculture, aquaculture, or industrial use (including waste disposal), or through more gradual degradation as the result of hydrological perturbation, pollution, recreation pressure, or increasing grazing and fishing activities (Turner, 1988). Because of the diversity of ecosystems within the Wetland group, a number of detailed classification systems are possible. Simplifying matters somewhat, Table 6.1 distinguishes four basic types and relates these to the output of goods/services and other functions provided by wetlands.