key term - Wetland restoration

Definition

Wetland restoration is the process of returning degraded or destroyed wetlands to their natural state, enhancing their ecological functions and benefits. This practice plays a critical role in mitigating environmental issues like flooding, water quality degradation, and loss of biodiversity, making wetlands vital components in nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wetland restoration can significantly reduce flooding by increasing water absorption and slowing runoff during heavy rain events.
2. Restoring wetlands improves water quality by filtering pollutants and sediments from surface water before they reach larger bodies of water.
3. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems, providing essential habitats for numerous species, thus contributing to biodiversity.
4. The restoration of wetlands often involves re-establishing native vegetation, which helps stabilize soil and maintain hydrological balance.
5. Wetland restoration can also serve as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Review Questions

• How does wetland restoration contribute to disaster risk reduction?
  • Wetland restoration contributes to disaster risk reduction by enhancing the natural capacity of these ecosystems to absorb excess rainfall and mitigate flooding. Restored wetlands act like sponges, absorbing stormwater and reducing the speed at which water flows into rivers and streams. This slows down flooding events and protects surrounding communities while also improving water quality through natural filtration processes.
• Evaluate the impact of wetland restoration on local biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • Wetland restoration positively impacts local biodiversity by providing essential habitats for various plant and animal species. By restoring these ecosystems, a greater variety of species can thrive, thus enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, restored wetlands offer critical ecosystem services such as improved water filtration, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation, which are vital for maintaining healthy environmental conditions in surrounding areas.
• Discuss the long-term benefits of wetland restoration in relation to climate change adaptation strategies.
  • Long-term benefits of wetland restoration as part of climate change adaptation strategies include increased resilience against extreme weather events and the promotion of carbon sequestration. Restored wetlands provide a buffer against flooding and storm surges while supporting diverse habitats that contribute to ecological stability. Furthermore, by sequestering carbon dioxide, these ecosystems play a significant role in mitigating climate change impacts while enhancing the overall health of local environments.

Related terms

Ecosystem Services:

The benefits that humans gain from ecosystems, including clean water, flood regulation, and habitat for wildlife.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, which is essential for resilience and stability.

Hydrology:

The study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth, crucial for understanding wetland function.