Wetlands
Why Are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands are the most productive natural ecosystem in Canada. They perform many kinds of valuable functions including water purification, flood protection, erosion control, storage and release of water as well as providing unique habitats for plants and animals including many rare or endangered species. Wetlands also have great potential when it comes to climate change both in terms of mitigation as well as adaptation.
What is a Wetland?
A wetland can be identified by 3 characteristics:
- They are permanently or seasonally covered or saturated by water
- They contain hydric soils (soils that develop in water-logged conditions)
- They contain hydrophytic vegetation (water-tolerant plants)
Common wetland types include marshes, fens, bogs and swamps.
Nova Scotia’s Wetlands
A 2004 inventory conducted by Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources estimates that our province is comprised of almost 7% wetlands. However, it has been acknowledged that certain wetland types were significantly underestimated in the inventory so the total land area occupied by wetlands is likely much higher.
Historically, wetland losses in Nova Scotia have not been well-documented. It has been estimated that certain wetland types (namely, salt marshes) have experienced losses in the range of 65%. The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act mandates that a policy be developed to prevent the net loss of Nova Scotia’s wetlands by the end of 2009.
At Clean Nova Scotia we are currently involved in developing some programs to help increase awareness of wetland functions and values and the importance of protecting these valuable resources. If you have any questions or for more information please contact Danielle Semel at t. 902-420-7947 | e. dsemel@clean.ns.ca