VANISHING WETLANDS OF KERALA, INDIA

摘要

Wetlands are ecosystems with specific ecological characteristics, functions and values. They are among the most productive ecosystems of the world and are essential life-supporting systems providing a wide array of benefits to human kind. It is not surprising that the first signs of civilization have been traced to wetland areas. Once wetlands were considered useless and waterlogged unproductive areas, and sometimes as deleterious ecosystems. Today, opinions have changed about the value of wetlands; but unfortunately, these ecosystems are rapidly declining and deteriorating in various parts of the world, including India.