Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Sustainability for wetlands
18
18.1 Introduction
and management. Today, wetlands are recog-
nized for the important contributions they make
to the Earth's biophysical and ecological cycles
and the valuable services they provide to human
socio-economic systems. Many key wetlands are
now protected in various ways and to differing
degrees (Fig. 18-1). Nonetheless, the pattern of
resource use, materials consumption and popu-
lation growth since the Industrial Age have
placed severe strains on the Earth's environ-
ment, wetlands included.
Despite the considerable adaptive capacity
of Earth systems to natural or anthropogenic
stressors, the rapid rate and large scale of
environmental modii cations have resulted in
greater ecosystem vulnerability to changes and
a reduced ability to mitigate impacts. In the face
of such challenges, how do societies foster the
application of sustainability principles to envi-
ronmental and wetland use? Clearly much
remains to be done. Yet, improved understand-
ing of how biogeochemical and socio-economic
systems function and interact provides clues
that help navigate the path of sustainability.
In 2000, the then Secretary-General of the
United Nations, Koi Annan commissioned the
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment to determine
the current state of knowledge regarding the
Earth's ecosystems, document the services they
provide, and outline policies to more effectively
and sustainably manage ecosystems and
resources (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
2011). Contributions from more than 1300
The term “sustainability” suggests using
resources and ecosystems in such a way that
ensures their long-term viability. Sustainable
development built on this notion refers to a
redirected approach toward future economic
development and growth (World Commission
on Environment and Development 1987). Most
critically, it links long-term human well-being
and economic stability to environmental health
and maintaining the Earth's biogeochemical
systems (Clark and Levin 2009).
In 1987, the Brundtland Report by the World
Commission on Environment and Development
(WCED) dei ned sustainable development as
that which “meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future gen-
erations to meet their own needs” (WCED 1987,
p. 45). Although there is still much disagree-
ment about how this goal may be met, this suc-
cinct dei nition of sustainable development is
generally accepted. The ideas put forth in the
Brundtland Report suggested a path to devel-
opment, and one that resonated with politi-
cians and policy makers across the globe. So
much so that today the aim of encouraging
sustainable societies is discussed in mainstream
public debate and is considered a realistic and
reachable goal.
The last i ve decades have witnessed an
improved and expanded understanding of
wetland ecosystem structure, process, function,
