Wetland Conservation

WEBINAR: PANTANAL - UMA DISCUSSÃO NECESSÁRIA
Abordagem: Discussão pertinente e atual sobre as queimadas no Pantanal Mato-Grossense, apontando a Política Florestal no Estado de Mato Grosso, o marco regulatório da Lei do Pantanal mato-grossense, bem como o cuidado necessário com os animais silvestres, socializando debates com a Sociedade, a Comunidade técnica, acadêmica, o setor empresarial, juristas e Instituições Organizacionais.

Programação - 08/10
09h00 - Solenidade de Abertura com a presença da Diretoria da OAB-MT
Dr. Leonardo Pio da Silva Campos - Presidente da OAB-MT
Dra. Gisela Alves Cardoso - Vice-Presidente da OAB-MT
Dr. Flávio José Ferreira - Secretário - Geral da OAB-MT
Dr. Fernando Augusto Vieira Figueiredo - Secretário Geral Adjunto da OAB-MT
Dr. Helmut Flávio Preza Daltro - Diretor Tesoureiro da OAB-MT
09h30 TEMA: O PANTANAL NA VISÃO CONSTITUCIONAL
Palestrante: Dr. Paulo de Bessa Antunes - È Sócio da Prática de Direito Ambiental do Tauil & Chequer Advogados. Antes de associar-se ao escritório, Paulo foi sócio do escritório boutique em direito ambiental Bessa, Homem de Carvalho & Gonçalves Advogados, foi Procurador Regional da República - Ministério Público Federal por trinta anos, presidente da Comissão Permanente de Direito Ambiental do Instituto dos Advogados Brasileiros e chefe de Assessoria Jurídica da Secretaria de Estado do Meio Ambiente do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.
10h00 - TEMA: QUEIMADAS NO PANTANAL: UMA VISÃO GERAL.
Palestrante: Dr. Leonardo Pio da Silva Campos - Presidente da OAB-MT.
10h30 - TEMA: TUTELA JURÍDICA CONSTITUCIONAL DO PANTANAL MATO-GROSSENSE E SEUS REFLEXOS NO ÂMBITO INFRACONSTITUCIONAL.
Palestrante: Dr. Celso Antonio Pacheco Fiorillo - Advogado especializado no âmbito do Direito empresarial, é o primeiro professor Livre - Docente em Direito Ambiental do Brasil sendo também Doutor e Mestre em Direito das Relações Sociais. Professor da Escola da Magistratura federal da 1ª Região.
Mediadora: Dra. Ana Carolina Barchet - Presidente da Comissão Nacional de Direito Ambiental da Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil.

1º PAINEL
14h00 - TEMA: AÇÕES DE COMBATE AS QUEIMADAS/ INCÊNDIOS NO PANTANAL MATO-GROSSENSE
Palestrante: Tenente-Coronel Dércio Santos da Silva - Tenente do Batalhão de Emergências Ambientais do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Mato Grosso; Coordenador Estadual de Gestão do Fogo – SEMA/MT; Corregedor Geral Adjunto; Diretor Adjunto de Segurança Contra Incêndio e Pânico; Diretor de Ensino, instrução e pesquisa do CBMMT; Diretor Adjunto de Ensino, Instrução e Pesquisa do CBMMT; Comandante do Batalhão de Emergências Ambientais do CBMMT.
14h30 - TEMA: AÇÕES DE COMBATE AS QUEIMADAS/ INCÊNDIOS NO PANTANAL SUL MATO-GROSSENSE.
Palestrante: Tenente-Coronel QOBM Waldemir Moreira Junior - Chefe do Centro de Proteção Ambiental do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Mato Grosso do Sul (CPA – CBMMS); Engenheiro de Incêndio e Pânico (CBMDF, 1998). Curso de Prevenção e Combate à Incêndios Florestais (Prevfogo/IBAMA, 2003). Curso de Perícia de Incêndios florestais (Prevfogo/IBAMA, 2006). Estágio de Operações no Pantanal (Exército Brasileiro, 2001). Curso Expedito de Operações no Pantanal (Marinha do Brasil, 2003). Curso de Busca e Salvamento (CBMCE, 2008).
15h00 - TEMA: AÇÕES DE COMBATE AS QUEIMADAS/ INCÊNDIOS NA ESFERA FEDERAL NO PANTANAL MATO-GROSSENSE.
Palestrante: Gibson Almeida Costa Junior - Superintendência do IBAMA em Mato Grosso (SUPES/MT).
Mediadora: Dra. Renata Silva - Presidente da Comissão do Meio Ambiente da OAB-MT.

2° PAINEL.
16h00 - TEMA: LEGISLAÇÃO DO PANTANAL SUL MATO-GROSSENSE: A PRÁTICA DA PECUÁRIA E A SUSTENTABILIDADE.
Palestrante: Dr. Pedro Putini Mendes - Advogado, consultor jurídico e professor nas áreas de Direito Agrário, Ambiental e Políticas Públicas para o Agronegócio. Doutorando em Planejamento Territorial e Desenvolvimento Socioambiental pela Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Mestre em Desenvolvimento Local pela Universidade Católica Dom Bosco. Organizador e coautor de livros de direito. Foi presidente da Comissão de Assuntos Agrários e Agronegócio da OAB/MS e membro da Comissão do Meio Ambiente da OAB/MS entre 2013/2015. É Membro Consultivo da Comissão de Direito Ambiental e da Comissão de Direito Agrário e do Agronegócio da OAB/SC.
16h30 - TEMA: LEGISLAÇÃO DO PANTANAL MATO-GROSSENSE: LIMPEZA DE PASTAGEM E CADASTRAMENTO AMBIENTAL RURAL.
Palestrante: Vicente Falcão de Arruda Filho - Secretario Extraordinário de Estado de Apoio e Acompanhamento às Políticas Ambientais e Fundiárias, período de 18/12/2009 até 31/12/2010; Secretario Adjunto de Estado de Politicas e Programas de Governo, período de 01 de janeiro de 2011 até 01 de agosto de 2011; Secretário de Estado de Meio Ambiente, período de 31 de agosto de 2011 até 31 de dezembro de 2012; Superintendente Executivo do Instituto Ação Verde, período de 01 de junho de 2014 até 31 de agosto de 2018; Secretario Adjunto de Estado de Gestão Ambiental – SEMA, período de 01 de setembro de 2018 até 31 de dezembro de 2018; Superintendente Executivo do Instituto Ação Verde.
17h00 - AS IMPLICAÇÕES DAS QUEIMADAS NA FAUNA SILVESTRE PANTANEIRA
Palestrante: Dr. Werner Grau Neto - Sócio em Pinheiro Neto Advogados, formado em Direito pela USP. Especialista em Direito Ambiental pela Faculdade de Saúde Pública/Faculdade de Direito da USF. Mestre em Direito Internacional - Concentração em ambiental - pela USP. Doutor em Direito Tributário.
Mediadora: Dra. Glaucia Amaral - Presidente da Comissão de Direitos dos Animais da OAB-MT.
Mediador: Dr. Fabrício Renann Pastro Pavan - Vice-presidente da Comissão de Meio Ambiente da OAB-MT e Secretário-Geral Adjunto da Caixa de Assistência dos Advogados (CAA-MT).
18h00 - Encerramento.

Sobre o autor do curso:
Organização:
Comissão de Meio Ambiente da OAB-MT.
Comissão Nacional de Meio Ambiente (OAB/Nacional).
Comissão de Defesa dos Direitos dos Animais da OAB-MT.

We applied two recent approaches largely used in biological conservation: Threat Analysis (TAN) and Threat Reduction Assessments (TRAs), assessing the effectiveness of a project focused on two water-related bird species (common tern, Sterna hirundo and little tern, Sternula albifrons), commonly breeding in some wetlands of Italy. We used the IUCN standardized lexicon for the classification of threats, utilizing a panel of experts to assess a set of regime attributes (extent, severity and magnitude) of each human-induced disturbance. Our aims were: (i) through the TAN approach, to carry out an arrangement and quantification of the main threats acting on our focal species and select the priority ones; (ii) through the TRA approach, to test the effectiveness of an operational project focused on mitigating the threats and improving the breeding success of species (i.e., building rafts and floating islands to encourage their nesting). Using the TAN approach, experts identified the following human-induced threats (IUCN code): 6.1-Generic disturbance; 7.2-Water stress; 7.3-Salinization; 8.8-Vagrant dogs; 8.8-Mediterranean gulls; 8.8-Wild boars, all significantly different in their magnitude. Among them, wild boars and Mediterranean gulls appeared the priority threats with the greatest extent, intensity and magnitude. Using the TRA approach, after the project, we assessed an overall decrease in the threat magnitude of 23.08% (21.42% when considering only the threats directly affected by our project). These data suggest that further efforts should be devoted to achieving greater effectiveness of conservation actions focused on our target species. With limited time and resources to quantify threats, expert-based approaches could be useful for rapidly assessing the effectiveness of small conservation projects by providing a range of scores obtained following an analytical procedure. In this regard, Threat Analysis and Threat Reduction Assessment could be considered useful tools to support adaptive management in project management cycles.

Climate change, a timely topic, cannot be understood solely by analyzing modern-day ecosystems. Sediment stratigraphy from tidal marshes is an important source of paleoecological data, as these ecosystems experience high rates of deposition and preserve organic material well. Although Hudson River Valley marshes have been extensively researched, work has focused on the four areas protected by the Hudson
River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR). The marshlands of Haverstraw in Rockland County are comparable to the HRNERR sites in their capacity for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and other important ecological functions. They are, however, understudied. This study uses loss-on-ignition and macrofossil analysis in combination with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to construct a high-resolution
paleoenvironmental record. Biotic and geochemical zones have been identified and correlated with archaeological and historical data to assess the influence of anthropogenic activity in the area. The organic:inorganic maxima evidenced likely correspond to a preindustrial period, characterized by burning events associated with increasing populations and concentrated settlement, as well as agricultural practices. Invasive species are prevalent, but certain key native species, notably Acorus americanus (American Sweet Flag), persist today. Exponential increases in heavy metal concentrations likely result from industry in the area but have declined following cessation of this activity and introduction of unleaded gasoline. Understanding historical human impacts is vital for predicting the ramifications of future development as well as establishing protocols for conservation and restoration.

The wetlands considered as the natural water storage body as well as water reservoir on the earth and they also act as a transition zone between permanently flooded and the strictly terrestrial areas is the presence of hydromorphic soils and hydrophytic vegetation. The depth of a wetland is two meters which does not exceed six metres. They retain water during dry periods, thus keeping the water table high and relatively stable. During periods of flooding, they mitigate flood and to trap suspended solids and attached nutrients. Wetlands serve a number of important functions and provide benefits to humans and wildlife such as Wildlife habitat, Erosion control, Ground water recharge, Water purification, Recreation & Economic Benefits and Education. Wetlands of India, estimated to be 58.2 million hectares, are important repositories of aquatic biodiversity while Uttar Pradesh had approximately 1145178 hectares wetland area. Wetlands are one of the most threatened habitats of the world. Wetlands in India, as elsewhere are increasingly facing several anthropogenic pressures such as rapidly expanding human population, large scale changes in land use/land cover, flourishing development projects and improper use of watersheds, threats from industrial, agricultural and various urban developments. Unsustainable levels of grazing and fishing activities have also resulted in degradation of wetlands. After the Ramsar Convention (1971) for " the conservation and wise use of wetlands by national action and international cooperation as a means to achieving sustainable development throughout the world " lot of attention to have come to conserve and protect the wetlands. For wetlands and its aquatic diversity conservation, Recreation, Economic Benefits and education purposes as well as ventures for ecotourism a study was conducted in Lucknow and its associated areas during December 2012 to December 2013.Survey was carried out seasonally, either on foot or vehicle according to the suitability of the area. Observations were carried using open ended line transect method with the aid of 10x50 binoculars and data was supported with photography using Canon EOS 1000 D SLR camera. Total 18 wetlands were explored during study out of which Nawabganj bird sanctuary is a protected site while Behda pond (in Nagar chongwa), Chandnapur (Mahona), UnaiJheel (Village Haldarpur), Teekarhaar jheel(Barabanki), a pond near Amausi airport (in front of Sainik School), Bhadesa Lake, Rain Lake ,Purain Lake, Badela Lake andDahi Pond(in Bichhiya blockUnnao),Unnamed wetland(in Telibagh), Man-made wetland Behind DeenDayalPark(PGI), Man-made wetland in MohanlalGanj, Parewa wetland, Nardahi Gunhari wetland (in MohanlalGanj), Natural EXPLOITATION OF WETLANDS IN AND AROUND LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA BIODIVERSITY & ENVIRONMENT 135 Wetland Behind Ambedkar Park (Gomtinagar), Katotha Jheel (Near Amity International School Gomtinagar) were non-coserved wetlands.All these wetlands harbor variety of flora and fauna and can be good ecotourism habitation. The various threats such Excessive fish cultivation, Excessive cultivation of water chestnut, Overgrazing near wetland area, Excessive use of pesticides and insecticides nearby agricultural fields, Soil-digging , draining off or levelling for agricultural purposes, use of wetland water for irrigation purpose, draining off for fish culture, Poaching of water birds have been recorded. Wetlands are highly polluted; even garbage is dumped by the nearby shopkeepers as well as local people in some of the wetlands. Cultivation along the marginal areas of wetland cause encroachment and reduction in water spread.

Le lac Sidi M'hamed Benali est un site stratégique du point de vue environnemental, touristique et socio-économique. Plusieurs études sont menées à son profit : granulométrie, évaluation de la qualité de son eau, inventaire faunistique, planctonique et floristique. Différents secteurs ont proposé des plans de gestion et d'aménagement du site selon l'importance de l'objectif à atteindre. La collecte des données (2002-2010) a permis de structurer les informations à l'aide d'un S.I.G. prêtant usage au logiciel MapInfo version 8.0. De ce fait, on a pu mettre en place une base de données facile à manipuler et créer une carte synthétique à la disposition des utilisateurs en vue d'un développement durable de cet habitat unique dans la région de Sidi bel abbès. Toutefois, la nécessité d'une contribution de la part des autorités et de la société civile est recommandée pour l'entretien et la conservation du lac au profit de la nature et des générations futures. Mots clés: Lac M'hamed Benali, biodiversité, SIG, base de données, aménagement touristique. Le lac Sidi Mohamed Benali, est considéré comme l'une des plus importantes réserves naturelles de la wilaya. Vu son rôle et son impact à l'échelle régionale, en matière d'écologie et de loisirs, il doit être considéré comme une importante réserve naturelle à protéger et à développer Matériel et méthodes Résultats Conclusion Le diagnostic environnemental du lac révèle que les sédiments sont sablono-argileux, l'eau contient quelques germes et éléments minéraux et organiques de quantités variables et il possède une richesse biologique considérable. L'application d'un SIG nous a permis l'élaboration d'une base de données accompagnée de la carte synthétique bio sédimentaire pour un suivi, une mise à jour, une prise de décision du milieu. Ainsi, cette base de données est accessible aux utilisateurs.

Wetlands are essential components of the ecosystem and play significant roles as habitats and are reservoirs of biodiversity. This paper was an attempt to inferentially study the degradation and devaluation of marshland in a rapidly developing coastal area like the University of Lagos, Akoka Campus. Object based classification of highresolution imagery and aerial photography of the Akoka area was used to determine the degradation and of the marshland and wetland in the study between 1983 and 2015. The result showed a significant change in the natural marshland from the 1980's till date in response to the extensive alterations of the campus landscape to meet with the rapid population increase. The result is the degradation of marshland which serves as habitat to numerous organisms that are vital to the ecosystem of the area. The study recommends the preservation of the marshland habitat by the promulgation and implementation of legislation and policies that allows for protection of selected wetland area against urbanisation.

This paper examines the anthropogenic factors that have contributed to wetland loss and degradation in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam from 1816 AD to present. Our analysis is framed over five historical periods and highlights the role that seven drivers of wetland degradation have played in the Mekong Delta, including: resettlement and economic development policies; population growth and urbanization; demand for food and reclaiming wetland for agriculture; construction of canals construction of dykes flood protection systems; expansion of travel systems (waterway and roads); and exploitation of wetland natural resources. Of these, government policies for resettlement and economic development seem to have had the greatest impact on wetland loss and degradation in the Mekong Delta throughout the course of history. As a result of these factors, only 0.068 million hectares of the original 4.0 million hectares of the Mekong Delta currently remains as primary swamp forest ecosystem. History suggests that future management of the Mekong Delta should take a holistic approach that includes a better understanding of the implications of past decisions on wetland loss.

ECOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN LAKE AYATA (OUED RIGH VALLEY: NORTHERN ALGERIAN SAHARA).
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ABSTRACT: Ayata Lake (155 ha) belongs to the complex of wetlands of Oued Righ Valley in Algerian Lower-Sahara. This study conducted between October 2009 and June 2010 has allowed a bioecological characterization of both biotic and abiotic elements of the site.
Flora and fauna Inventories have revealed existence of 13 plant species, 03 fish, 02 amphibians, 06 reptiles, 55 birds and 07 mammals. The flora of the site is mapped then the dynamics of dominant plant species is assessed by GIS software. Bio-ecological Statuses (faunal, trophic, phenological and protection) are attributed to the species surveyed and they are discussed. The spatiotemporal occupation of the lake by birds is mapped and detailed. Furthermore, this study includes a general review on wetlands ecosystems. Wetlands of the Lower-Sahara region (Ziban, Souf, valley of Oued Righ, and Ouargla) are inventoried, classified and mapped. This approach helped to highlight the biological resources of Ayata Lake and determine its actual ecological value. This can lead to propose suggestions for management and conservation close to its socioeconomic status in a sustainable development view.

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RÉSUMÉ: Le Lac Ayata (155 ha) appartient au complexe des zones humides de la Vallée d’Oued Righ au Bas-Sahara algérien. L’étude menée entre octobre 2009 et juin 2010 a permis une caractérisation bioécologique des éléments tant biotiques qu’abiotiques du site. Les inventaires de la flore et de la faune ont révélé l’existence de 13 espèces végétales, 03 poissons, 02 amphibiens, 06 reptiles, 55 oiseaux et 07 mammifères. La flore du site est cartographiée et la dynamique saisonnière des espèces dominantes est estimée par un logiciel de SIG. Des statuts bioécologiques (fauniques, trophiques, phénologiques et de protection) sont attribués aux espèces animales inventoriées puis ils sont discutés. L’occupation spatiotemporelle du lac par l’avifaune est cartographiée et détaillée. Par ailleurs, cette étude comporte des connaissances générales sur les des zones humides. Celles-ci sont inventoriées, classifiées puis cartographies dans la région du Bas-Sahara (Ziban, Souf, Vallée d’Oued Righ et Ouargla). Cette approche a permis de mettre en valeur les ressources biologiques du site et de déterminer son importance écologique. Ceci peut aboutir à des suggestions de gestion et de conservation étroites à son état socioéconomique dans une prospection d’un développement durable.

Hitendra Padalia, Mohamed Musthafa, " Characterization and classification of freshwater marshy wetland using synthetic aperture radar polarimetry: a case study from Loktak wetland, Northeast India, " J. Abstract. Loktak is the largest natural wetland of Northeast India, the last home of endangered brow-antlered deer, and a site of global significance recognized under Ramsar convention. Ecological and human-meditated spatial patterns of Loktak wetland were characterized and classified using a Radarsat-2 C band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data. Radarsat-2 quad-pol scene of dry season was preprocessed and classified using PolSARpro software. Eigen vector–eigen value decomposition of coherency matrix (T3) was performed to characterize the scattering properties of wetland targets based on entropy (H)/anisotropy (A)/alpha angle (α) segmentation. Results illustrate that RGB color display of H∕A∕α images is a useful indicator of wetland structure and composition, and provide clear visual discrimination of open water, floating phumdi, permanent phumdi cover, and associated man-made features. Six classes, namely, floating phumdi, permanent phumdi, scrub/shrub, fallow land, built-up, and open water were mapped using Wishart classification of H∕A∕α images. Scattering mechanisms of natural and man-made targets synthesized from PolSAR data, and their classification using Wishart algorithm have been validated through a visually classified map and field reference points. The land cover generated would be useful for conservation and management of Loktak wetland and brow-antlered deer population.

O Guia de Melhores Práticas Pecuárias da Planície Pantaneira foi idealizado em um workshop realizado em 2019 pelo WWF-Brasil no âmbito do projeto Paisagens Sustentáveis do Pantanal, Cerrado e Bosque Seco Chiquitano (PaSos), em Campo Grande/MS, que teve como objetivo identificar e analisar as boas práticas de pecuárias na Planície Pantaneira que estavam relacionadas com os serviços ecossistêmicos do bioma. O conteúdo do material foi elaborado em parceria com vários autores, que por meio de suas experiências e estudos sugerem ao leitor diversas possibilidades de conhecer e melhorar as práticas do produtor de gado de corte na Planície Pantaneira. O conteúdo inicia com o “Planejamento da Paisagem e Propriedade” trazendo uma visão ampla da propriedade inserida em uma paisagem diferenciada, apresentando os principais macrohabitats da maior área úmida do mundo às iniciativas de melhores práticas na pecuária; assim como as regulamentações legais, possibilidades e incentivos de apoio à conservação e desperta uma reflexão na gestão mais sustentável, trazendo questões ambientais, de negócios e de relações interpessoais. A seguir, desenvolve-se com a dinâmica dos manejos: “Manejo da pastagem” evidencia o olhar holístico que o produtor deve lançar em seu sistema de produção, abordando medidas de conservação à restauração das pastagens nativas, assim como os principais indicadores e práticas que permitam que o valor nutritivo disponibilizado para seu rebanho, permaneça alto, assim como a produtividade animal; em “Manejo do rebanho” apresenta ao produtor o fazer diário com os animais, a infraestrutura e o acompanhamento de índices zootécnicos, com a indicação de uso de raças localmente adaptadas e práticas que melhoram a convivência com predadores.

In Ethiopia, wetlands cover nearly 2% of the total land area of the country. They are one of the most productive ecosystems and perform many functions that maintain ecological integrity. They provide lots of goods and services that encompass
agricultural production, tourism, and biodiversity conservation, social, economic as well as cultural activities. More specifically,
wetlands are crucial resources of income generation and livelihood for local communities.

For teaching and research purposes, in this glossary was compiled some of the terms used in studies of wetlands and aquatic ecology, by professionals and technicians of the area. Terms of daily use in Venezuela, by people who perform some type of aquatic activity or are in contact with the fauna and vegetation of aquatic environments, were also incorporated. Many terms were translated into Spanish, from the technical literature; however, others, whose translation we thought would be unfortunate, have remained in their original form.

Con fines docentes y de investigación, en este glosario se han compilado algunos de los términos usados en estudios de humedales y ecología acuática, por profesionales y técnicos del área. También se incorporaron términos de uso cotidiano en Venezuela, por personas que ejecutan algún tipo de actividad acuática, o están en contacto con la fauna y vegetación de los ambientes acuáticos. Muchos términos fueron  traducidos al castellano, a partir de la literatura técnica; sin embargo otros, cuya traducción nos pareció que resultaría desacertada, se han mantenido en su forma original.

The Yala swamp area of Kenya exhibits high levels of rural poverty despite its natural resources potential and favorable climate. Floods are a recurrent environmental hazard and impede access to environmental resources and agricultural production. The physical setting of Yala Swamp at the floodplain of Yala River and increased runoff from degraded catchments are contributory factors to the flooding.

This study focused on assessment of wetland degradation around Yala swamp in Nyanza Province. The goal of the research was to assess the extent of wetland degradation using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS).

The area was mapped using multi-temporal remote sensing image data from 1973 to 2009 and participatory data collection. Data collection techniques applied included ground photography as well as interpretation of satellite imagery.

The 2001 and 2006 satellite imagery shows the drastic changes that have occurred within the wetland. The calculated area of the wetland in 2001 was 215411937.9 square metres while in 2006 it was 107,173,665.8 square metres. This indicates the actual reduction in area of the wetland through different human activities carried out around the swamp.

The study concludes by recommending active participation of every individual in wetland conservation in Siaya county and government together with financial partners by providing financial and managerial resources to support the conservation measures. Also strategies for short and long term measures of controlling soil erosion in the area need to be put in place by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in partnership with other stakeholders. The study therefore underscores the need to evolve an integrated watershed management plan for effective management of Yala Swamp area and the region in general.

Key words: Wetlands, Yala swamp, Floods, GIS, Degradation and Watershed Management.

Wetlands are the most productive ecosystems on earth’s surface. Ramsar Convention puts forward binding regulations to protect wetlands across the globe. The real situation however, is different and
complex. These fragile ecosystems are under imminent threat from natural and anthropogenic stress
factors. Son Beel Wetlands of Assam in North East India is also no different. The health of this
wetland is steadily deteriorating as a result of a series of internal as well as external factors. Valuation
of the wetland is important to understand the need for conservation and sustainable development. The
beneficial future prospects of the wetland are further discussed in this chapter which can be facilitated
with the help of cutting-edge technologies such as nanotechnology

Wetlands are the most essential and precise features of nature that offer an extensive variety of functions as supplier for household drinking water, agriculture use, erosion control, flood control, weather stabilizers, source of groundwater, purification of the water and detoxification. Despite this, all of the world, the wetlands are going through many issues like loss in their total area, addition of pollutants as a result of industrialisation, desertification and the ignorance of local people about the importance of wetlands which is indirectly responsible for the degradation of wetland. India ranks first among the South Asian countries and third in Asia after Japan and China in terms of total geographical area designated as wetlands. Further, the number of wetlands of international importance has steadily increased to 37 since 1981 when the first site was recognised as a wetland under Ramsar Convention. India has come a long way in protecting and conserving wetlands, right from covering them under different environmental acts to formulate independent wetland rules and policies which have been modified time and again. This article reviews the importance of the Ramsar sites in India along with analysing the conservation strategies and various wetland rules and policies.

Los humedales de México son de gran importancia desde el punto de vista ecológico y socioeconómico por sus múltiples funciones, valores y atributos, los cuales son esenciales para la sociedad en su conjunto.
Estos ecosistemas poseen una gran riqueza natural que debe ser conservada y gestionada
de forma responsable y sustentable, utilizando la mejor información y tecnología disponible. En consecuencia, el aprovechamiento de estos ecosistemas debe realizarse en un esquema de responsabilidad y equidad, con el fin de promover el bienestar de la población y garantizar que los valores, bienes y servicios ambientales que proporcionan
los humedales perduren en el largo plazo, para mantener la posibilidad de su aprovechamiento por las generaciones futuras.
Considerando lo anterior, se reconoce que los bienes y servicios que proveen los humedales son vitales para el bienestar de la sociedad y la conservación de la diversidad biológica.

KARAKUYU GÖLÜ SULAK ALANI VE BAŞLICA PROBLEMLERİ
Yrd. Doç. Dr. Selahattin POLAT
Arş. Gör. Yıldız GÜNEY
Arş. Gör. Mehmet DENİZ
ÖZET
Bu çalışmada Karakuyu gölü ve çevresinin jeolojik, jeomorfolojik ve hidrografik
özellikleriyle gölün çevreye olan etkileri ve başlıca problemleri incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın
amacı Karakuyu Gölü ve çevresinin oluşumu ile birlikte jeomorfolojisi hakkında edinilen
bilgileri bir araya toplamak ve gölün hidrolojik özelliklerini araştırmak suretiyle bu gölden
yararlanmak isteyenlere ihtiyaç duyacakları bilgileri vermektir. Ayrıca göl ve çevresinin
bilinçli kullanımı açısından problemlere dikkat çekilmesi ve öneriler sunulması da
amaçlanmıştır. Karakuyu gölüyle ilgili toplu bilgilerin bulunması bu çevreden yararlanmak
isteyenlere yardımcı olacaktır. Araştırmada malzeme olarak Karakuyu Gölü ve çevresini içine
alan 1/25000 ölçekli topografya haritasının L24-c4 ve L24-d3 paftaları kullanılmıştır.
Araştırma alanının yapı özelliklerini öğrenebilmek için sahayla ilgili jeolojik harita ve
literatür gözden geçirilmiştir. Bu konuda kullanılan malzemeler arasında MTA enstitüsüne ait
1/500000 ölçekli Türkiye Jeoloji Haritasının Karakuyu Gölü ve çevresini içine alan paftaları
söylenebilir. Yöntem olarak arazi çalışması ve literatür taramasına gidilmiştir.
Afyonkarahisar’ın Dinar ilçesi sınırları içerisinde Dombayova çöküntü alanına yerleşmiş olan
göl hem ekonomik hem de ekolojik açıdan büyük öneme sahiptir. Karakuyu Gölü önemli
sulak alanlardan olup büyük ölçüde beşeri müdahaleye uğramıştır. Afyon-Isparta demiryolu
gölü ikiye bölmekte ve doğusundan Afyon-Antalya karayolu geçmektedir. Göl oluşum
bakımından tektono-karstik kökenlidir. Birçok kuşun barınma ve üreme yeri olan bu sulak
alanın torf çıkarımı, kıyılarının yerleşmeye açılması, karayolu ve demiryolunun kıyısından ve
içinden geçirilmesi, kaçak avlanma gibi sorunları vardır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Karakuyu gölü, Dombayova, Dinar, sulak alan, torf
KARAKUYU LAKE WETLAND AND ITS MAIN PROBLEMS
ABSTRACT
In this study, the geological, geomorphologic and hydrographical characteristics of Karakuyu
Lake and its surroundings is studied, as well as the impact of the lake on the environment and
its main problems. The aim of the study is to collect information about the formation of
Karakuyu Lake, its surroundings and its geomorphology and, by studying the hydrologic
characteristics of the lake, to provide information for people who will want to benefit from
this lake. It is also aimed to draw attention to problems and provide suggestions for a more
conscious use of the lake and its surroundings. Having a collection of information about
Karakuyu Lake will be helpful for those who want to benefit from such surroundings. In the
study, L24-c4 and L24-d3 map sections of the map were used which included Karakuyu Lake
and its surroundings in a 1/25000 scale. In order to learn structure properties of research area,
geological map area and literature related to field have been reviewed. Among the materials
used in this regard can be counted map sections of 1/500000 scale Turkey Geological Map of
General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration Institute which cover Karakuyu
Lake and its vicinity. Field survey and literature review were used as method. The lake which
is located in the Dombayova depression area within the borders of Dinar district Afyonkarahisar province bears great importance in terms of both economical and ecological.
Karakuyu Lake is one of the important wetland areas and has been undergone a great human
intervention. Afyon-Isparta railways divides the lake into two, and Afyon-Antalya highway
passes in the east of the lake. The lake is tectonic-carstic based in terms of formation. The
wetland area which is a shelter and reproduction area for many birds has many problems such
as peat extraction, settlement on its coasts, highway and railway passing through or by the
lake and poaching.
Key Words: Karakuyu lake, Dombayova, Dinar, wetland, peat

The study area of the bio diversity assessment is a wet land area, known as the Thalangama wetlands consisting of a man built irrigation tank (reservoir), a few canalas, paddy fields and some marshlands. This study area is within  15km zone from Colombo city and is a one out of the two remaining irrigation tanks controlled by the Colombo divisional office of Irrigation Department. It's located between 6°53'16.99"N Latitude and 79°56'50.10"E Longitude. The nearest major city is Battaramulla.
The tank is called the Thalangama Tank.It was believed to be built during the era of King Parakramabahu VI (1551-1547 AD) for paddy cultivation and is situated close to the ancient city of Kotte.It is an important habitat for water birds, functioning as an urban biodiversity refuge, as it is surrounded by densely populated human settlements of the Colombo District.The tank is in the Madiwela catchment area within the Kelani river basin, which includes the Colombo flood detention area.The gross capacity of the tank is 50 Ac.Ft.The area consists of an irrigation area of 95 acres and non-irrigable area of 111 acres and provides water for more than 200 acres of nearby paddies.

Shoreline retreat along extended semi-arid areas of North African coasts are indicative of the imbalance of coastal sedimentary processes due to modern abrupt changes in precipitation patterns and urban growth. Monitoring of the diachronic shoreline position and land-use from 1952 to 2018 in the coast of the Hammamet Bay in central-east Tunisia, using both aerial and orbital photogrammetric scenes and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System from 1887 to 2018, suggests shoreline retreat rates ranging from −1.3 to −5.6 m/yr. Such rates are abnormal when compared to the average of −0.07 m/yr suggested by global-scale assessment modeling for sandy beach evolution. These abnormal erosions extend over 65 km of sandy beaches, resulting from a severe deficit of sediment transport caused primarily by rapid coastal urban growth that obstructs sediment flow to the shoreline. We suggest that the high retreat rates observed in the low-population period of 1884-1931 originated mainly from storm surges and tsunamis, or potentially subsidence in the coastal substratum. Moreover, our analysis of the salinity of shallow coastal aquifers and land coverage suggests that shoreline retreat coupled with rapid urban growth accelerated seawater intrusion ~5 km inland, causing soil desiccation, the development of salt lakes, and reduction of vegetation coverage by ~18%. These abrupt environmental changes have a severe, adverse impact on crop production and food security in these densely populated and economically important areas across significant parts of the North African coasts, sharing similar key environmental parameters with our study site. We conclude that anthropogenic drivers are the major source of shoreline retreat rather than natural ones.

This report documents the results of a Systematic Reconnaissance Flight (SRF) aerial survey of the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar Site (Tanzania), conducted from 17
to 28 November 2001. The survey was made as part of the Danida-funded project on Sustainable and Integrated Management of the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar Site
(SIMMORS), which aims at assisting the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to fulfil its obligations under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The aerial survey provided a successful rapid assessment of the status and distribution of wildlife, vegetation & wetland types and their status in the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar
Site. The present report only presents the results of the observations on the status of the vegetation, disturbances and threats to habitats from human activities in the Ramsar Site. The types and extent of different vegetation types, human activities, threats and buffer zone issues in this important wetland area are discussed.

Technical Report for the Project on Sustainable and Integrated Management of the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar Site (SIMMORS), 2001.

The study revealed a total of 33 wetland bird species belonging to 11 families were recorded from Magadi Bird Sanctuary of Gadag District, Karnataka. Among the family, Scolopacidae dominated the list by the representation of 8 species, followed by the Anatidae with 7 species and least by Laridae, Gruidae, Rallidae, and Recurvirostridae with one species each. Of the total birds recorded based on the density and abundance, Bar-headed geese was found as the dominant species, followed by the Demoiselle Crane, Brahminy Shelduck, Lesser-whistling Duck, Black-headed Ibis, Spot-billed Duck, Black Ibis, and Common Coot, etc., The study also revealed that the lake is a vulnerable wetland harboring plenty of resident as well as few migratory birds. Four globally near threatened species were recorded like Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) and River Tern (Sterna aurantia) have a protected status under the schedule IV of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The present study location is also facing tremendous conservation challenges by the impact of anthropogenic alteration of the habitats in and around the lake.

La ciudad mexicana contemporánea ya tiene muchos volúmenes de estudios, interesantes y precisos diagnósticos, pero si no es con un proyecto urbano-arquitectónico con argumentos audaces y sólidos, así como mecanismos para hacer viable la transformación, difícilmente cambiará para mejor. La energía barata del petróleo erigió al automóvil como patrón de la ciudad funcional. En los últimos decenios, la conciencia ecológica busca nuevos valores en los ámbitos urbanos, más compatibles con la sostenibilidad. No es posible entonces imaginar a la ciudad del siglo XXI con soluciones del siglo XX, por tanto, concebir una ciudad diferente requiere producir un proyecto diferente. La transformación de áreas urbanas existentes es un proceso donde las políticas públicas para el bien común y el tejido social son el capital inicial de las plusvalías futuras, que asociado a la inversión privada deben generar simultáneamente riqueza y calidad de vida urbana. En México, la reurbanización al interior de las ciudades resuelve varias cuestiones buscando una forma equilibrada: más espacio abierto para la convivencia y más edificación híbrida para la prosperidad, sin extender la ciudad. Este modelo más eficiente se materializa en una situación tropical específica, el humedal de la Laguna del Carpintero. El proyecto de revitalización y conservación descrito en el libro se construye, por tanto, desde la sostenibilidad y se verifica con la plusvalía.

This study characterized the ecological status of birds at two Ramsar sites in northeastern Algeria, Chott Tinsilt (TNS) and Sebkhet Ezzemoul (EZZ). During the period 2015-2017, bird counting revealed that bird community was composed of 29 species and 11 families at TNS and 23 species and 10 families at EZZ. Bird species encountered across different habitats were classified into three ecological groups (waterbirds, open habitat birds and mountain birds). Besides, four ecological statuses (phenological status, faunal types, trophic status, and protection categories) were assigned to each species. Birds of both study wetlands have a biogeographical affinity with the faunal type ‘Palearctic’ (24.1% of species at TNS and 17.4% at EZZ). The Multiple factor analysis of ecological statuses crisscrossed with bird groups indicated that waterbirds are distinguished from other ecological groups because they are predominantly migrants (69.0% of species at TNS and 69.6% at EZZ) that use these two wetlands as wintering ground and migratory staging. Waterbirds included mostly invertebrate feeders, polyphagouss and piscivorous species. Mountain birds were distinguished as unique group because of species trophic status (especially carnivores and scavengers), their phenology (summer migrant breeders), and the abundance of certain protection categories. Open habitats birds were clustered as a separate because of the biogeographic faunal types. Our findings emphasized the importance of using ecological attributes of bird species in a multiple factor analysis to highlight information on the true status of birdlife. This survey characterized the diversity and ecological characteristics of birds of two Ramsar sites, which represent a true natural heritage of proven ecological and socio-economic importance at regional and national scales.

La Laguna de Cuyutlán se encuentra en el estado de Colima en el Occidente de México. Cuenta con un ecosistema de manglar predominado por Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans y Laguncularia racemosa (Ruíz, 2009). El estudio se desarrolló en la zona Este de la laguna en el llamado vaso IV, que cuenta con una extensión de 1,900 hectáreas de humedal con reconocimiento Ramsar (Secretaría de la Convención de Ramsar, 2009). La laguna se ha visto históricamente influenciada por la actividad humana, principalmente por la producción de sal, la agricultura y la pesca; recibiendo el mayor impacto a sus ecosistemas en la época contemporánea, derivado del desarrollo industrial en la zona que el crecimiento del Puerto de Manzanillo produjo (Torres y Quintanilla-Montoya, 2014) y que se intenta mitigar a través de la compensación ambiental basada en la reproducción de plántulas y la reforestación (API, 2010). La falta de un estudio de valoración económica del manglar limita la capacidad de planeación de las instituciones involucradas en la gestión del ecosistema y sus servicios ambientales. Esto dificulta la correcta evaluación de las acciones compensatorias implementadas, por lo que se necesita información útil que permita hacer un uso eficiente de los recursos públicos y privados implicados, siendo el valor económico del recurso natural un elemento clave para lograrlo. Se utilizó un método de tipo hipotético llamado Valoración Contingente que consiste en la estimación del valor económico total del ecosistema tomando como base la disposición de pago para su conservación declarada por los principales usuarios, en este caso habitantes de la comunidad, turistas, salineros, lancheros, ejidatarios e investigadores. Se aplicó también un análisis multivariado TWINSPAN a los resultados para definir los distintos clústeres conformados por los usuarios. Se aplicaron 296 encuestas en 5 poblaciones para recabar los datos, a partir de los cuales se encontró que aquellos usuarios del manglar que viven en mayor contacto con él tienen una disposición de pago media 54.9% menor que aquellos que no tienen tanto contacto. Se estimó que una hectárea de manglar en el vaso IV de la Laguna de Cuyutlán tiene un valor de US$34,545.12 anuales, mientras que suvalor actual neto considerando un plazo de 5 años y una tasa de descuento del 12% (Bancode México, 2015) es de US$124,527.24. Con estos datos y con los resultados del análisis multivariado se tiene información aplicable en materia ambiental, económica y fiscal.

Kanwar Lake, as it is locally called, is located 22 km northwest of Begusarai district. It is a residual oxbow lake, formed due to meandering of Gandak River, a tributary of Ganga, in the geological past. Once a heaven for migratory birds, the Kanwar Lake in Bihar, Asia's largest freshwater oxbow lake, is today a dying wetland ecosystem. A recent meeting on " Wetland Governance in South Asia " , held in Delhi, discussed whether this lake can be saved if it is declared a Ramsar site. Kanwar Lake was declared a notified area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. To check poaching of birds, it was declared a protected zone by the Bihar state government in 1986; the government of India declared it a bird sanctuary in 1989. The authorities had notified 15,000 acres in the area as wetland, which makes it six times bigger than Kaladeo National Park in Bharatpur. But the legal protection accorded to the wetland seems to have been of little help. It is shrinking fast. The lake covered 6,786 ha in 1984, which reduced to 6,043.825 ha in 2004. By 2012, the lake area had reduced to a mere 2,032 ha (Ashok Ghosh). Kanwar lake is a habitat for many critically endangered like Oriental white-backed vulture, vulnerable and near threatened birds. Till the 1980s, the lake was one of the largest breeding grounds for migratory birds. But now poachers and trappers have taken over, leading to a steep decline in bird population. Poisonous pesticides used in farming also pose a major threat to the birds in the area. This wetland is also needed to put a stop to land deals. According to SAEE, massive inflow of silt is decreasing the depth of the lake. Every year, about 3.8 cm of silt is deposited in the Kanwar Lake. Weeds have spread across the marshy wetland, leading to the loss of lake's natural biodiversity. Extensive deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and over exploitation of biomass for fuel, fodder and timber purposes have stripped the land of its natural vegetation cover, resulting in erosion. The lake bed has been encroached extensively by the rich farmers and local peoples. Researchers suggested that comprehensive management of wetland and its buffer zone should be taken up involving active participation of the stakeholders. A strong legal framework is needed for the protection of this notified area said environmental lawyers. For this mapping of the original extent of the lake needs to be undertaken and then notified. Mapping of wetland and the catchment area should be done by a committee that includes panchayat representatives and other stakeholders so that there is no further encroachment Wetland and the canal connecting the wetland and river should be desilted so that inflow and outflow mechanism becomes active. Removal of encroachment and illegal farming from the lake bed No pollutant should be allowed to enter the water body. Awareness and capacity building programmes need to be undertaken for the stakeholders for the management of the lake. By these activities we can control and revive the biodiversity of Kanwar Lake.