Wetlands: Productive ecosystem as Amazon rainforest

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - As the most fertile ecosystem regarding biological production in the world, the wetlands ecosystem is as rich as the Amazon rainforest, according to an expert.

"Wetlands are more productive than other water resources, where terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems are interconnected and tightly in balance," said Mehmet Gokoglu, an expert on water resources at Akdeniz University in Antalya.

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 meters, according to the Ramsar Convention, also known as Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands named after Ramsar, Iran, where the convention was signed Feb. 2, 1971.

Speaking on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day, observed Feb. 2 to raise global awareness about the role of wetlands for the world and to mark the Convention on Wetlands, Gokoglu said wetlands host rich biodiversity and increase environmental quality.

The Convention’s theme this year is "Wetlands and Biodiversity" which is a unique opportunity to highlight wetland biodiversity, its status, why it matters and promote actions to reverse its loss, according to the World Wetlands Day's website.

"One of the most important functions of wetlands is its protective effect on water quality. Pollutants and sediment are kept in wetlands. Due to their location between water and land, they are very good water filters. They help filter out wastes, nutrients and sediment that move with the flow from the land," said Gokoglu.

He went on to say that wetlands also play a key role in preventing erosion as the roots of plants in wetlands hold the soil and slow down wave motion as well as flow rate, preventing coastal erosion.

"Since wetlands slow down the flow rate, it acts as temporary storage and due to their slow-release properties, they have the function of protecting those living in lower basins from flood peaks and flood damages," he noted, referring to these ecosystems' nature like a flood barrier.

He also added that as wetlands perform a perfect function in the cycle of nitrogen, sulfur, methane and carbon dioxide and are reservoirs that accumulate and collect significant amounts of carbon in organic soils and peat, wetlands have effects on microclimate.

"Many bird species use wetlands both as a resting and sheltering area during their migration and use it to protect them from predators. Most wetlands serve as an environment for spawning, sheltering and hunting for fish. The wetlands they use as a breeding ground for animal species that can live both on land and in water also contain many mammals and endangered species," Gokoglu said, referring to the importance of these water resources for animals.

- Threats to wetlands presence

Touching on the threats to wetlands, Gokoglu said the worlds' most fertile ecosystems as part of biological productions are negatively affected by factors such as climate change and hydrological structure but the human is the primary danger.

"Deterioration begins with people's steps. Most wetlands like marsh have been dried both for land acquisition and for preventing flies. Most wetlands are also at risk of being burned. Also, some wetlands were turned into landfills and the place where harmful and toxic wastes are disposed," he stressed, adding that it causes all living things on the wetlands to be at risk.

Mentioning urbanization issues as another important danger for wetlands, he highlighted that while reeds or grassy areas, in which thousands of inhabitants live, are destroyed by land vehicles, wetlands in coastal areas are destroyed by hotel construction or residential areas.

He added that hunting and erosion, caused by degradation in terrestrial areas near to wetlands, also affect the ecosystems.

Touching on the possible measures that should be taken to protect wetlands, he highlighted that the Ramsar Convention "must" be strictly followed to provide full protection.

"There should not be a drain, should not be allowed any construction activity, should be closed to all kind of hunting and there should not be made any changes around the wetland areas," he suggested.

Gokoglu also added that these areas should be protected from burning, as wetlands are vulnerable to fires as well as should be protected from pollution.