CONSERVATION OF WETLANDS AND WATER BODIES FOR FLOOD AND EROSION MITIGATION

Abstract

A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. Primarily, the factor that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants, adapted to its unique hydric soil. As per the Ramsar International Wetland Conservation Treaty (Article 1.1), "wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres." Again, the Article 2.1 states that "Wetlands may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six (6) metres at low tide lying within the wetlands." Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally flood and erosion control, water purification and shoreline stability etc. Wetlands are also considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. However, due to rampant anthropogenic activities these once endowed areas have been severely degraded and are shrinking. This paper analyses the functions of natural wetlands in flood and erosion mitigation besides discussing their habitat, recreational, productive and other related environmental functions and puts forward policy recommendations for impact mitigation, health restoration and need-based creation of new wetlands.