Prior to the 1970\'s wetland drainage and destruction were considered accepted a

Question

Prior to the 1970's wetland drainage and destruction were considered accepted and sometimes encouraged practice throughout the world. Wetlands were seen as a nuisance, bug filled and disease ridden eyesores.Today however these practices and views are no longer tolerated and held in many parts of the world. Wetland regulation and protection have become common practice. For this forum please post your honest opinion,view or reaction when you hear the word wetland. Do you see wetlands as positive or do you see them as negative?   

Explanation / Answer

Wetlands are formed by saturation of water over a region either seasonally or all year round. Even though they are looked at as a nuisance by some, their role in supporting a unique ecosystem is something that simply cannot be ignored. Over years of research, wetlands are known to have a number of benefits to human beings directly and indirectly. Directly, they protect the shore line, help to keep the harmful poaching of floods by restricting it to the flood plains and thus saving lives. A few species of plants that can actually survive only in the wetlands help in water purification organically. The waters of the wetlands also store nutrients in the soil and water which makes this an ideal spot to grow plants for human consumption.

Ecologically, wetlands form a unique system of their own and support wildlife like turtles, crocodiles, alligators, a variety of lizards, birds, snakes, frogs and fishes.

The presence of mangroves that support a number of plants that are used in medicines and also plants that are used as dyes, to make organic textiles and even wood used for fuel, only scratch the surface of the uses of wetlands. Apart from this, the wetlands also form sinks that dissolve the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere- thus contributing to keeping global warming in check. In some countries, wetlands are actually used for breeding fishes for commercial purposes.

The pros of wetlands far outdo the cons. The sheer fact that the preservation of these ecosystems help to delay global warming while providing a healthy support for the sustenance of human beings along with other living things, I personally see them as a boon as long as we monitor the wetlands and preserve them well.

Note: You can also add points regarding the fact that wetlands are now promoted as natural parks and offer a unique spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

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