Wetlands

Why are wetlands important?

Wetlands are treasures of nature, with abundant flora providing food and habitat for many species. They also control the eutrophication of waters by absorbing nutrients, much like a sponge. By building wetlands, we help the Baltic Sea as well as rivers and lakes. Eutrophication caused by excess nutrients is the biggest problem in the Baltic Sea. Our inland waters, i.e. rivers and lakes, are also affected by eutrophication, the most prominent effects of which are abundant cyanobacteria. Wetlands slow down the flow of water, allowing eutrophic nutrients and soil to settle on the wetland and absorb vegetation. A functioning wetland can retain up to 90% of the soil and nutrients bound to it.

Wetlands act as reservoirs of water during dry and dry periods and curb flooding after heavy rains. This is all the more important as climate change is expected to increase both in the rain and droughts. Unfortunately, our natural wetlands have been dried for decades for agriculture and forestry. Drainage has been gradually phased out, but it will take time to repair the damage to the waterways. It is reminiscent of the cyanobacterial blooms and recurrent floods.

Agriculture and forestry are also the major sources of man-made nutrient loads. The construction of wetlands can effectively reduce eutrophication nutrients from agriculture and forestry. Locally, the establishment of a wetland can have a very significant impact on the condition of a nearby lake, for example. Improving the status of inland waters always helps the Baltic Sea, which is affected by eutrophication, as much of the nutrient is discharged into rivers and streams from the hinterland.