In the USA we have had destruction of wetlands in the Everglades of Florida State and in southern Louisiana, to mention a few. This led to difficulties with flood control during storms and hurricanes as well as reduction in wildlife habitat. Restoration of the wetlands to some extent are helping. We are glad to see the birds back in some of those areas.

I have not seen any wetland area destroyed in my country Nigeria. What i saw was destruction of forests and forest reserves and indeed the occupation of them by bandits especially in North western Nigeria. it is very important to protect and preserve wetlands from destruction by powerful persons and even the governments. Recently i saw a wetland at the entrance of Zinder city in Niger Republic and it was really nice considering the Sahelian Nature of the country where more of such wetlands are required.

In Ghana, wetland grazing or destruction has had a number of negative impacts on the environment and the people who depend on it for their livelihoods. The most significant impacts include a loss of biodiversity, decreased water supply and quality, increased soil erosion, and a reduction in the ability of wetland ecosystems to act as natural buffers against floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events. In order to save wetland from grazing in Ghana, a number of strategies must be implemented. These include enforcing regulations on wetland use, such as prohibiting grazing and wetland conversion, and promoting sustainable wetland management. Additionally, educational campaigns should be launched to raise awareness of the importance of wetland ecosystems and the need to protect them. Finally, policies should be implemented to incentivize wetland conservation and restoration, such as providing subsidies and tax breaks to those who protect and restore wetland areas.

In a populated country like Bangladesh, the challenge of protecting wetland from grazing is even greater. Strategies to protect and restore wetland should involve a combination of legal regulations, educational campaigns, and incentives. In addition, wetland conservation should be integrated into larger initiatives to improve agricultural productivity and reduce poverty. Furthermore, wetland management should be integrated into the country's overall environmental management plan, with specific plans and strategies developed to protect and restore wetland areas. Finally, international partnerships and collaboration should be sought to facilitate wetland conservation and restoration efforts in Bangladesh.

By having those wetland left in their natural state, and also get them restored wherever needed, should be our carbon sinks to produce carbon credits to offset our burning of fossil fuels.

Occidental petroleum did that two years ago with India, when they sold 2 million barrels of Carbon Neutral oil, that were offset by carbon credits.

India would probably love to buy wetland-restored carbon credits from Bangladesh, in order to work on their part of the "Middle East Green Initiative" that they joined in November at the COP27 meeting. Hopefully Bangladesh can join the other 24 countries, and use the restoration of your wetlands to offset your own fossil fuel use.

Wetland store more carbon per hectare than any other ecosystem on the planet. Watch the opening session on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO8PcbxOu0Y and both India and Pakistan are members, so Bangladesh should join soon.

Srini Vasan

Thats awesome a country like the USA have realized the importance of wetland for the nature conservation, biodiversity. The USA is a vast country full of resources, full of conscious and careful people. Greenpeace activists are working there. How axes went against the nature ?

Thank you very much for your contributions here.

Suleiman Iguda Ladan

Sir, Thank you for your response and contributions here. In fact I don't have idea about Nigeria and its wetland conservation. I am happy to learn that people from your country are taking much care of nature. Yes, destruction of forest and nature not merely the scenario of Africa but also all the world. On the other hand, for political economy's impact, Africa is much dependent for it economy to the west by exporting coffee and Cocos and other products that are destroying the nature.

Regards Sir

Peter Donkor

Thank you sir for your detailed information about Ghana. In fact, about the landscape of Ghana was not known to me. However, your information gave a total scenario about your country. I admire your, ''policies should be implemented to incentivize wetland conservation and restoration, such as providing subsidies and tax breaks to those who protect and restore wetland areas... Your observation and suggestion about Bangladesh is much appreciated

....In a populated country like Bangladesh, the challenge of protecting wetland from grazing is even greater. Strategies to protect and restore wetland should involve a combination of legal regulations, educational campaigns, and incentives. In addition, wetland conservation should be integrated into larger initiatives to improve agricultural productivity and reduce poverty.

OR

wetland management should be integrated into the country's overall environmental management plan, with specific plans and strategies developed to protect and restore wetland areas. Finally, international partnerships and collaboration should be sought to facilitate wetland conservation and restoration efforts in Bangladesh.

Thank you very much my friend.

The only way any forests, wetlands, grasslands on the planet are going to be preserved and then the damages repaired, is they need to pay for themselves.

That means, by leaving them in their natural conditions, will make the local people, significantly more money by leaving them alone, that is paid by the oil, gas and coal companies, to harvest carbon credits so those companies can use them to sell Carbon Neutral products--instead of harvesting those areas for their natural resources or converting them for other human purposes.

For example here in the arid Western USA, the ranchers on unirrigated rangelands only take home after expenses, $1 per hectare per cm of annual rainfall. Whereas if the native grasses were left to grow, they could produce 5-10X more income for those ranchers, by selling the carbon credits instead.

If you really want to protect and restore these wetlands, you need to determine what the other uses net incomes produce, and then calculate the value of the carbon credits if sold to the oil companies.

Then, the next thing the government needs to do, as the Saudis have done with their own "Green Initiative" is to set aside the wetlands as "Ecological Restoration Preserves" where the lands are not to be disturbed, and the process of restoration begins.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Both of your answer is pragmatized , informative and insightful , I adore . You see environment, wetland management, storage of carbon are the issues addressing by the global community rather to be successful by a single country by any means. Our almost all the rivers are from the flow of India or crossing India. India also a country which is using the river stream for agriculture, hydroelectricity, fishing, etc. However, wetland are mainly river based which much affected in our country for shortage of water. Unfortunately total ecology of the wetland has been changed. !!!

Thanks you very much.

Since India has joined the "Middle East Green Initiative" and wanting to put CO2 away the natural method by planting trees, and buying Carbon Neutral oil--then the two countries could work together on sequestering carbon in wetlands.

Especially since current studies suggest that mangroves and coastal wetlands annually sequester carbon at a rate ten times faster than mature tropical forests. Also, wetlands store three to five times more carbon than the same sized area of a tropical forest.

According to the article at https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coastal-blue-carbon/#:~:text=Current%20studies%20suggest%20that%20mangroves,equivalent%20area%20than%20tropical%20forests.

From that article--The Importance of Anaerobic Soils

One reason coastal wetlands are particularly good at storing carbon is because the soils are largely anaerobic, which means they lack oxygen.

In most coastal wetlands there is usually a thin layer of soil that is oxygenated and above water, but the remainder of the soil is submerged in water. Oxygen diffuses very slowly through water, so saturated (wet) soils in these wetland habitats tend to have little to no oxygen present.

Decomposition of organic plant material is much slower when there is no oxygen present, so the carbon present in this plant material remains intact, rather than being broken down by microbes and respired back to the atmosphere. As a result, wetlands are very good carbon sinks (meaning they store a lot of carbon).

In summary, coastal wetlands are particularly good at storing carbon because the plants annually sequester (capture) a lot of carbon and then these ecosystems store carbon for long periods of time in their soils.

Wanna add a related article:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225333033_State_and_management_of_wetlands_in_Bangladesh

Md Rabiul Alam

Thank you very much dear sir. I appreciate your kind effort. Let me read the details and will update you subsequently.

Regards

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363070541_Assessments_Land_Cover_change_Effects_on_Soil_Erosion_Trend_in_Hoor_al-Azim_wetland_Southwestern_of_Iran

Jasem Mayahi ,

Thank you very much. Research is a global asset especially environmental research. Thank you for your kind reference attachment here. Could you add it any form in English Please?

I will appreciate

Thank you once again.

Regards

Craig Carlton Dremann

Thank you very much for your informative and insightful answer here. These have added value for this research. I will request you, if you share any flowchart , how the carbons storages and what are total impacts on the macro and the microenvironment, livelihoods , biodiversity , ecology of the land.

Hi @md zafar alam Bhuiyan

Governments should pay special attention to wetlands. In my research, which was conducted on the change of vegetation cover on soil erosion in Horul Azim wetland in the southwest of Iran, the following general results were obtained. The general results indicate that in the period between 1986 and 2016, the area of ​​land cover floors with low erosion class has been reduced and the area of ​​high erosion classes has been increased and mainly the erosion class of more than 5 tons per hectare per year . According to the information obtained for 1986, about 26% of the area and for 2016, about 41% of the area, the amount of erosion is more than acceptable and in some parts is critical

Jasem Mayahi ,

Thank you very much for your excellent research and the findings subsequently. It really added a value for the research question.

James Varghese

Thank you very much for your great answer and kind hard work for the research. I really apprecaite your analysis for Bangladesh .................. In Bangladesh, I think the impacts of wetland destruction include loss of biodiversity, degradation of water quality, and increased flooding. Wetlands play an important role in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, and their destruction can make communities more vulnerable to these events. To save wetlands in Bangladesh, it is important to promote community-based conservation efforts, increase public awareness, and enforce strict policies and laws to prevent wetland destruction. Thank you very much again

Barbara Sawicka Craig Carlton Dremann Peter Donkor Jasem Mayahi Md Rabiul Alam

The wetland biodiversity crisis is serious worldwide.UN Biodiversity has developed a graphical outcome addressing this issue. For your kind acknowledgment, this outcome has been attached.

Thank you all valued researchers. I need your kind support always.

Dear

Barbara Sawicka Jasem Mayahi Craig Carlton Dremann Peter Donkor and other valued contributors.

I think all valued researchers already know that 97% of water in the world is saline that is in the sea which is increasing. 2 % of the total water is in ice form in the polar regions and other frozen areas. Only 1% of total water is fresh water, fit to drink, and can be used by humans, and freshwater animals, to regulate life fresh in the world. The unfortunate stance is that fresh water is decreasing gradually, lowering the amount even from 1%. Salinity is increasing, and water reserve under the sublayer is decreasing. if the surface waterbodies are kept and polluted or filled by the structural construction, total living beings will go under threat. Biodiversity will be disturbed, foodweb will be interrupted, the total ecology of the state and gradually the world will be ruined.

But developing countries are grasping the waterbodies through encroachment, pollution, landfilling, filling by waste materials, polythenes, fashion wastes, and textiles effluents that shrinkage not only the environment but also the livelihoods of the neighboring people, water drainage system, agriculture, and farming, etc.

I think the political and social commitments of the country's people are a necessary must to ensure the environmental safeguarding of the country by keeping and conservation of freshwater reserves, basins, rivers, canals, and streams in the hilly regions. SOCIETY SHOULD BE CONSCIOUS TO LET THE WORLD LIVE . Thank you very much for all the valued contributors.

Barbara Sawicka

Dear Madam, this is unfortunate for the future generation though the economists are arguing structural development is not development at all, if the development is not sustainable.

The world is going through structural development to meet the demand and necessity of the near future only whereas, Nobel Laureate Dr. Amartay Sen, in his famous book 'Development As Freedom' expressed that without freedom, development has no value.

I think still there is time to rethink the issues globally by a capitalistic economy, we pollute water bodies, rivers, and even the ocean, and we pollute forests; through deep forests, we go for road communications to enrich capitalistic economy by so-called ecotourism... we construct dams on the river flow ignoring nature for irrigation, we suck groundwater for our consumption! But are the only duty of nature to control by magic in really of our misdeeds? NEVER, WE MUST BE READY FOR THE REVENGE BY THE NATURE AS WELL... Thank you very much.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan ...Your UN poster only shows all of the threats to wetlands, but it does not propose the best economic solution on the planet for protecting and restoring those wetlands--which is that wetland sequester more tons of carbon per hectare than any other ecosystem on the planet--and all of the countries which have a goal of becoming carbon neutral, could be contributing in at least three ways--

• 1.) Set aside those wetlands as Ecological Restoration Preserves.
• 2.) Pay the former local users of those wetland for other destructive purposes (grazing, farming, etc.) to start the replanting with the local native wetland plant.
• 3.) Any coal, natural gas or oil producer could make a deal, in exchange for paying for and setting up this process, obtain the carbon credits produced each year, so that they can sell their fossil fuel products as already "Carbon Neutral". That is how Occidental Petroleum sold 2 million barrels of Carbon Neutral oil to India a couple of years ago--offset all of the carbon in that oil with carbon credits.
• A country like Bangladesh may not immediately have the money to start that process, by all of the fossil fuel producers to the west from Arabia to Libya might jump at the chance of investing in the wetlands as the best natural carbon-sink on the planet?
• If your Center for Natural Resource Studies would take the lead on this, I would be willing to work with you.
• The first issue that needs to be put together, is a map of existing wetlands and former wetlands that could be restored, and an estimation of the areas in hectares of each. And include mangrove current areas and former locations.
• Plus a quality scale shown on the map, from zero to 5, with zero no wetland plants and or filled lands, and diked lands noted with the potential of instantly breaking the dikes to have the wetland restore themselves naturally
• A border of upland properties will need to be made a part of these "Wetlands Ecological Restoration Preserves" about 100 meters from the high tide mark edge, no grazing, no farming, no dwellings. The last one might be difficult, but you will need a clearance from humans and the wetlands so they can be restored unmolested by our species.
• The same for streams feeding into the wetlands, for one kilometer each stream feeding into a wetlands, on either side for 100 meter is a no farming, no dwellings, no grazing zone.
• Surrounding the wetlands and streams, every household MUST have a composing toilet. This may mean million or tons of millions, but we produce the most waste of any animal on the planet, and as your UN poster says, pollution and human shit is a big problem.
• Industrial waste into streams that feed into the wetlands. Somehow that needs to be managed better, and periodic checks from the streams need to be made. Why rebuild a wetlands if what you are pouring into the streams is going to kill everything?
• Most of these costs need to be covered by selling the carbon credits to the oil producers who want to sell a carbon neutral product. The other part must be when Bangladesh converts at least 95% of its $4.3 billion military budget to restoring its environment, and getting every household a free composting toilet (100 million NO sanitary waste disposal now), free rooftop rainwater catchment systems (140 million NO safe clean fresh water source), along with free solar panels for electricity (have your own power, and be independent from national grid that is failing across 80% of the country).
• · There is no "National Security" being produced at all with that $4.3 billion dollars each year for the people--who in the world is going to invade Bangladesh for whatever reason? It is only to keep your “Military-Industrial Complex" as our President Eisenhower warned us over 60 years ago, when restoring your wetlands, safe fresh water, solar panels and composting toilets would produce REAL National Security for the people!
• With 100 MILLION with no sanitary waste systems, that along is going to impact your wetlands with a massive flow of crap 24/7 right there. Then 140 MILLION with no safe fresh water, and a failing national grid, it is really one of the most serious CRIMES on the planet for ANY government to be spending $4.3 BILLION on the military.
• Hope my suggestions are helpful.

Wetlands provide important ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and habitat for wildlife. In many countries, wetlands have been drained, filled in, or otherwise degraded due to human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure projects. The impacts of wetland loss can include reduced water quality, increased flooding, loss of biodiversity, and reduced availability of resources such as fish and timber.

To save wetlands from degradation and loss in populated countries like Bangladesh, it is important to implement policies and practices that balance the needs of development with environmental conservation. This can include promoting sustainable land use practices that minimize the impact on wetlands, such as reduced tillage in agriculture, responsible mining practices, and green infrastructure development that incorporates wetland conservation. Other approaches include implementing wetland restoration projects, establishing protected areas, and providing education and outreach to raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation. Additionally, involving local communities in wetland conservation efforts can help build support for sustainable practices and reduce the negative impacts of human activities on these important ecosystems.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Dear Scientist and noted scholar, I am lucky enough to get you here with your tremendously valued and insightful thoughts in this thread. I appreciate your kind hard work for me and the planet, centering information through studying my country. Maybe you know, Bangladesh is a densely populated country, lacking adequate land for agriculture, farming, dwelling, or industrialization. Nonetheless of Readymade garment(RMG) of this country is world famous (due to the theory of dependency) for the political economy is functioning here. Most of the resources we have to import from other countries for RMG and we have skilled manpower for the manufacturing of trendy garments. maybe you know more that, Bangladesh is one of the leading countries for green manufacturing, though I have some different observations, in some cases. Our rivers and water bodies are severely contaminated due to industrial effluents mainly from RMG and the leather sector. I think, within the near future, Bangladesh will be in threat of safe drinking water as

1. Rivers are contaminated by industrial wastes,

2. Sublayer of the country's water table is severely contaminated by chemical mixing from the topsoil and river bed.

3. Salinity is increasing in the southern part of the country through the upsurging of saline water from the Bay of Bengal.

4. The country is using polythenes, plastics that cover the agricultural land, leading to decreasing soil fertility, and adequate micro-organisms' availability in the soil.

5. So-called ecotourism is the in the take-off mood vertically, increasing carbon footprint, threatening to disruption of biodiversity, and nature management adding another bad impact to the narrow figured nature conservation and forest.

6. Notwithstanding decreasing cultivated land area, the land is severely decreasing for dwellings, amusements, service centers, academic institutions, and so on. If your Center for Natural Resource Studies would take the lead on this, I would be willing to work with you".- Thank you very much for your willingness. I am overwhelmed hearing from your side. How can you contribute to my country and my organization? Please write me through my Email I will give you an inbox message. Thank you very much,

Shishir Kanti Talukder ,

Yes, you've nicely outlined the problem and proposed its way out by engaging local people in wetland conservation and management. My present activities are dominant by this philosophical approach but the following are constraints I am facing here:

1. People usually had been living in forests/wetlands are hard that can be diverted to another way round. They think collecting natural resources is their birthright.

2. There are no sustainable income sources for them, and a lack of infrastructure, based on which an informal supply chain is well established. For example, people who are hunting in the forest/wetland sanctuary are well connected with the business chain along with empowered people. Illegal sawmills have a good connection with illicit fellers, furniture traders, politicians, and journalists. And, we should never think all are on the right track.

3. Lacking modern education people are much obdurate, blind in their own way, and always dependent on the government's aid.

4. Lacking a healthy value chain, local agriculture is not profitable to them. Sometimes they keep wasting their time, rather than working in their field.

5. All of the above-mentioned constraints are socio-cultural and socio-political issues that are not easy to address but we are trying our best.

Thank you very much for your insightful contribution to this thread.

Please keep in touch.

The Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia has established a preliminary list of 68 potential Ramsar areas in Serbia. So far, 10 areas of international importance have been designated, covering a total area of 63.919 ha. Đerdap National Park has been in the process of nominating and gaining Ramsar status since 2013...

https://www.zzps.rs/wp/ramsarska/?lang=en&script=lat

Ljubomir Jacić

This reference will work much for the research though the two locations are opposite regarding temperature and precipitation. Climate has a profound role in temperature, i.e, in the tropical country, due to high average temperature, humidity is higher which regulated the evapotranspiration of plants, impact large animals to microorganisms.

Within the project “EU for Green Agenda in Serbia”, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) presented today a new initiative that aims to improve the protection of wetlands in Serbia and preserve their flora and fauna. The initiative is supported by the Government of Sweden...

Wetlands, such as swamps and peatlands, act as natural flood protection and filters for various types of pollution. They also help mitigate climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, due to activities such as agriculture, urbanization and overexploitation of resources, they are endangered.

The new initiative for the preservation of these precious natural ecosystems is part of the wider support for the acceleration of the green transition of the economy and society in Serbia, in accordance with the EU Green Agenda...

https://www.undp.org/serbia/news/initiative-better-protection-wetlands-serbia-launched

Ljubomir Jacić

Moreover, Bangladesh is a densely populated country with a scarcity of resources and a wide development gap in society. For different socioeconomic and sociocultural limitations, existing Ramsar sites are not much protected, which reflects also the sorry state of nature management, nonetheless efforts of the government and its development partners.

Nature governance is also weak as a lack of implementation ability of rules.

With few exceptions, still, nature conservation is much more challenging for the government. Community needs much capacity building ability to transfer their livelihoods for the sustainability of nature management. On the other hand, Alternative Income Generating Activities ( AIGAs) are a must for the community people who are dependent on fishing in the wetland, sanctuary, and Ramsar sites. Key findings of the report are here:

* Bangladesh has proposed designating a third Ramsar site in the country, but the current state of its two other important wetland ecosystems suggests such a designation won’t be of much protection.

• The Sundarbans, the world’s biggest mangrove forest, and Tanguar Haor, a freshwater swamp forest, have been severely degraded by deforestation, hunting of wildlife and fish, overexploitation of natural resources, and water pollution.
• Hakaluki Haor, the largest marsh wetland ecosystem in South Asia, which the government wants to designate a Ramsar site, is already facing similar threats.
• “The problem is, the government does nothing after the recognition. They completely fail to take necessary measures, in the interest of vested quarters in the government,” says environmental lawyer Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
• For further study, a link is attached about the Ramsar sites in Bangladesh:https://news.mongabay.com/2023/02/for-key-bangladesh-wetland-bid-for-ramsar-status-is-no-guarantee-of-protection/#:~:text=Bangladesh%20signed%20up%20to%20the,freshwater%20wetland%2C%20followed%20in%202000.

Europe has one of the worst records in the world of wrecking its wet places. Gradually drying out wetlands are emitting an estimated 220 million tonnes of CO2 annually! To help reach the Paris Climate targets, the project WET HORIZONS aims at contributing to the protection and restoration of European wetlands to increase benefits for climate and biodiversity. A key aim of the WET HORIZONS project will be to identify potential remediation hotspots, where a limited investment in restoration can have the maximum climatic and ecological benefit...

https://www.euroscience.org/saving-europes-wetlands-the-key-to-carbon-storage

Ljubomir Jacić Craig Carlton Dremann Barbara Sawicka Jasem Mayahi

It sounds unbelievable and painful, claiming much-civilized nations and how European countries are destroying their wetlands to interrupt the carbon dioxide sink ! So, who will ring the cat? Who will be the whistleblower?

I am afraid of being keeping a concern by populated countries for a lack of resources to fight for climate resilience! Salucus!

Still, I think European Commission should work on this. Being a member of the Global Economic Forum, I am surprised about the effectiveness of the Commission!

According to the determination of approaches to deal with the pollution of wetlands, unfortunately, in some countries, these laws have not been implemented, and this factor has caused severe pollution of wetlands.

The US Supreme Court has gutted federal protection for wetlands...

Now, projects that were denied because they decrease water quality, increase flood risk or eliminate habitats will be able to proceed without a federal permit. But there’s still time for state and local governments to act, argues Gardner. “Now is a crucial time for scientists and the public to educate state and local decision makers about how acutely we need wetlands...

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-01827-y

Ljubomir Jacić

It's a piece of great news. The country should advocate the policy related to environmental protection. Projects that are related to structural development, should address environmental protection policies as well. unfortunately, when a country goes to the take-off stage (according to Rostow), Environmental pollution increases.

Thank you very much.

Jasem Mayahi

Late is better than never- Please try to mobilize people in favor of environmental protection with the conservation of wetlands. so far I know, Iran is a country with conscious and educated people and advanced science and technologies.

Thanks

A healthy and pollution-free environment is the inalienable right of future generations. All the efforts of experts are to minimize pollution Thank you for raising questions and answering other researchers

Jasem Mayahi

Thank you again for your contributions here. A healthy pollution-free environment is not only necessary for the future generation but also for the existence of the world as environmental pollution is directly connected to climate change and the consequences of climate change.

We may do further research if we think we can and that will be benefited for us. Thanks

@Craig Carlton Dremann

...current studies suggest that mangroves and coastal wetlands annually sequester carbon at a rate ten times faster than mature tropical forests. Also, wetlands store three to five times more carbon than the same sized area of a tropical forest....

Yes, mangroves and coastal wetlands play in carbon sequestration, which refers to the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Let's break down the key points of the statement:

Mangroves and coastal wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that can capture and store carbon at a rapid rate. They achieve this through various processes:

a. Vegetation growth: Mangroves and coastal wetland plants have high rates of photosynthesis, during which they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon through photosynthesis.

b. Organic matter accumulation: These ecosystems produce a significant amount of organic matter, including dead plant material and root systems, which accumulate in the soil and sediment. As this organic matter breaks down, carbon is stored in the soil.

c. Low decomposition rates: In the waterlogged and anaerobic conditions of wetlands, decomposition occurs at a slower rate compared to upland forests. This allows carbon to be stored in the soil for more extended periods.

The ability of wetlands to store large amounts of carbon can be attributed to several factors:

a. Soil carbon: As mentioned earlier, the accumulation of organic matter in wetland soils leads to the storage of significant amounts of carbon. These soils are often referred to as "blue carbon" sinks.

b. Long-term carbon storage: Wetland soils can hold carbon for extended periods, and some of the carbon can remain sequestered for centuries or even millennia.

c. High biomass density: Wetland vegetation, including mangroves, marsh grasses, and other plant species, can have high biomass density, which means they contain substantial amounts of carbon.

d. Flooding and anaerobic conditions: The waterlogged and anaerobic conditions in wetlands prevent the complete decomposition of organic matter, allowing carbon to accumulate in the soil.

Due to these factors, wetlands, despite covering a smaller land area compared to tropical forests, have the capacity to store several times more carbon on a per-unit-area basis.

Preserving and restoring mangroves and coastal wetlands are essential strategies for mitigating climate change as they provide a nature-based solution for capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These ecosystems not only support biodiversity and act as important habitats for various species but also contribute significantly to global carbon sequestration efforts. Protecting and conserving these valuable coastal ecosystems should be a priority in climate change and environmental conservation strategies.

Thank you very much.

@all Preserving wetlands is crucial for maintaining natural resources, biodiversity, and carbon storage. To save wetlands and promote their conservation, here are some suggestions:

Remember that wetland conservation requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders, including governments, communities, NGOs, scientists, and businesses. By implementing these suggestions and fostering a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship, we can work towards saving and conserving our precious wetlands.

Ahmad Al Khraisat

Thank you very much for your contribution here. How International Cooperation maybe augmented ? It is somewhat difficult todays after Covid19 invasion that resulted economic recession in the world.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan International cooperation can be augmented by adopting several strategies, even in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. Here are some approaches to consider:

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recessions, international cooperation remains vital in addressing global issues. By fostering collaboration, mutual support, and shared responsibility, countries can work together towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Ahmad Al Khraisat

Yes, Thank you very much. I want to add an issue the engagement of civil society is a great issue that may work which you have mentioned here. But the engagement of the political and economic institutions is also important by which good governance will be ensured to reinstate good relations within the countries. Without good relations with neighbors, nothing can be augmented from wetland management to economic development. For example, most of the rivers of Bangladesh have come from outside of the country but the water flow of the rivers are lessened by building dams by other countries..that may be solved with good relation, excellent diplomacy, and involving the civil societies of the countries.

Thanks

Ahmad Al Khraisat Jasem Mayahi Ljubomir Jacić Shishir Kanti Talukder Craig Carlton Dremann

Involving national and international civil society is crucial for effective wetland management and biodiversity conservation. Civil society organizations play a significant role in advocating for environmental protection, conducting research, raising awareness, and implementing conservation projects. Here are some ways they can be involved:

By engaging national and international civil society in these ways, wetland management and biodiversity conservation efforts can benefit from a broader range of perspectives, expertise, and resources, leading to more successful and sustainable outcomes.

Ahmad Al Khraisat Shishir Kanti Talukder Jasem Mayahi

Once again, I want to recall the importance of Wetlands for Carbon sinks:

Wetlands play a crucial role in the carbon cycle and can act as both carbon sinks and carbon sources. The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, living organisms, soil, and the Earth's crust. Here's how wetlands function in the carbon cycle:

Overall, wetlands play a vital role in the global carbon cycle and climate regulation. Protecting and restoring wetlands is not only essential for preserving biodiversity and providing ecosystem services but also for mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Article Reducing Emissions From Degraded Floodplain Wetlands

Healthy vegetation is crucial for sustaining life in the wetlands. This includes upland vegetation, fringing vegetation and aquatic plant-life. Wetland vegetation is highly specialized, in that it has evolved to thrive in varying conditions of dampness and salinity.

Within the wetland catchments, ecosystems flourish based on an energy exchange between living organisms and the non-living environment. Leaves or branches from overhanging trees and shrubs, fall and are broken down by microbes, bacteria and fungi. These, in turn, become food for larger animals within the food web.

You can help in the conservation and rehabilitation efforts – by planting native flora, creating habitats for wildlife and participating in citizen science projects and initiatives...

https://www.thewetlandscentre.org.au/blog/things-to-do-to-help-wetlands/

Ljubomir Jacić

Agreed and further, there is a graphics by UN emphasizing the conservation of Wetlands.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/unbiodiversity/

Ljubomir Jacić

Thank you very much for your contributions here. Within wetland catchments, ecosystems flourish through a complex and dynamic energy exchange between living organisms and the non-living environment. Wetlands are unique and diverse habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species due to the interplay of various ecological processes. The key components of this energy exchange include:

Overall, the intricate network of energy flows and interactions between living organisms and their environment in wetland catchments sustains a thriving and resilient ecosystem. Wetlands play a crucial role in providing habitat, supporting biodiversity, filtering water, storing carbon, and protecting coastlines, making them essential ecosystems for both wildlife and humans.

Ljubomir Jacić Ahmad Al Khraisat Jasem Mayahi Shishir Kanti Talukder Craig Carlton Dremann Barbara Sawicka

Thank you very much for your kind contributions.

I always appreciate your efforts.

Mangroves and coastal wetlands are highly effective at sequestering carbon, and they can do so at rates up to ten times faster than mature tropical forests. There are several key reasons for this phenomenon:

The exceptional carbon sequestration capacity of mangroves and coastal wetlands makes them vital components in global climate change mitigation efforts. Their conservation and restoration are critical not only for the protection of biodiversity and coastal ecosystems but also for their significant role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

PC: Review of the ecosystem service implications of mangrove encroachment into salt marshes.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan ... So any discussions in your country, of setting aside and restoring wetlands as the very best Carbon Sequestration sites on the planet, and have that work being paid by the oil, gas and coal companies to produce carbon offsets so Bangladesh can become Carbon Neutral to Carbon Negative faster.

Unless there is an economic value of these wetlands tied to the need to become Carbon Neutral to Carbon Negative, and tied to the oil, gas and coal companies, then everyone is missing this golden opportunity to protect, utilize and restore this perfect ecosystem to our best advantage.

We have been talking about "Carbon Neutral" for 30 years, but we need to get to that as quickly as possible, so we can then go to "Carbon Negative", which the wetlands will be critical ecosystem and their excellent carbon sequestration functions to help us get to those two goals quickly.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan .. I do not see any big money in your answers, like the TRILLIONS of Bangladeshi Taka that will be required to make a dent in those eight categories???

And I do not heard in your answers, when is anyone going to ask the oil, gas and coal companies to add a fee to ALL of the fossil fuels we burn, to be able to start buying and then restore those wetland, in exchange for Carbon Credits they can produce ???

I know that nobody ever wants to talk about money, especially on the scale that will need to be spent to get us to Carbon Neutral, then to Carbon Negative.

However, there is an excellent marriage to be made, between the oil, gas and coal companies that need to get to Carbon Neutral, and the abilities for wetlands to quickly get all of us quickly towards that goal.

Protecting and replanting the wetlands and the desert grasslands of the planet, will save us all in the future.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Yes, I agree, it will need huge money and conservation of the wetland and its biodiversity, and keeping it out of pollution is quite impossible for Bangladesh being a densely populated country with more than 300 rivers. thousands of canals, wetlands, etc. The main cause is people use to live near wetlands, rivers, water bodies, and industrial zones are near the water bodies to discharge effluents into them. Nonetheless tremendous efforts of the govt. people are doing as their cultural heritage. However, the scenario is changing but very slow and hope it will expedite soon as govt has enacted law.

Dear Friend, I think you also will agree we are in global politics being the part of political economy, we cannot go out from using fossil fuels. We don't have much capacity to replace fossil fuels just now. But we are going to incorporate atomic energy for power generation and we have been adopting hydroelectricity projects since 70 years back.

To go for carbon neutrality is also difficult right now but we are increasing our capacity.

Thanks

The idea about the wetlands and fossil fuels, is for the oil, gas and coal companies to add a surcharge to each sale of those fossil fuels to the people, and use that money to buy the wetlands and restore them--to create Carbon Credits.

Then, over time, the use of fossil fuels would become Carbon Neutral, when the forest, grassland and wetland restoration and the annual carbon credits being produced, would equal the amount of tons of CO2 being produced by the burning of those fuels.

That would allow Bangladesh be able to get to Carbon Neutral without having to try and go to Carbon Zero.

Craig Carlton Dremann

'The idea about the wetlands and fossil fuels is for the oil, gas, and coal companies to add a surcharge to each sale of those fossil fuels to the people, and use that money to buy the wetlands and restore them--to create Carbon Credits... your ideas are super excellent my dear friend. However, CSR didn't develop here yet to serve society's welfare- the impact/result/influence of the capitalistic economy and lack of consciousness of the mass people of the country. Let us wait for the upcoming future as our present govt. is working for this. Maybe you will be surprised and aware that already that Bangladesh is the leading country for GREEN GARMENTs Production, nonetheless of its failure to check massive environmental pollution. I look forward to adding your valuable suggestions in the future.

Regards

Craig Carlton Dremann Ljubomir Jacić Ahmad Al Khraisat Jasem Mayahi Yosra Mnif Sellami Segun Michael Abegunde Hazim Al Dilaimy Hassane Eddassi Sara Thamer Hadi Stanley Wilkin Micheal M Van Wyk Dijana Vučković Vicky Ahumada Mihail Viktorovich Tabakaev

Being a tiny land-based area, Bangladesh is facing a serious crisis regarding accommodation. If you think about the capital Dhaka, there were many wetlands, marshy land, rivers, and canals in this city. Now with landfill, constructions of institutions, and residences many of the wetlands have turned into plain land that has caused water logging during monsoon in the city. Many water animals were dependent on the water bodies, and migratory birds are out of the scene. As there is no water body, mosquitoes

Being a tiny land-based area, Bangladesh is facing a serious crisis regarding accommodation. If you think about the capital Dhaka, there were many wetlands, marshy land, rivers, and canals in this city. Now with landfill, constructions of institutions, and residences many of the wetlands have turned into plain land that has caused water logging during monsoon in the city. Many water animals were dependent on the water bodies, and migratory birds are out of the scene. As there is no water body, mosquitoes are breeding in the sewerage and attacking the citizen bearing the germs of dengue, and malaria. Previously, water animals like frogs, and fish used to grasp these larvae of mosquitoes to support less infestation in this city. So, destroying the biodiversity of the city, human life is under threat lack of wetland management. Not only that, the groundwater of the sub-layer is seriously lowering to create a fatal vacuum threatening to collapse the city at any time.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan ...Bangladesh has two critically important sources of money, to get your country put back together environmentally--

1.) ৳40360 crore (US$3.8 billion) each year is spent on your military, which is a complete waste of money because which one of your neighbors would ever want to have a war with you, to annex your lands? $4 billion a year would do a whole lot to produce true "National Security"

2.) Surcharge on every barrel of oil, every cubic meter of natural gas and every ton of coal consumed in your country, to start rebuilding the environment, and to start producing the Carbon Credits needed to become Carbon Neutral, and then Carbon Negative.

Those are the two answers to your question here.

Without money to do the massive amount of Ecological Restoration needed each year in your country, and without the wetlands having a critical "Carbon Sequestration Value" in that is the best place on the planet to sequester carbon--then you will be without the two critical tools you need to start reversing all of the environmental problems you have listed here--and you could only pull up a chair and watch everything fall apart.

My Godmother Jane always told me, everyone can talk about everything in life, except about money.

Don't let that stop you from asking the government to completely stand down your military--like what was done in Costa Rica--so the $3.8 billion each year can be used for real National Security. And don't let that stop you from asking the government to add a surcharge to ALL of the fossil fuels consumed in your country, to get the funding necessary Ecological Restoration of your wetlands started right away.

Every scientist in your country who knows what needs to be done, now need to be the strong leaders to get those two sources of funds, and use those funds to work towards doing the necessary environmental repairs that you know are needed for your people's survival. There is no more time for the Academics, Researchers and Environmental Scientists to study and write papers or keep asking questions like this one--you know exactly what the answers are right now. Instead it is time for leadership and action.

Craig Carlton Dremann Ljubomir Jacić Ahmad Al Khraisat Jasem Mayahi

Maybe you know the bloodshed and the colonial history of the country. Here we have some limitations to discussing military issues. being a populated country based on a capitalistic economy, the development gap is increasing here. The rich become more affluent and the poor goes to be more marginal. On the other hand, religious fanaticism is seriously increasing in this country due to the cultural failure of the society. In this regard, survival politics is the main concentration here. Any govt that comes into power, wants to grasp the power and continue as it wishes. People of different political signboards are always busy with the encroach forests, wetlands, etc. whenever, society can do nothing against the political, economically influential people.

Examples from other countries/places may not be applicable here. People are much more disoriented as society has adhered to many emotions, rather than reality.

Thank you very much, dear friend.

I appreciate for your kind support here.

It is the sort of bio-feedback!

Wetland Disturbance and Impact

Understanding the relationship between landscape and the dynamic nature of wetlands is essential to the assessment of wetland functions and values. Wetlands are constantly adjusting to disturbances occurring within them and within the surrounding landscape. It is important to recognize to what extent various disturbances affect wetlands when assessing disturbance and impact, and when considering wetland protection options...

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/wetlandsandwaterways/aboutwetlands/pages/disturbance.aspx

Ljubomir Jacić

Thank you for your valuable attachment here. The landscape and dynamic nature of wetlands are critical factors that significantly influence the assessment of wetland functions and values in Bangladesh. Wetlands play a crucial role in the country's environment, economy, and social well-being, making it essential to understand their characteristics and changes over time. Here are some reasons why the landscape and dynamic nature of wetlands matter in the assessment:

To ensure the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands in Bangladesh, it is vital to consider the interplay between their landscape features and dynamic processes. This requires ongoing research, monitoring, and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, researchers, local communities, and non-governmental organizations. By recognizing the importance of landscape and dynamics in wetland assessment, Bangladesh can better address environmental challenges and promote the multiple benefits that wetlands provide to both nature and society.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan ...Instead of asking any more questions here at Research Gate, why not form a group of scientists like yourself, and put together a proposal to SAVE and RESTORE as many of the wetlands that are left in your country, by the means that I previously mentioned?

You know exactly what needs to be done--just need the annual funds to get started doing it? ALL of our environmental problems including Global Warming, can be solved with money--so go get the money!

The sellers of the oil, gas and coal in your country add an "Ecological Restoration" surcharge to buy and restore the wetlands. In exchange, they work towards Carbon Neutral in that eventually, the plan would be to sell Carbon Neutral products to the people of your country--by restoring the wetlands that then create carbon offsets that they can use.

Bangladesh oil consumption is 92,000,000 barrels per year, which is a 18% increase from only a year earlier. Your Global Warming mitigation is going backwards. $5 per barrel per year would not even be noticed--within the monthly fluctuations of the normal price.

The natural gas annual use is an amazing 28,000,000,000 cubic meters, so a few cents per 1,000 cubic meter surcharge would never be noticed. Coal consumption is 2,000,000 tons per year, and a $5 per ton surcharge would hardly be noticed.

Just MAKING that proposal, and contacting the fossil fuel sellers, you may be surprised at the results. When I made my proposal to the Saudi government in 2002 at https://www.ecoseeds.com/cool.html -- I never expected them to set aside 200 million hectares to replant with trees, and then start that replanting of 10 BILLION trees. And then last year at COP27, get 24 countries to join and plant 50 billion trees total as the "Middle East Green Initiative"?

The Cuatro Ciénegas basin in northern Mexico will lose its main researcher: ecologist Valeria Souza, who has fought for 25 years to protect the scientifically unique wetlands. The isolated landscape has preserved microorganisms for hundreds of millions of years. The more than 300 turquoise pools at the basin are “perhaps the most diverse place on the planet in terms of bacteria and archaea”, says Souza. Despite her efforts, local farmers have been draining water from the area for their crops, and many of the basin’s pools are drying up. Souza says that it’s now time to leave the task of protecting the area to a new generation of scientists and advocates...

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02413-y

In 2020, the import of arms to Bangladesh amounted to approximately 46 million U.S. dollars.--think if ALL of that money went to protections and restoration of that country's wetlands?

Bangladesh and most countries around the world -- our governments have put us deeply in debt by our spending on our militaries, to the point that having the money we need to tackle Global Warming is just not there, and restore places like our wetlands to be used to sequester the carbon we need to tackle Global Warming.

The example I found was from tiny Bahrain. And no country yet has been willing to raise those critical funds with a Carbon Tax on their oil, gas, and coal producers, to add a surcharge that then could be used to replant the barren deserts, and put solar panels on every rooftop, and get every dry wadi flowing with water again.

So maybe countries like Bangladesh, who really does not want to ever start a fight with any of its neighbors, and want to start tackling our real enemy which is Global Warming, and increases in the Heat Indexes, and torrential floods, can lead us out of our Global Warming situation, and find the funds to start the process of raising money, we all need to get started in our own countries very, very soon? Like a surcharge on every ton of fossil fuel being used for example.

The leadership of Ashoka the Great in Indian provided that kind of leadership 2,200 years ago during 268 to 232 BCE--so, among the 8 billion people we have on the planet right now, in some country or countries somewhere, there must be that type of leadership again, that can get us ALL refocused on our real enemy instead of each other?

Craig Carlton Dremann

Dear researcher and respected friend. Your concern is right and I appreciate it. I have read your contribution/sharing seriously and am surprised positively about your idea on imposing carbon tax and surcharge. It is unfortunate that, being a fast-developing country Bangladesh is still under a global political economy regarding the manufacturing sector ( mainly based on the readymade garments. Our society is not much conscious yet about pollution and carbon tax.

Thanks

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan ...Instead of a Carbon Tax which no country has imposed yet after discussing Global Warming for nearly 30 years, an "Ecological Restoration surcharge" be put on every ton of coal, barrel of oil and cubic meter of natural gas.

A Carbon Tax could be used for other purposes like baling out failing banks or giving tax breaks for the ultra-rich, but an Ecological Restoration surcharge, you know exactly where that money is going to go.

"Being a developing country" is NEVER any excuse for not funding the work of preserving and restoring wetlands and then using the carbon credits produced by those wetlands to offset your country's burning of fossil fuels.

To begin the process, you could use ALL of your annual military spending, which increased this year to ৳40360 crore (US$3.8 billion).

In the face of Global Warming, economics and being a developing country and the need for any military, does not matter any more. Global Warming is the enemy of us all, not any squabbles we might have with any of our neighbors.

What matters is getting the tens of billions of Dollars and Euros and Taka and Yuan per year, that each of our countries need, to be able to get to Carbon Neutral as quickly as possible.

And the wetlands that you want Bangladesh to start preserving and restoring, are the perfect spot to naturally sequester the most carbon per hectare of anywhere in your country and anywhere in the world.

Because you have so many wetlands, OPEC countries could also be an important source of funds, so by restoring your wetlands, they could use those carbon credits to then sell Carbon Neutral fossil fuels back to Bangladesh and the rest of their clients.

That is what Occidental Petroleum did with India a few years ago, used Carbon Offset to sell two million barrels of Carbon Neutral oil to India.

I think sometime this month, you need to gather the other Bangladesh scientists interested in wetlands, and start asking your government about slicing off one billion US dollars of the military budget for "Wetlands Carbon Sequestration Fund",

And then contact OPEC and the World Bank, about the same type of funding. And the the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),who is organizing the COP28 meeting right now in Nov-Dec. in the UAE.

And see if your country this month, can join the "Middle East Green Initiative" as Pakistan and India have already done. Picture of the Pakistan Prime Minister speaking at the COP27 meeting last October.

And see if a delegation from Bangladesh can meet at the COP28 with the members of the "Middle East Green Initiative" (MEGI) to have those countries start funding the preservation and restoration of your wetlands, in exchange for the Carbon Offsets that they will produce--with the new goal of being able to sell "Carbon Neutral" oil and gas in their futures.

Since you were originally part of Pakistan, I would speak directly to the Pakistan Prime Minister, about being an advocate with the MEGI group, to have the oil producers like the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc. to take advantage of how much carbon your wetlands can sequester for them. The Saudis already recognize that fact, and have included restoring their own mangrove wetlands in their plans.

Global Warming DEMAND that we shift from spending on ANY military which is an obsolete concept, when we need ALL of those funds to reverse the heating of the globe, so we can continue as a species existing on this planet.

If you do not start asking right now, your country, your wetlands and your people are all going to keep going into a Global Warming Hell, which I hope you do not want to take another step forward into that terrible future?

Utilize your wetlands to help save us, to start sequestering carbon to get to Carbon Neutral. And start like India and Pakistan with the MEGI, and plant one billion native trees in the next 4-5 years. also funded by your military funds.

I KNOW you can DO IT.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Dear friend, the strength of the democracy of Bangladesh, the governance of the society is not fare as you in America. However, I am not very comfortable discussing this with sensitive issues in our society. Other than this, I think, society should be much more conscious about the governance of the PA ( Protected Areas), Hot Spots, in the world.

Thank you very much,

@Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan --As a members of the "Center for Natural Resource Studies" located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, why not make part of your organization into a company to make the wetlands profitable, by the creation and selling of Carbon Offsets?

Right now wetlands worldwide seem to be Zero-economic-zones, why not make every wetland hectare worth its weight in gold, when the Carbon Offsets each hectare produces could be sold to a country that wants to become Carbon Neutral?

That is my plan to protect, preserve and restore at least one billion hectares around the planet that have little or no economic value—set them aside as “Ecological Restoration Preserves” as the Saudi government did in 2010 with the 200 million hectares after they adopted my proposal to do so. And then start the replanting of those wetlands to use every hectare to sequester carbon and produce Carbon Offsets?

What we all need to know, who owns the wetlands currently? And the fate of all of the world's wetlands are mostly in the hands of each country's politicians, so if the wetlands are "owned" by the government, and you can make the government money by having them protected and managed to produce very valuable Carbon Offsets, then political and economic discussions need to be front and center.

Instead of hoping and dreaming that the politicians will ever do the right thing without guidance and a plan put forward by the scientists who are working with the business sector. Scientists working with the politicians and business sector will be the only method to save wetlands and start to fix Global Warming.

Scientists can no longer sit in their Ivory Towers and be spectators in these disasters—they need to be the main leaders.

So many times in history, scientists have never taken the lead, and if they fail to do so immediately and right now, none of the world's politicians will ever have the guts to make sufficient changes to slow down and reverse Global Warming, and lower the heat on the planet.

So what wetlands could contribute will probably never be considered by the politicians, without the scientists be the leaders of an economic plan where the government AND the scientists could make a lot of money by creating Carbon Credits to protect and restore those wetlands.

And Bangladesh will be the very first country in the world to be impacted again and again by that lack of action to use the wetlands as an area to sequester carbon and selling Carbon Credits to other wealthy countries like India which want to become Carbon Neutral.

The heat over India today, caused by their lack of their forest cover and barren soil and lack of native plant cover in the arid places like the THAR, will make cyclones try and go westward, as they should. And that “Heat Death Zone” creates a heat wall like they have over India today, and cyclones bounce off and run straight NE and flood your country instead.

Maybe that will be very good for your wetlands to get that flush of a meter of rain in a few hours, but I do not think when a cyclone like Mocha this year, Sitrang 2022, Jawad 2021, Bhola 1970, etc. when those cyclones are causing damages and suffering for your 170 million residents.

I would start with the Sundarbans, the enormous mangrove forest, and if nobody is currently selling Carbon Offsets from that forest, your non-profit could start that process this year? And since your country has joined the “Middle East Green Initiative” it would be a perfect project to be the leader of, by putting together the government and business interests, along with the scientific expertise a project like that would need.

Painting I did about the cyclone hitting your country, because of the heat wall over India.

Article Urban Development Consequences on the Wetland Ecosystems Tra...

The article analyzes the consequences of one century long human influences on vegetation of the wetland ecosystem, on the example of Pančevački Rit in Belgrade, Serbia. The autochthonous, non-altered ecosystem was formed in the alluvial plain between Danube and Timis River in the formation of connected swamps and bogs with periodically flooded patches. The major transformation of the wetland ecosystem started with the construction of the embankment and dense canal system followed by settlements development, increasing of population density, intensification of agriculture activities etc...

Human activities have had adverse effects on vegetation, in the form of deteriorating habitats, depletion of flora and spreading of invasive species such as Amorpha fruticosa. Forest exploitation in the past, which was carried out at the expense of biodiversity and natural regulation of water and climate, brought about the changes of autochthonous conditions of habitats and considerable reduction of autochthonous forest ecosystems. The current state of the forests in Pančevački Rit is satisfactory primarily owing to the large share of artificial stands...

Ljubomir Jacić

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the long-term impacts of human activities on the vegetation and ecosystems of Pančevački Rit, located in Belgrade, Serbia. Pančevački Rit represents an autochthonous, non-altered wetland ecosystem that originally formed in the alluvial plain between the Danube and Timis Rivers. Over the course of a century, significant human interventions and transformations have occurred in this ecosystem, resulting in a range of consequences for its natural environment.

The major transformation of the wetland ecosystem began with the construction of embankments and an intricate canal system. These modifications were followed by the development of human settlements, population growth, and the intensification of agricultural activities. These human-induced changes have had profound and adverse effects on the vegetation and overall ecological balance of Pančevački Rit.

One of the key consequences discussed in the article is the deterioration of habitats within the wetland ecosystem. The alteration of the landscape, including the construction of embankments and canals, has disrupted the natural flow of water and the periodic flooding of patches within the ecosystem. These changes have negatively impacted the flora and fauna that depend on these habitats, leading to a decline in biodiversity.

The spread of invasive species, such as Amorpha fruticosa, is another significant consequence of human influence on Pančevački Rit. These invasive species can outcompete native vegetation, further reducing the ecological diversity of the wetland ecosystem.

The historical exploitation of forests in the area is also discussed in the article. Forest exploitation, driven by human activities, has had detrimental effects on the natural regulation of water and climate, as well as a significant reduction in autochthonous forest ecosystems. These changes have contributed to the transformation of the landscape and the loss of valuable ecological functions provided by the original forests.

It is noted in the article that the current state of the forests in Pančevački Rit is somewhat satisfactory due to the presence of artificial stands. However, the long-term impacts of human activities on the ecosystem have left a lasting imprint on the natural environment, with altered habitats, reduced biodiversity, and the spread of invasive species being ongoing challenges.

In conclusion, the article highlights the complex interplay between human activities and the wetland ecosystem of Pančevački Rit. It underscores the need for continued research, conservation efforts, and sustainable management practices to mitigate the adverse consequences of past and ongoing human influences on this unique and valuable ecosystem.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Your proposal to convert wetlands into profitable ventures by creating and selling carbon offsets is an intriguing idea that combines environmental conservation with economic sustainability. Wetlands indeed play a vital role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem services, making them valuable assets in the fight against climate change. Let's break down some key points related to your proposal:

In conclusion, your proposal to convert wetlands into carbon offset ventures is a commendable approach to address environmental and economic challenges simultaneously. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, with scientists taking a leading role in guiding policy and business decisions for the benefit of the environment and society. Initiatives like this can contribute significantly to global efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable regions like Bangladesh from its impacts.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan -- You have outlined an excellent path, for the scientists like yourself, to make sure that the wetlands are included in Bangladesh's annual budgets they are putting together right now, to be able to perform their portion of the "Middle East Green Initiative" that they have committed to.

So it is the chance for the wetlands to be considered, because as you know, they sequester the most carbon per hectare of any of the ecosystems in your country, so should be right at the top of the list. And if not, the scientists could work to have it added to the top of that list right now.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Thank you for recognizing the importance of wetlands in Bangladesh's efforts to fulfill its commitment to the "Middle East Green Initiative." Indeed, wetlands play a crucial role in sequestering carbon and supporting biodiversity, making them a valuable asset in combating climate change and preserving our environment.

To ensure that wetlands are included prominently in Bangladesh's annual budgets for the "Middle East Green Initiative," there are several steps that scientists and environmental advocates can take:

By following these steps and working collaboratively, scientists and environmental advocates can strive to ensure that wetlands are not only considered but given high priority in Bangladesh's annual budgets for the "Middle East Green Initiative." This proactive approach is essential to meet climate goals and preserve the invaluable ecosystems that wetlands represent.

Regards

@Barbara Sawicka

It's important to clarify that the statement "We drained Poland to develop agriculture" is not accurate. Poland has a long history of agriculture, and while land drainage has been used in various regions to improve farming conditions, it is not the cause of global water shortages or the sole reason for any increase in food prices.

Water scarcity and rising food prices are complex global issues influenced by multiple factors, including climate change, population growth, inefficient agricultural practices, and regional water management policies. Drainage projects in one country are not typically a direct cause of water shortages or food price increases on a global scale.

Addressing water scarcity and food price concerns requires a comprehensive approach that includes sustainable agricultural practices, responsible water management, and global cooperation. Efforts should focus on:

In summary, while land drainage projects are a local practice, global water scarcity, and rising food prices are multifaceted issues that require a coordinated and holistic approach at the international level. Blaming a single country or action for these challenges oversimplifies the problem and does not contribute to finding effective solutions.

Regards

Hi,

One of the factors that affects crops in my country is the underground water pipeline leakage. In my paper I tried to find a solution for water pipeline leakage using the Internet of Things.

please take a look on my paper entitled "A Novel Technique for Detecting Underground Water Pipeline Leakage Using the Internet of Things" published in Journal of Universal Computer Science.

It is published online: https://lib.jucs.org/article/96377/list/18/

Hope this can help.

Regards,

Ahmad Abusukhon

Wetlands in northern Serbia on UNESCO’s biosphere reserves list

Bačko Podunavlje biosphere reserve is located in the northwestern part of Vojvodina province, and is part of the “European Amazon”, one of the most undisturbed marshes and swamp regions in the whole course of the Danube river.

This site, with a surface area of 176,635 ha, extends over the alluvial zones of the central Danube plain. It is composed of remnants of historic floodplains and human-made landscapes influenced by agriculture and human settlements. The floodplain includes alluvial forests, marshes, reed beds, freshwater habitats, alluvial wetlands, as well as flood-protected forests...

https://balkangreenenergynews.com/wetlands-in-northern-serbia-on-unescos-biosphere-reserves-list/

Ahmad Abusukhon

Your paper, titled "A Novel Technique for Detecting Underground Water Pipeline Leakage Using the Internet of Things," sounds like it addresses an important issue related to crop production and water resource management. Underground water pipeline leakage can lead to significant water wastage and environmental damage. Utilizing IoT technology to detect and address these leaks is a promising approach.

Thanks

Ljubomir Jacić

The Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve is a remarkable natural area situated in the northwestern part of the Vojvodina province, Serbia. This reserve holds a special place within the broader context of global biodiversity due to its unique characteristics.

Encompassing a vast surface area of 176,635 hectares, this reserve extends across the alluvial zones of the central Danube plain. It stands out as a testament to the coexistence of natural and human-influenced landscapes, making it a fascinating site for ecological study and conservation.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve is its connection to the Danube River, often referred to as the "European Amazon." The Danube River is renowned for its undisturbed marshes and swamp regions, and this biosphere reserve is no exception. Here, you'll find some of the most pristine and untouched wetlands along the entire course of the Danube.

The reserve is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, each with its own unique flora and fauna. Among its natural treasures are alluvial forests, marshes, reed beds, and various freshwater habitats. These areas provide critical refuge and breeding grounds for a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered.

However, what makes the Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve particularly interesting is the interplay between nature and human activities. Throughout its history, this region has seen the influence of agriculture and human settlements. This intersection of human and natural landscapes has shaped the reserve into a dynamic and evolving environment.

In addition to its natural significance, the reserve also serves as a vital resource for local communities. The flood-protected forests, for example, play a crucial role in safeguarding against flooding and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

Md Zafar Alam Bhuiyan -- Please ping all of the 12 followers of your question here, if and when your country has a project within their "Middle East Green Initiative" scope of planting plans, to include the wetlands of your country to protect and restore, as the Saudis are doing as part of their own "Saudi Green Initiative" program of planting ten billion trees.

Craig Carlton Dremann

Thank you so much for your kind contribution. Strategically we are far away from Saudu Kingship. The "Middle East Green Initiative" scope of planting plans, includes the wetlands of your country to protect and restore, as the Saudis are doing as part of their own "Saudi Green Initiative" program of planting ten billion trees. Compare the answer with the situation in Bangladesh

The "Middle East Green Initiative" and the "Saudi Green Initiative" are ambitious environmental programs aimed at addressing climate change and environmental degradation through tree planting and ecosystem restoration efforts. These initiatives, particularly the Saudi Green Initiative's goal of planting ten billion trees, demonstrate a commitment to combatting climate change and preserving natural habitats.

Now, let's compare this with the situation in Bangladesh:

1. Geographical Differences:

• Saudi Arabia is primarily a desert country with limited vegetation, while Bangladesh is a densely populated deltaic country with diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coastal areas. Both countries face unique environmental challenges based on their geographical characteristics.

2. Wetland Restoration:

• Bangladesh, like many deltaic regions, has extensive wetlands that are crucial for biodiversity and local livelihoods. The Sundarbans mangrove forest, one of the largest in the world, is a prime example. Conservation and restoration of these wetlands are essential for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

3. Biodiversity Conservation:

• Both Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh recognize the importance of biodiversity conservation. Saudi Arabia's focus on tree planting is part of a broader effort to combat desertification and increase green cover. In Bangladesh, conservation efforts often target wetlands, forests, and coastal areas to protect unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

4. Local Context:

• In Bangladesh, the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events, pose immediate threats to the population and ecosystems. Efforts to protect and restore wetlands are crucial for resilience and adaptation.

5. International Collaboration:

• Both countries can benefit from international collaboration and knowledge sharing to achieve their environmental goals. Global initiatives like the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration can provide a platform for such collaboration.

In summary, while Saudi Arabia's "Saudi Green Initiative" focuses on large-scale tree planting, Bangladesh faces its own set of environmental challenges, including wetland protection and restoration. Both countries recognize the importance of environmental conservation and can learn from each other's experiences and strategies, especially when it comes to preserving and restoring critical ecosystems like wetlands. International cooperation and sharing best practices can be instrumental in achieving their respective environmental goals.

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