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| The importance and the future of
wetlands
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Wetlands play an essential part in the regulation of
river flow, they filter pollutants and fertilizers, they are spawning
zones for some species of fish (pike in particular). They also provide a
habitat for plants, insects, batrachians and birds…
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The present valleys and river beds were formed in the aftermath of the
last glacial periods (erosion, deposits of sand and gravel), followed by a
return to the present climate (deposits of fine organic or mineral
alluvial silt and ongoing erosion). Different types of features can be
distinguished : from the river bed carved out of the rock to alluvial
valleys formed from a succession of deposits of gravel, fine sand and
peat.
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The expanse of groundwater in these deposits when they are well developed
can constitute a large reserve which absorbs the variations of water flow.
Alluvial deposits act rather like sponges which absorb surplus water
before releasing it later. In these alluvial areas part of the water
follows the course of the river: this drainage can represent a large
volume. This water has been filtered, has a more constant temperature and constitutes
a reserve of good quality water.
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When the flow of water from the river basin has to cross these alluvial
formations before joining rivers significant quantities of nitrates or
pesticides contained in the water are eliminated by the action of bacteria
trapped in the soil or by the vegetation.
These two functions – regulation of flow and retention of diffused
pollutants from the river basin –combined with the positive effects on
the fauna such as providing a specific habitat for fish (a safe area for
spawning for some species and pike in particular spawn in flooded
grasslands) and bird life make these areas very important ecological zones.
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In traditional landscapes these wetlands have specific features: wet
grasslands, rushes, willows, etc. but in some regions the systematic
drainage of this water-logged soil has resulted in the disappearance of
these buffer zones. Even worse corn culture which leaves the earth laid
bare for long periods, and which needs large quantities of fertilizers and
pesticides appears to be disastrous for rivers downstream: sudden rises in
water level, low water levels, poor water quality. Sand and gravel
extraction in large alluvial valleys has also transformed the landscape.
The consequences of these industries are often negative : floodwater no
longer spreads out naturally but flows rapidly into rivers which increases
the rise in water level. This water is loaded with organic and mineral
material causing erosion of the river basin and alluvial silt is deposited
in the river bed.
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Wetlands which are vital to the balance of rivers and crucial for the
diversity of animal and vegetable species can only be preserved through
political resolve. They should not be merely abandoned but properly managed
like other areas. Agricultural and forestry activities cannot be
profitable within the structure of current policies, consequently owners
and those working the land must be helped within the framework of
landscape and river basin management. The flow and quality of rivers will
depend on this action.
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This article was copied
from the http://sea-river.com E-zine
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