Wetland Ecosystem and Socio-Economics: Interdependence for Sustainability

Susmita Lahiri
Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, West Bengal, India

Sanjukta Mistri
Department of Ecological Studies, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741235, West Bengal, India

Sanjana Lahiri
Department of Biophysics, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Calcutta

Ashis Kumar Panigrahi
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Burdwan University, Burdwan-713104, West Bengal, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e01.017

Keywords: wetlands, ecosystem, economy, sustainability, interdependent

Abstract:
Recent advances in environmental research have proved that wetlands are the most promising solution in controlling and managing environmental problems, with their unique property of enormous diversification in spatial, creation, water and sediment characteristics, and keystone species. While providing the natural habitat and breeding ground for about 40 percent of global wildlife, they also serve as vital sources of genetic medicinal resources, hydropower, food, raw materials and ecological services of flood mitigation, coast embankment protection and community resilience against disasters. The versatile study of wetland ecosystems and their contribution to large-scale environmental protection was undertaken by many scientists, and the concept progressed through numerous studies, mainly for tropical developing countries rich in wetlands like India. Their environmental importance was given global recognition at Ramsar convention held in 1971 where the wetland characteristics and functions were precisely defined along with the recommendations for wise use and its resource conservation in order to achieve sustainable development. Irrespective of variable sizes, wetlands’ ecological and economic valuation is similar in significance and uniqueness. Because their services can be considered non-market goods, their economic valuation should be in monetary terms to get long-term benefits from investment upscaling for conservation. Wetlands also function as a unique, well-established system of waste treatment, recycling and resource recovery when the nutrients from waste are reused into fish culture and agriculture. The present environmental degradation of the system is affecting the livelihood of poor people who depend on the local wetlands. A model-based interactive approach will not only measure the interdependencies of the current situation of the ecological and social vulnerabilities but also will be able to predict future changes, thus bringing about sustainability.

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How to Cite
Susmita Lahiri, Sanjukta Mistri, Sanjana Lahiri and Ashis Kumar Panigrahi (2024). Wetland ecosystem and socio-economics: interdependence for sustainability. © International Academic Publishing House (IAPH), Dr. Somnath Das, Dr. Ashis Kumar Panigrahi, Dr. Rose Stiffin and Dr. Jayata Kumar Das (eds.), Life as Basic Science: An Overview and Prospects for the Future Volume: 1, pp. 208-220. ISBN: 978-81-969828-9-8 doi: https://doi.org/10.52756/lbsopf.2024.e01.017

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