How do wetlands contribute to ecosystem health?

Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem health due to their ability to filter pollutants and provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife. They act as natural water filters, trapping sediments, nutrients, and contaminants from surface runoff before the water enters larger bodies of water. This filtration process is vital for maintaining water quality in nearby rivers, lakes, and oceans, thereby supporting healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Additionally, wetlands serve as essential habitats for numerous species, including fish, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates, making them biodiversity hotspots. They provide breeding grounds, feeding areas, and shelter, which are critical for the survival of many species and contribute to overall ecosystem resilience.

While wetlands do store carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, and can act as climatic barriers, their primary contribution to ecosystem health is best encapsulated in their dual function of pollutant filtration and habitat provision. This multifaceted role is essential for sustaining both water quality and biodiversity within an ecosystem.