Multi-Functional and Biological Reliability of Wetlands

They are an important resource, not only for their value to humans but also as a habitat for many plants and animals which have adapted to living in such a waterlogged environment. Indeed, they are vital to the many waterbirds, fish, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates who spend some or all of their lifecycles in them. Wetlands have for a long time been taken for granted and have been seen in the past as areas of wasteland, sources of water during drought or as areas to be developed for human use. They have been neglected and have become degraded. Only in recent years have we come to appreciate the many important functions that wetlands perform and their social and economic value, yet they still remain very threatened environments.