Wetland and Biodiversity Hotspot Conservation

Abstract

Wetland conservation is aimed at protecting and preserving areas where water exists (e.g., swamps, marshes, blogs, etc.). These wetlands make up 6% of the Earth's surface. Freshwater wetlands are utilised for cultivation of paddy, for basic water needs, for fishing, as a source of food by habitat loss, one main reason being anthropogenic activities. Wetland ecosystems are a home to birds and aquatic fauna. They are the breeding and nursing grounds for these species. They are the most productive ecosystem on Earth. Apart from this, wetlands are important as they reduce the impact of floods, control pollution, and also regulate climate. On our planet, there are regions that have large number of endemic species. Most of these are heavily threatened biodiversity hotspots. Thirty-five such regions have been identified in the world. Conservation strategies need to be framed and implemented in a very effective way and with no further wastage of time before the wetlands and hotspots disappear completely.