(1.2) IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS: FUNTIONS AND VALUES |
Wetlands are amongst the Earth's most productive ecosystems. Wetland systems directly or indirectly support millions of people and provide goods and services to them. The growth and development of all the organisms that require wetlands for life. Wetlands may benefit directly as components / products such as fish, timber, wild life, fertile land for agriculture, water transport, recreation and water supply or indirect benefits which arise from the functions occurring with in the ecosystem such as flood control, ground water recharge, storm protection, shore line stabilization, water quality improvement, sediment and nutrient retention. The mere existence of wetlands may be of a great significance to some people because it is a part of their cultural heritage. Apart from these, some socio-economic values through water supply, fisheries, fuel wood, medicinal plants, livestock grazing, agriculture, energy resource, wildlife resource, transport, recreation and tourism etc., is significant,and in maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystem.