Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse environments on the planet, supporting a varied spectrum of plant and animal species. Wetlands serve a variety of ecological purposes.Purification of water, Protection from flooding,Stabilization of the coastline Maintaining stream flow and recharging the groundwater are some of the function of Wetland.This article will explain to you about the Functions and Significance Wetland Ecosystem which will be helpful in Environment preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Wetland Ecosystem

• Wetland ecosystems are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (Ecotone).

The Ramsar convention on wetlands defines wetlands as:

• as an area of marsh, fen, peatland,
• which is temporary or permanent, formed naturally or artificially,
• This includes fresh, brackish, or salt water,
• Where depth of marine water at low tide will not exceed six meters of height .

Functions of Wetlands

Values and benefits of wetlands

1. Source of Water

• Wetlands provide our primary source of fresh water.
• Aquifer-stored groundwater makes for over 95 percent of all available freshwater and is the most important source of drinking water and irrigation.
• Several wetlands aid in the absorption of rainwater and the recharge of groundwater.
• Freshwater is used for domestic use, irrigation and source of drinking .

2. Flood and storm buffer zone

• Wetlands act as a flood buffer and help to alleviate droughts.
• Wetlands act as sponges in the upper parts of a basin, absorbing rainfall and snowmelt and allowing water to gently percolate into the soil.
• Storm surges and tidal waves can be mitigated by coastal wetlands such as mangroves, coral reefs, mudflats, and estuaries, which operate as physical barriers.
• River floodplains act as natural storage reservoirs, allowing excess water to spread out over a large area, reducing the depth and speed of the water.
• Mangroves and coastal wetlands aid in the stabilization of the shoreline and the prevention of erosion.
• The Kalinga super cyclone, which slammed Odisha in 1999, wreaked havoc on the whole coastline. When compared to villages with few or no mangroves, it was discovered that villages with mangroves had fewer casualties.

3. Wetland Products

• Coastal wetlands provide over two-thirds of fish, one of the most important sources of animal protein.
• Wetlands that are well-managed can supply a varied range of plants, animals, and minerals.
• Wetlands produce more than three-quarters of Asia's rice. Many mangrove swamps, like the Sundarbans, produce honey.
• Medicinal characteristics can be found in a variety of wetland plants.
• Wetlands also provide a source of income for a huge number of people, particularly those who live along their shorelines.

4. Water purifier

• Wetlands aid in water purification by trapping contaminants in sediments and plants. Wetlands can drastically lower high levels of pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which are frequently associated with agricultural runoff.
• Pesticides, industrial discharge, and mining all produce harmful compounds, which many wetland plants can eliminate.
• Floating plants like Water Hyacinth, Duckweed, and Azolla can store iron and copper from wastewater in their tissues.
• Continuous trash discharge over the carrying capacity of wetlands, on the other hand, might result in environmental disasters.

5. Wetland for research and education

• Wetlands are fantastic places to learn about aquatic ecosystems and conduct research.
• Habitat diversity, ecosystem complexity, and broad social and cultural ties make them ideal for multi-disciplinary study of nature-society interactions.
• Example : Bhitarkanika Mangroves odisha , Bhoj wetlands Madhya Pradesh .

6. Recreation property of Wetlands

• Wetlands are wonderful relaxation and tourism sites because of their natural beauty and diversity of plant and animal life.
• Example: Mandawali village Nct delhi is a recreational site.

7. Combat Climate Change

• Climate change is threatening wetlands, as well as various other ecosystems.
• These ecosystems, on the other hand, can help moderate and adapt to climate change. Some wetlands, such as mangroves and salt marshes, operate as carbon sinks, preventing hazardous greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.
• Wetland conservation is particularly critical for ensuring the habitat of aquatic animals that are threatened by climate change.
• Water supply in wetlands is anticipated to become more variable in the future, wetlands' ability to absorb and hold water, as well as regulate floods and storms, are critical capabilities that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Example: Ashtamudi wetlands kerala , Chilika Lake odisha.

8. Habitats of migratory birds

• Wetlands are used by migrating birds as a feeding, resting, and nesting stopover.
• Almost 2,000 bird species migrate regularly throughout the year, covering thousands of kilometres between breeding and non-breeding places to avoid the severe winters of the arctic and temperate zones.
• The Central Asian and East Australasian Flyways are linked by Indian wetlands.
• Example: Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Ashtamudi wetlands kerala .

9. Biodiversity hotspots

• Several wetlands serve as habitat for a variety of endemic and near-endangered species.
• Over 70% of the world's threatened Great Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) population is confined to Kaziranga National Park in Assam's grasslands and marshes.
• The only known natural home of the globally endangered Brow-antlered Deer is Keibul Lamjao, a floating national park south of Loktak (Rucervus eldii).
• Chilika is home to a robust population of and is one of only two lagoons in the world where endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins can be found (Orcaella brevirostris).
• The highly endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) has the biggest remaining populations in Central India, around River Son, Girwa, and Chambal.
• Example: Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Tamilnadu.

Significance of Wetlands

• Wetlands are a vital part of the hydrological cycle.
• They are rich in biodiversity and enrich the ecosystem services.
• Wetlands provide ecosystem services such as waste assimilation, flood mitigation , erosion control , groundwater recharge, micro climate regulations and water purification etc.
• Wetlands are part of cultural heritage by supporting significant recreation and socio – cultural activities.

Threats to Wetland Ecosystem

• Changes in natural hydrological regimes Water regimes influence wetlands' biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
• Reduced water availability, changing hydro-period, loss of linkage with biodiversity areas, restricted nitrogen exchange, and other factors all contribute to the degradation of natural hydrological regimes.
• Catchment degradation depletes the water holding capacity in wetlands thus affecting wetland ecosystem.
• The majority of India's inland wetlands have been overrun by exotic species, which have grown to be a nuisance and have had a significant impact on the local biota and ecological conditions.
• Example: Hyacinth (water hyacinth) is an invasive species introduced in india.
• Other factors like Unsustainable harvest of wetland resources, Over grazing, Unsustainable water abstraction, Mining (e.g. salt, sand or laterite) also affects the wetland Ecosystem in India.

Conclusion

Global climate change has emerged as a major driver of wetlands loss and degradation, particularly at high altitudes and along coastlines. According to studies, a one-meter rise in sea level would put 84 percent of India's coastal wetlands at risk. Changing hydrological regimes, eutrophication, and algal blooms are all threats to inland wetlands as a result of rising temperatures.Hence it is important to conserve the Wetland ecosystem.