Wetland Classification System: The Ramsar Convention On Mangrove Ecosystems

The aquatic ecosystem is a major subdivision of biosphere, and covers almost 71% of the earth’s surface area. Continuous land use results in various kinds of environmental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore the present study focuses on coastal wetland including mangrove ecosystems with special reference to macro fauna as key indicator to assess the condition of the coastal area.

1.1 What is wetland ecosystem?

Wetlands are valuable ecosystems that occupy about 6% of the world’s land surface. They comprise both land ecosystems that are strongly influenced by water, and aquatic ecosystems with special characteristics due to shallowness and proximity to land (Roggeri, 1995). Although various different classifications of wetlands exist, a useful approach is one provided by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It divides wetlands into three main categories of wetland habitats: (1) marine/coastal wetlands; (2) inland wetlands; (3) man-made wetlands.

The Canadian Wetland Classification System defines a wetland as a “land that is saturated with

Utility wise economically wetlands are directly or indirectly provide lots of services like storm and flood control, food, fiber and raw materials to the society and living organisms. They also provide fodder for verity of animal through mangrove, see grass bed and salt marsh, also included in coastal wetland. Ecologically mudflat, mangrove and estuarine environment supports several fauna like macro invertebrate, reptile, fishes and hence it attract local as well as migratory birds. It also act as buffer zone of coastal and terrestrial ecosystem and plays a vital role for coastal food chain (Figure 1.1). Especially mangrove ecosystem is a key component to function a nutrient cycle through its life litter decomposition and provide food and nursery for fishes and macro