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Areas of marsh, fen, peatland/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 6 mtrs.
Wetlands Classification–
- Inland wetland-
a)Natural- Lakes / Ponds, Ox-bow Lakes, Waterlogged, Swamp/marsh
- b) Manmade- Reservoirs Tank, Ash pond
- Costal Wetland-
- A) Natural- Coral reef, Tidal flat, MANGROVES, Salt marsh, Estuary, Lagoon, Creek,
Backwater, Bay
b)-manmade -• Salt pans, Aquculture
Functions of Wetlands-
- Habitat to aquatic Flora and Fauna, birds
- Filtration of sediments and nutrients from surface water,
- Nutrients recycling, Water purification Floods mitigation,
- Ground water recharging, Buffer shorelines against erosion,
- Genetic reservoir for various species of Plants(rice)
- the National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) considers lakes as standing water
- bodies which have a minimum water depth of 3 m, generally cover a water spread of more than ten hectares, and have no or very little aquatic vegetation.
- Wetlands (generally less than 3 m deep over most of their area) are usually rich in nutrients (derived from surroundings and their sediments) and have .abundant Growth of aquatic macrophytes
India’s Wetland
Wetlands occupy 18.4% of the country’s area of which 70% are under paddy cultivation.
Inland wetlands >Costal Wetlands
National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP)
- NWCP was implemented in the year 1985-86.
- Under the programme, 115 wetlands have been identified by the Ministry which require urgent conservation and management interventions.
Aim
- Conservation of wetlands to prevent their further degradation and ensuring their wise
- use for the benefit of local communities and overall conservation of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
Objectives
- to lay down policy guidelines for conservation and management of wetlands in the country.
- to provide financial assistance for undertaking intensive conservation measures in the identified wetlands
- The Central Government is responsible for overall coordination of wetland
- conservation programmes and initiatives at the international and national levels. It also provides guidelines, financial & technical assistance to state govt.
- State Governments/UT Administration are responsible for management of wetlands and implementation of the NWCP for ensuring their wise-use
Criteria for Identification of Wetlands of National Importance
Criteria for identification of wetlands of national importance under NWCP are same as those prescribed under the ‘Ramsar Convention On Wetlands‘ and are as given below:
- Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types
example of a natural or near-natural wetland type’ found within the appropriate biogeographic region.
- Criteria based on species and ecological communities
- If it supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species; or
- threatened ecological communities.
- If it supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region.
- If it supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions.
- Specific criteria based on water birds
- If it regularly supports 20,000 or more water birds.
- If it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a Population of one species or subspecies of waterbirds.
- Specific criteria based on fish
- If it supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families, life-history stages, species interactions and/or populations that are representative of wetland benefits and/or values and thereby contributes to global biological diversity.
- If it is an important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or Migration path on which fish stocks, either within the wetland or elsewhere, depend.
- Specific criteria based on water/life and culture
- If it is an important source of food and water resource, increased possibilities for recreation and eco-tourism, improved scenic values, educational opportunities, conservation of cultural heritage (historic or religious sites)
,
Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They include swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens. Wetlands are important Ecosystems that provide a variety of benefits to humans and the Environment.
Wetlands are classified into three main types: freshwater wetlands, saltwater wetlands, and coastal wetlands. Freshwater wetlands are found in areas where the water is fresh, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. Saltwater wetlands are found in areas where the water is salty, such as estuaries and lagoons. Coastal wetlands are found in areas where the land meets the sea, such as salt marshes and mangrove forests.
Wetlands provide a variety of functions, including:
- Flood control: Wetlands can absorb and store floodwaters, which helps to protect downstream communities from flooding.
- Water purification: Wetlands filter water and remove pollutants, which helps to improve water quality.
- Sediment control: Wetlands trap sediment, which helps to prevent erosion and protect shorelines.
- Wildlife habitat: Wetlands provide a home for a variety of plants and animals, including fish, birds, and reptiles.
- Recreation: Wetlands are popular destinations for fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and other recreational activities.
Wetlands are valuable ecosystems that provide a variety of benefits to humans and the environment. However, wetlands are also threatened by a variety of factors, including:
- Development: Wetlands are often converted to other uses, such as agriculture, housing, or Industry.
- Pollution: Wetlands are often polluted by runoff from farms, factories, and other sources.
- Drainage: Wetlands are often drained to make way for development or agriculture.
- Invasive species: Invasive species can outcompete native plants and animals, which can damage wetland ecosystems.
Wetlands are important ecosystems that provide a variety of benefits to humans and the environment. However, wetlands are also threatened by a variety of factors. It is important to protect wetlands from these threats so that they can continue to provide these benefits.
There are a number of things that can be done to protect wetlands, including:
- Creating wetland preserves: Wetland preserves are areas of land that are set aside for the protection of wetlands.
- Regulating development: Regulations can be put in place to prevent the development of wetlands.
- Reducing pollution: Pollution can be reduced by implementing pollution control measures.
- Restoring wetlands: Wetlands that have been damaged can be restored.
- Educating the public: The public can be educated about the importance of wetlands and how to protect them.
Wetlands are valuable ecosystems that provide a variety of benefits to humans and the environment. It is important to protect wetlands from threats so that they can continue to provide these benefits.
What is a wetland?
A wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands can be found in a variety of forms, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens.
What are the benefits of wetlands?
Wetlands provide a number of benefits, including:
- Flood control: Wetlands can absorb and store floodwaters, helping to reduce the risk of flooding downstream.
- Water purification: Wetlands filter and clean water, removing pollutants and sediment.
- Habitat for wildlife: Wetlands provide a home for a variety of plants and animals, including fish, birds, and amphibians.
- Recreation: Wetlands are popular destinations for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
What are the threats to wetlands?
Wetlands are threatened by a number of factors, including:
- Development: Wetlands are often converted to other uses, such as agriculture or housing.
- Pollution: Wetlands are vulnerable to pollution from runoff, sewage, and industrial waste.
- Climate change: Climate Change is causing wetlands to dry out and become more vulnerable to fire.
What can we do to protect wetlands?
We can protect wetlands by:
- Conserving existing wetlands: We can protect wetlands by designating them as Protected Areas and by preventing them from being developed.
- Restoring degraded wetlands: We can restore degraded wetlands by removing invasive species, planting native plants, and controlling water levels.
- Educating the public about wetlands: We can educate the public about the importance of wetlands and the threats they face.
What is the future of wetlands?
The future of wetlands is uncertain. Wetlands are facing a number of threats, but there are also a number of things we can do to protect them. If we take action to conserve and restore wetlands, we can ensure that they continue to provide us with the many benefits they offer.
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Which of the following is not a type of wetland?
(A) Marsh
(B) Swamp
(C) Bog
(D) Desert -
Wetlands are important because they:
(A) Provide habitat for many different plants and animals
(B) Help to filter water and prevent flooding
(C) Store carbon dioxide and help to mitigate climate change
(D) All of the above -
The largest wetland in the world is the:
(A) Pantanal in Brazil
(B) Everglades in Florida
(C) Okavango Delta in Botswana
(D) Amazon River Basin -
Wetlands are threatened by:
(A) Development
(B) Pollution
(C) Climate change
(D) All of the above -
What can you do to help protect wetlands?
(A) Reduce your water usage
(Avoid using pesticides and Fertilizers
(C) Support organizations that are working to protect wetlands
(D) All of the above -
What is the difference between a marsh and a swamp?
(A) A marsh is dominated by Grasses and sedges, while a swamp is dominated by trees and shrubs
(B) A marsh has open water, while a swamp does not
(C) A marsh is found in temperate climates, while a swamp is found in tropical climates
(D) A marsh is found at lower elevations, while a swamp is found at higher elevations -
What is the difference between a bog and a fen?
(A) A bog is acidic, while a fen is alkaline
(B) A bog is dominated by mosses, while a fen is dominated by grasses and sedges
(C) A bog is found in temperate climates, while a fen is found in tropical climates
(D) A bog is found at lower elevations, while a fen is found at higher elevations -
What is the role of wetlands in the water cycle?
(A) Wetlands help to filter water and remove pollutants
(B) Wetlands help to store water and release it slowly during dry periods
(C) Wetlands help to regulate the flow of water and prevent flooding
(D) All of the above -
What is the role of wetlands in the carbon cycle?
(A) Wetlands help to store carbon dioxide in the Soil
(B) Wetlands help to release carbon dioxide into the Atmosphere
(C) Wetlands have no role in the carbon cycle
(D) Wetlands help to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -
What is the role of wetlands in The Nitrogen Cycle?
(A) Wetlands help to remove nitrogen from the soil
(B) Wetlands help to add nitrogen to the soil
(C) Wetlands have no role in the nitrogen cycle
(D) Wetlands help to regulate the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere