The Role of Wetlands in Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support diverse communities of plants, animals, microorganisms, and other organisms. They include marshes, swamps, peatlands, floodplains, mangroves, and shallow coastal environments. Wetlands provide habitat, regulate water, store carbon, cycle nutrients, reduce flooding, and support important ecological interactions. Despite their ecological value, wetlands face drainage, pollution, land conversion, hydrological alteration, invasive species, and climate-related pressures. This paper examines nine major dimensions of wetland biodiversity conservation, including habitat functions, water regulation, biodiversity, ecological connectivity, ecosystem services, threats, restoration, community participation, and future conservation strategies.