Wetland Landscapes and Catchment Management

Abstract

This chapter highlights opportunities and challenges associated with integrated management of wetlands at the catchment and landscape scale. It discusses the fragmented nature of many catchments, and the low priority given to wetlands, in spite of their important ecological functions and valuable ecosystem services. By highlighting the need for holistic approaches to managing catchment systems, we draw attention to the need to mobilise political will from the wide variety of institutions usually present in larger catchments. Lack of legal clarity over wetland identity and the negative impacts of vested interests often associated with economic development are other big barriers to more effective efforts to secure wetland integrity within the catchment or landscape context. Given the importance of wetlands to hydrological regimes, and increasing water stress from local to global scales, we conclude that greater implementation of market-based instruments is essential to counteract commercial self-interest, if sustainable management of wetlands is to be achieved.