Solutions

Historically, humans have made large-scale efforts to drain wetlands for development or flood them for use as recreational lakes, more focus has been put on preserving wetlands for their natural function—sometimes also at great expense.

Methods used:

• Exclusion—Those responsible for the management of wetland areas often facilitate public access to a small, designated area while restricting access to other areas. Provision of defined boardwalks and walkways is a management strategy used to restrict access to vulnerable areas, as is the issuing of permits whilst visiting.
  


• Education—In the past, wetlands were regarded as wastelands. Education campaigns have helped to change public perceptions and foster public support for the wetlands. Due to their location in the catchment area, education programs need to teach about total catchment management programs. Educational programs include guided tours for the general public, school visits, media liaison, and information centers.
  
  
  Wetland restoration is an essential tool in the campaign to protect, improve, and increase wetlands. Wetlands that have been filled and drained retain their characteristic soil and hydrology, allowing their natural functions to be reclaimed. Restoration is a complex process that requires planning, implementation, monitoring, and management. It involves renewing natural and historical wetlands that have been lost or degraded and reclaiming their functions and values as vital ecosystems. Restoring our lost and degraded wetlands to their natural state is essential to ensure the health of watersheds.
  
  
  How can we protect our remaining wetlands? Through conservation programs. Wetland conservation encompasses the protection, enhancement, and use of wetland resources according to principles that will assure their highest long-term social, economic, and ecological benefits. It is recognized that some wetlands should be protected and managed in their natural state; some actively managed to allow sustained, appropriate use of wetland renewable resources; and some developed for their non-renewable resource values.

Options to prevent further loss of wetlands include the following:

• adding sediment to coastal wetlands to keep up with rising sea levels;
  


• planting grasses to protect coastal sands from erosion;
  


• building dikes or barrier islands; Controlling water levels artificially; developing a national policy of protection.