Educational Benefits of Wetlands

Abstract

Wetlands are highly diverse ecosystems, ranging from lakes, rivers, and marshes to coral reefs, salt marshes, mangroves, and more. In addition to their natural beauty and wealth of biodiversity, they are also recognised for the services they provide such as food, timber, water purification, and as places for recreation and experiential learning. Wetland visitor/education centres and the wetland environment itself can be used to great effect for learning about wildlife values and sustainable living. Well-designed activities in wetland centers and within wetlands can promote sustainable lifestyles and wetland conservation. Some examples include citizen science projects, the experiential learning in wetlands for tourists as well as local schools, parents and teachers; wetland management training in wetlands that includes working with wetland users such as fishermen, farmers and local communities.