What are the importance of wetlands?

Wetlands have been used for centuries as grazing for domestic stock, and as a source of reeds used for thatching, hut construction and basket weaving. They provide opportunities for fishing, hunting and to observe wildlife, especially birds.

What is the value of wetlands in the country?

Wetlands provide an array of valuable “services” for society and the environment. Besides sustaining a huge number of plant and animal species, they can improve water quality; reduce erosion and flooding; and even moderate the effects of climate change.

Why are wetlands important PDF?

Wetland performs numerous valuable function such as recycle nutrients, purify water, attenuate floods, recharge ground water and also serves in providing drinking water, fish, fodder, fuels, wildlife habitat, control rate of runoff in urban areas, buffer shorelines against erosion and recreation to society.

How do wetlands benefit humans?

Wetlands provide habitat for thousands of species of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. Wetlands are valuable for flood protection, water quality improvement, shoreline erosion control, natural products, recreation, and aesthetics.

What is the largest benefit of wetlands?

Wetlands act as “nature’s kidneys” by removing polluting nutrients and sediments from surface and groundwater. By protecting water quality, wetlands keep our lakes, streams, and groundwater healthy and are important to the integrity of aquatic ecosystems.

What is the economic importance of wetlands?

Wetlands filter and clean water, which decreases the costs of drinking water treatment, and they reduce the frequency and intensity of floods. They support the life cycle of 75% of the fish and shellfish commercially harvested in the U.S., and up to 90% of the recreational fish catch.

What is the economic importance of wetlands in an ecosystem?

Wetlands contribute to the national and local economies by producing resources, enabling recreational activities and providing other benefits, such as pollution control and flood protection.

Why are wetlands important and need to be saved?

Wetlands prevent flooding by holding water much like a sponge. By doing so, wetlands help keep river levels normal and filter and purify the surface water. Wetlands accept water during storms and whenever water levels are high. When water levels are low, wetlands slowly release water.

How do wetlands help the economy?

Why are wetlands important for biodiversity?