Freshwater

The importance of wetlands in Thailand

Wetlands are ecosystems of great significance; economically, socially and ecologically. Currently, wetlands comprise approximately 36,616.16square kilometers or 7.5% of Thailand's area. Presently, these lands are being threatened from encroachment and various forms of development.

What are Wetlands?
Wetlands can be basins, plains, springs and other water sources both occurring naturally and synthetically. They include both ephemeral and permanent pools, and can be freshwater, brackish water or saltwater, located on the coast or inland. Wetlands are also defined by areas that have a water level of no more than 6 meters deep.

Why are Wetlands Important?
Wetland ecosystems play an significant role in ecosystem health, as they can act as a source of water, a reservoir, a boundary blocking saltwater intrusion, guard against degradation of shorelines, and aid in prevention of sedimentation, and leaching of minerals and other toxins.

Wetlands also support diverse populations of wildlife, both aquatic and terrestrial. They provide habitat for migratory birds and act as breeding and spawning areas for hundreds of species of fish as well as rare marine mammals such as dugongs, manatees and freshwater dolphins.

Particularly in South East Asia, wetlands directly support a majority of the rural population, with freshwater resources providing income for many and contributing a valuable source of protein to their diets.

The many ways in which wetlands directly benefit human life and the environment exemplify the importance of conserving their unique ecology.

Participatory Wetland Management with Thailand and Khong Watershed Communities
Participatory Wetland Management with Thailand and Khong Watershed Communities is a project between WWF Denmark and WWF Khong Watershed, Thailand with Loei Fund for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development and Hug Muang Nan Foundation, supported by DANIDA, together helping execute the project's goals of conserving the nation's wetlands.