Name: Phan Hà Khánh Ngân ID: 22187074

Assigment: What are the threats to natural wetland ecosystems? What can we do
to prevent these precious ecosystems from depression?
1. Definition
 What are wetlands?
Wetlands are characterized by their dependence on water as the primary factor
that influences the surrounding environment and the flora and fauna that inhabit it.
They are found in locations where the water table is close to or at the surface of
the land, or where the land is submerged under water.
The Ramsar Convention takes a broad definition of wetlands to determine
which ones come under its mandate. Under the text of the Convention (Article
1.1), wetlands are defined as: “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”.
Additionally, for the purpose of protecting coherent sites, the Article 2.1
provides that wetlands are included in the Ramsar List of internationally
significant wetlands: “may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to
the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at
low tide lying within the wetlands”. [1]
 What are natural & artificial wetlands?
+ Natural wetlands are semi-aquatic systems with free-flowing surface water
including lake marginal wetlands, extensive fen systems and floodplain marshes.
They are composed of pre-existing natural emergent vegetation such Phragmites
australis, Cyperus papyrus, Typha spp., Scirpus spp. And organic rich soils.
Most natural wetlands exist as part of big water systems including buffers within
headwater catchments and littoral zones of lakes and rivers. Because of this
connectivity, water continuously flows out of the wetland after days of detention
into receiving waters with less nutrients, particulate matter, solids, and pathogen.
[2]
+ Artificial wetlands are a landscape feature where hydrophytic vegetation may be
present as a result of human modifications to the landscape or hydrology and for
which there is no prior wetland or stream history. [3]
An artificial wetland is designed to mimic many of the characteristics of a natural
wetland and provides a home to many of the same species. These constructed
wetlands are frequently employed as part of programs designed to restore natural
wetland habitats and ecosystems. Additionally, some artificial wetlands are further
engineered so as to serve other purposes, often related to water or sewage
filtration and treatment. Such engineered wetlands can often be a viable
alternative to more industrial processes of water and waste treatment. [4]

Table 1. The differences between natural and artificial wetlands.

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 Natural wetland Artificial wetland
Created through human
Formed through natural
Origin and formation intervention and
processes
engineering techniques
High biodiversity; Biodiversity may be
Biodiversity and
support diverse plant and lower and more limited in
ecosystem complexity
animal species scope
Influenced by natural Water levels and flow are
Hydrology hydrological processes often managed and
(rainfall, tides, etc.) controlled
Receives water from
Relies on natural water
specific sources
Water source sources (rainfall, rivers,
(stormwater runoff,
etc.)
treated wastewater, etc.)
No specific human
Created for specific
purpose; ecological
Purpose and purposes (water
functions (water
functionality treatment, flood control,
filtration, habitat
etc.)
provision, etc.)
Naturally formed over Designed and constructed
Construction
time; no human using engineering
Techniques
construction involved techniques
Evolved and developed Constructed and
Timeframe of
over long periods established in a relatively
Development
(centuries or millennia) short timeframe

2. How many types of natural wetlands are there?

Five major wetland types are generally recognized [5]:
 Marine Wetlands:
Marine wetlands, also known as coastal wetlands, are found along coastlines and
are influenced by the proximity to the ocean. They can include a variety of
wetland types, such as salt marshes, mangroves, and tidal flats. Key features of
marine wetlands include:
+ Salinity: Marine wetlands are influenced by tidal movements and have varying
salinity levels, ranging from saltwater to brackish conditions.
+ Biodiversity: These wetlands support a rich diversity of marine and coastal
species, including fish, crustaceans, waterfowl, and shorebirds.
+ Erosion Control: Marine wetlands help protect coastlines from erosion by
absorbing wave energy and stabilizing sediment.
 Riverine Wetlands:
Riverine wetlands are found along riverbanks and floodplains. They are shaped by
the flow and dynamics of rivers and have a significant influence on water quality
and biodiversity. Key features of riverine wetlands include:

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 + Hydrological Connectivity: Riverine wetlands are influenced by the seasonal
flooding and fluctuations in water levels of adjacent rivers.
+ Nutrient Cycling: They play a vital role in filtering and purifying water,
removing excess nutrients, and improving water quality downstream.
+ Habitat and Migration Corridors: Riverine wetlands provide critical habitat for
numerous species, including fish, amphibians, and migratory birds.
 Palustrine Wetlands:
Palustrine wetlands refer to inland wetlands that are not directly influenced by
marine or tidal waters. They include wetlands such as marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Key features of palustrine wetlands include:
+ Freshwater Influence: Palustrine wetlands are primarily influenced by
precipitation, groundwater, and runoff from the surrounding landscape.
+ Diverse Vegetation: They support a variety of plant species, including cattails,
reeds, sedges, and trees such as willows and alders.
+ Wildlife Habitat: Palustrine wetlands provide critical habitats for amphibians,
reptiles, birds, and other terrestrial and aquatic species.
 Lacustrine Wetlands:
Lacustrine wetlands are associated with lakes and are found in both natural and
human-made lake environments. They can vary in size and depth and include
wetland types such as marshes, swamps, and floating bogs. Key features of
lacustrine wetlands include:
+ Freshwater Ecosystems: Lacustrine wetlands are fed by lake water,
precipitation, and groundwater inflows, and they play a role in maintaining water
quality.
+ Aquatic and Terrestrial Species: They provide habitat for a wide range of plant
and animal species, including waterfowl, fish, turtles, and aquatic plants.
+ Sediment Accumulation: Lacustrine wetlands contribute to sediment
deposition and nutrient cycling within lake ecosystems.
 Estuarine Wetlands:
Estuarine wetlands occur at the interface between rivers and the ocean, where
freshwater mixes with saltwater. They include wetland types such as salt marshes
and mangroves. Key features of estuarine wetlands include:
+ Brackish Water: Estuarine wetlands experience fluctuating salinity levels due
to tidal influences and the mixing of freshwater and saltwater.
+ Productivity and Nursery Habitat: They are highly productive ecosystems,
supporting abundant plant and animal life. Estuarine wetlands serve as important
nursery areas for fish and shellfish.
+ Coastal Protection: These wetlands help buffer coastlines from storm surges
and provide erosion control, protecting adjacent land from wave action.

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 Figure 1. Illustration of the positions of different types of wetlands [6]

3. Why are natural wetlands important?

Natural wetlands are important for several reasons:
 Water storage and supply:
The principal supply of renewable fresh water for human use comes from an
array of inland wetlands, including lakes, rivers, swamps, and shallow
groundwater aquifers. Groundwater, often recharged through wetlands, plays an
important role in water supply; with an estimated 1.5-3 billion people dependent
on it as a source of drinking water. Rivers have been substantially modified
around the world to increase the water available for human consumption. Recent
estimates place the volume of water trapped behind (documented) dams at 6,000-
7,000.
 Biodiversity
As with any other natural ecosystem, wetlands play a crucial role in
supporting species diversity. While numerous species of vertebrates and
invertebrates associate with wetlands for their whole life cycle, others only depend
on these regions at specific stages of their life. Wetlands are important to the
maintenance of food chains because they create an environment where
photosynthesis and the recycling of nutrients can take place (Adams, 1988 cited in
Juliano and Simonovic, 1999, p.7).
Lake Balaton in western Hungary is a large shallow lake, the largest in central
Europe. More than 70% of its fish species are endemic, it supports some 2000
species of algae, and over 1000 species of invertebrates. The lake provides a major
wintering refuge for up to 70 000 geese, 30 000 ducks and 10 000 coots. At the
same time, it offers a commercial fish catch of 1200 tons per year. [7]
 Water purification:
Wetlands reduce contaminants such as phosphates, pesticides, and heavy
metals in surface water by acting as settling basins. Insoluble, plant unavailable
phosphate frequently binds with soil particles and precipitates out of the system in
sediment. Additional sediment covers the contaminants, burying them, and
removing them from the water. As a result, the wetland produces cleaner water.
There are significant amounts of decomposing plant organic matter in the dense
muck soil of wetlands. Many charged particles are produced by this organic
matter, which attract and hold organic molecules such as pesticides. Thus, the

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 organic material attracts and binds the dissolved pesticides to the soil of wetland,
eliminating the pesticides from the water. Wetland muck soils support huge
populations of microorganisms. Several microbes can use insecticides and other
organic molecules as food. [8]
A recent study at Flinders University found evidence that a wetland plant can
remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. PFAS are a group
of environmental pollutants and pose a risk to human health. Swamps have been
identified as one of the most effective natural environments for removing PFAS
additives from water. [9]
 Flood control
Wetlands are crucial for flood control. Wetlands diminish the devastation of
flooding by slowing the flow of floodwater and absorbing water. Additionally,
they retain nutrient load and suspended solids during times of flooding. Therefore,
streams that flow into rivers through wetlands will transfer fewer suspended solids
and nutrients to the rivers than streams that enter directly into the rivers. Wetlands
are considered as a natural capital alternative for traditional flood control
investments such as dykes, dams, and embankments due to their effectiveness in
preventing flood destruction. (Boyd and Banzhaf, 2007).
According to the research in Rat River Watershed (Canada), it is reported that
a 10% increase in wetland area reduced the overall flood volume by 11.1-18.6%
(Juliano and Simonovic, 1999). In India too, researchers have attempted to value
the wetlands’ function in providing flood protection. One such study on the
Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem in Orissa (the second-largest mangrove forest
of India mainland), concluded that the destruction of cyclone was avoidable
(taking cyclone of 1999 as a reference point) was greatest in the village
surrounded by mangrove forests. Based on the study of Badola and Hussain
(2005), the damage suffered by each household was highest (US$ 153.74) in the
village without mangroves and lowest (US$ 33.31) in the village protected by
mangrove forests. [10]
 Climate regulation:
One of the most significant roles of wetlands may be in the regulation of
global climate change through sequestering and releasing a huge amount
percentage of fixed carbon in the biosphere. For instance, although covering only
an estimated 3–4% of the world’s land area, peatlands are estimated to hold 540
gigatons of carbon, representing about 1.5% of the total estimated global carbon
storage and about 25–30% of that contained in terrestrial vegetation and soils.
 Coastal protection
Sea level rise and increased storm surges combined with climate change will
lead to the coastal and habitat erosion, increased salinity of estuaries and
freshwater aquifers, altered tidal ranges in rivers and bays, changes in sediment
and nutrient transport, and increased coastal flooding and, conversely, may
increase the vulnerability of some coastal populations. Wetlands, such as

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 mangroves and floodplains, can play an important role in creating the physical
buffering to the effects of climate change.
One study, using an extensive database of property exposure, estimated that
wetlands avoided $625 million in direct flood damages during the Hurricane
Sandy (Narayan, 2017). Another study that focused on southern Louisiana (USA)
coastal wetlands (Barbier, 2013) estimated the wetland impacts on attenuating
maximum storm surge levels and marginal values of wetlands in terms of avoiding
damages to residential property. [11]
 Recreation and tourism
Wetlands offer various recreational opportunities such as birdwatching,
fishing, boating, and nature photography. They provide scenic beauty and
opportunities for outdoor activities, attracting visitors and supporting local
economies through nature-based tourism.
Nature-based tourist sites such as wetlands and natural reservoirs are the
sources of economic growth because they attract many visitors. Do et al. (2015),
for instance, estimated that from 2007 to 2012, approximately 21 million tourists
visited four wetlands in South Korea, which contributed to a large percentage of
tourism activities in this area. According to the survey of ten protected regions,
Karanth and DeFries (2011) concluded that nature-based tourism is an emerging
industry in terms of creating employment, resource utilization and other best
practices in India. The study also revealed that domestic visitors made up 80% of
the 15% growth rate in nature-based tourism. [12]

4. What are natural wetlands facing?

Natural wetlands are facing various challenges and threats, including [13,14,15,16]:
 Habitat loss and degradation
The Global Wetland Outlook, published by the Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands, states that wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. It
highlights that approximately 35% of the world's wetlands have been lost since
1970. This results in the decline of wetland biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
 Climate change
Wetlands are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising
temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, and extreme weather
events. These changes can disrupt wetland ecosystems and their associated
biodiversity.
 Pollution
Around 80% of untreated wastewater dumped into wetlands worldwide. But
it's crucial to remember that wetlands have a built-in capability for filtration and
can help reduce water pollution. They can successfully collect up to 90% of
hazardous gases and solid sediments while removing about 60% of metals from
water. To maintain these cleansing capacities, the wetland ecosystem must be in
good health. Wetland habitats are particularly at risk from industrial-related
chemical contamination and pesticide usage in agricultural activities.

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 Overexploitation
Overexploitation in wetlands may take several different forms but often
involves unsustainable harvesting of wetland resources. This includes plant
harvesting, overgrazing, overfishing and excess hunting pressure.
Overexploitation also involves indirect taking of non-targeted species, for instance
when a whole wetland is burnt to create room for fishing, as is the case in papyrus
wetlands in East Africa (Morrison et al., 2012). Such acts can deplete essential
food resources for non-targeted species that depend on wetlands and disrupt whole
ecosystems. The cumulative effects of extractive and other activities often threaten
wetland biodiversity. Overexploitation can also be non-consumptive in nature,
where it takes the form of species or ecosystem disturbance. The presence of
boats, recreational activities and even intrusive bird watchers and photographers
may impact on other wetland products; causing, for example, migratory waterfowl
to abandon a site. They can also drive away some animals that cannot withstand
disturbance (IUCN, 1999)
 Invasive species
The global trade in wildlife, the growing population of captive animals, and
the cultivation of non-native plant species for landscaping purposes pose
significant risks to the indigenous species of wetlands. These activities introduce
new species into wetland environments, which compete with and harm native
species, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Invasive species also bring diseases
that affect the native species, leading to habitat destruction, disruption of natural
genetic diversity, and the eventual exclusion of native species from the ecological
food chain.
 Lack of awareness and conservation measures:
The lack of awareness about the value and importance of wetlands, as well as
inadequate conservation measures and management practices, contribute to the
continued degradation and loss of wetland ecosystems.
Wetland impact factors are classified by human causes and natural elements into 12
categories by the Ramsar Convention, which are mentioned in Table 2. [16]

Table 2. Wetland impact factors are classified by Ramsar Convention [17]

Class Subclass Subdivision
Human Land area impact Agricultural and aquaculture
factors Natural system modifications
Human settlements (non-agricultural)
Transportation and service corridors
Environment impact Pollution
Human intrusions and disturbance
Energy production and mining
Biodiversity impact Biological resource use
Invasive and other problematic species and genes

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 Water resources Water regulation
impact
Natural Climate change and severe weather
factors Geological events

5. What should we do to protect natural wetlands from depression?

Each of us may do several things to prevent the depletion of natural wetlands:

 Reduce water consumption: Conserve water in your daily activities by fixing

leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and practicing water-saving habits like
reuse wastewater (using water from doing laundry for cleaning the pavements
and the driveway, utilizing rice water and the water used to wash fruits and
vegetables was for watering plants), don't leave the water running for rinsing
when you wash dishes, water during the cool parts of the day. This helps
maintain natural water flows to wetlands and prevents their depletion.
 Proper waste disposal: Dispose of waste properly to prevent pollution of water
bodies and wetlands. Recycle, compost, and avoid littering to minimize the
introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
 Support wetland conservation organizations: Contribute to local and
international organizations dedicated to wetland conservation. Donate funds,
volunteer your time, or participate in community events and initiatives focused
on wetland protection. Choosing to travel to national parks, wetland areas such as
Bau Sau in Cat Tien National Park, thereby promoting the development of
ecotourism and generating revenue for wetland conservation and protection
projects.
 Engage in community efforts: Join local conservation groups, campaign like
Green summer volunteer campaign of Vietnam National Union of Students,
participate in wetland cleanup activities, and advocate for the protection of
wetlands in your community. Encourage others to become aware of the
importance of wetlands and their conservation.
 Responsible outdoor activities: When visiting wetland areas for recreational
purposes, follow designated trails, respect wildlife habitats, and avoid damaging
vegetation. Be mindful of the impact of your actions on the wetland ecosystem
and strive to leave no trace.
 Stay informed and educate others: Stay updated on wetland conservation
issues and share your knowledge with others. Raise awareness about the value of
wetlands and the need for their protection through social media, educational
presentations, or discussions with friends and family.

--------------------------------------------The end-----------------------------------------

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