.wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or 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 six meters. These organisms exhibit adaptations designed to tolerate periods of sluggishly moving or standing water. During periods of excessive rain, wetlands absorb and slow floodwaters, which helps to alleviate property damage and may even save lives Wetlands also absorb excess nutrients, sediments, and other pollutants before they reach rivers, lakes, and other waterbodies. Explore what wetlands are, why they matter, and eight fascinating facts about these vital ecosystems and wwf’s work to protect them. Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing and storing large amounts of water during periods of heavy rainfall
This reduces the volume and velocity of floodwaters, protecting downstream areas from inundation and erosion. Wetlands occur wherever water meets land Healthy wetlands are central to solving the interconnected climate, biodiversity, and water crises. More specifically, wetlands are areas where the presence of water determines or influences most, if not all, of an area's biogeochemistry—that is, the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of a particular site. Wetlands are highly productive and biologically diverse systems that enhance water quality, control erosion, maintain stream flows, sequester carbon, and provide a home to at least one third of all threatened and endangered species.
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