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Nature reflects our nature
Invasive Species
Invasive species have had major impacts on the local aquatic plants and animals and can hinder the balance
of the ecosystem. For example, the introduction of Nile Perch (a fresh water fish) to Lake Victoria
has put many of the lake’s native Cichlid species at the verge extinction. Since there may be no nat-
ural predators in the new ecosystem these species thrive and breed quickly, taking over the whole
area.
Dams
Dams are constructed on the wetlands to store water for agricultural and irrigational purpose. They
alter the natural flow of the water, disturbing the ecosystem. The dam wall itself blocks fish migra-
tions which change the fish’s spawning and rearing habitats. It also traps sediments, which are im-
portant for maintaining physical processes and habitats downstream of the dam.
Land Filling
The areas of wetlands are filled to provide more agricultural areas. Dumping landfill material buries
hydric soils and effectively lowers the water table so hydrophilic plants cannot compete with upland
plants. It is also done as an anti-malarial measure since wetlands are major sites for the mosquitoes
to breed.
Natural Processes
Fire, floods, cyclones, and drought are all naturally occurring phenomena that have the potential to
alter and damage wetland environments.
Conservation Measures
Some of the conservation measures are as follows.
1 .The non-wetland sites should be sought for development and the wetlands should be protected
during construction.
2. The public and private conservation organizations can help inform and educate others about val-
ue of the wetlands and the benefits that we can get from a healthy wetland.
3. The undesirable materials entering the wetland through runoff from the surrounding landscape
should be trapped or prevented.
4. Protection, preservation, and convenient utilization of the existing aquatic resources should be
done.
5. Natural fixes and bioengineering techniques should be used in the possible places. It helps to
prevent erosion, control sediment, and other pollutants.
6. Proper legislation should be made for the conservation of wetlands.
Conclusion
Wetlands are necessary for the numerous benefits and services that they provide us. Yet, study after
study demonstrates that wetland area and quality continue to decline in most regions of the world.
As a result, the ecosystem services that wetlands provide to people are compromised. Managing
wetlands is a global challenge; therefore all concerned people should know the value of conserving
this ecosystem for the mutual benefit of human kind.
Cizal Gautam
B.E. Electrical engineering
1st Year (Batch-2018)
Nature and Social Concern Society
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