Wetlands are the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet that provide numerous benefits. From water quality to recreation, there are many different ways they help our environment. Wetlands give back to people and the economy again and again, which is one reason why the theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 was to celebrate the connection between wetlands and human well-being. Let’s take a look at some of the various benefits that wetlands provide to people and the economy.
Water Quality and Filtration
Wetlands can serve as a natural filtration system to remove pollutants such as soil particles, fertilizers, pesticides, grease, and oil from cars and trucks, and road salts from surface water. Surface water runoff and stream water that passes through the vegetation of wetlands before reaching open water is generally of a much higher quality than waters that do not pass through wetland areas.
Flood Protection
Another great benefit of wetlands is their ability to act as a natural sponge to serve as flood protection. The absorption of rainwater and runoff through their high holding capacity slows down the possible effects of flooding and downstream water movement.
Shoreline Erosion Control
Wetlands that are near shorelines also protect from possible erosion. Heavy vegetation can provide a barrier against waves along the shore and can absorb the energy of the tidal waters due to dense root systems that can bind sand, soil, and dense sediments.
Recreation
Not only do Wetlands provide protection and safety, but they also provide a place to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Many people enjoy pastimes such as hiking, boating, fishing, bird watching, or just discovering the overall beauty that wetlands offer. This also leads to economic growth as many are spending time and money to participate in these activities.
Natural Products
Another way that wetlands provide for us and the economy is the natural products they produce. Some of these include food products such as fish, shellfish, blueberries, cranberries, and wild rice. Lastly, some medicines are derived from wetland soils and plants.
Hunting/Fishing
While it may be obvious how wetlands can benefit fish, there are also many benefits for terrestrial wildlife species as well. These wetlands provide hunting and fishing grounds with rich diversity and dense populations that are attractive to hunters and fishermen alike.
Overall, the benefits that wetlands provide touch many different areas of our everyday lives and economic factors. They keep us safe by providing filtration, protection from natural events, and also producing natural products that are used by so many. For more information about how we can protect and preserve these ecosystems, contact Cherry Ridge LLC today!
“I enter the swamp as a sacred place – a sanctum sanctorum. There is the strength, the marrow, of Nature.”
Henry David Thoreau