Apologies for the late report. I had been travelling for the past two weeks which is why it was difficult for me to access the internet and submit my report.

WHAT ARE WETLANDS?

Wetlands are transitional areas, sandwiched between permanently flooded deepwater environments and well-drained uplands, where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Common examples are marshes, swamps, lagoons billabongs, lakes, saltmarshes, mudflats.

IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS

 -A significant factor of wetlands is the complex and dynamic relationships among the organisms in that particular region ; known as food webs. Food webs are constructed to describe the species interactions. All species in the food webs can be distinguished into basal species (autotrophs, such as plants), intermediate species (herbivores and intermediate level carnivores, such as grasshopper and scorpion) or top predators (high level carnivores such as fox).

 -Wetlands can be considered as "biological supermarkets." Large volumes of food attracting many animal species are provided by these regions. These animals use wetlands for part of or all of their life-cycle. 

Dead plant leaves and stems break down in the water for the formation of small units of organic material called "detritus." This enriched material feeds many small aquatic insects, shellfish and small fish that are food for predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.

 -One useful function of wetlands is the absorption and release of surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters i.e. they act as a "natural sponge." Wetlands filter out excess nutrients and dangerous pollutants in rain and storm water runoff and to a lesser extent river water. 

Trees, root mats and other wetland vegetation also slow the speed of flood waters and distribute them more slowly over the floodplain. This combined water storage and braking action lowers flood heights and reduces erosion.

 Compared to rainforest and coral reefs, wetlands have proven to be one of the most fruitful ecosystems in the world. Our environment benefits significantly from wetlands because of its aid in natural water quality improvement, reduction of soil erosion, floodline protection and enhancement in our surrounding scenic beauty.

WETLANDS AROUND THE WORLD

-Pantanal (Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay)

The Pantanal is the largest and best preserved wetland in the world. Its complex system of marshlands, floodplains, lagoons and interconnected drainage lines is home to over 658 species of birds, 190 mammals, 50 reptiles, 270 fish species and a truly outstanding 1,132 species of butterflies.

-Okavango (Botswana)

This precious ornament of the region is Africa's largest and most beautiful oasis. The river's mighty waters empty over the sands of the Kalahari. This brings in wildlife in huge numbers as they take advantage of this massive watering hole.

-Sundarbans (India and Bangladesh)

The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Sundarbans means 'beautiful forests'. This region consists of a large number of Sundari trees that grow in the salty coastal waters. This region is also the habitat of the largest population of the Royal Bengal Tigers.

-Everglades (USA)

This wetland  is one of nature's most efficient water treatment systems where plants filter pollutants out of the slow-moving water, delivering cleaner water to the Florida Bay, the Florida Keys, and nearby coral reefs.

WASIT WETLAND CENTRE IN UAE

The Wasit Nature Reserve is located in Sharjah, UAE. The centre was opened in 2015 by the ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qassimi and is operated by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah Government widely known as EPAA. 

It geographies extensive dunes, mud flats and salty lagoons, as well as fresh water pools, and forms a part of a historic chain of wetlands along the Gulf coast. A wide range of wetland wildlife, food, nesting and shelter is provided by this reserve.

At its heart, the Wasit Wetland Centre brings visitors up close to coastal bird populations. Hosting over 60 species of resident and migratory birds, it offers exceptional viewing opportunities across large aviaries and from numerous hides located around the site. The centre also runs educational opportunities for visitors, with thorough bird information and activities which makes it a centre of great importance for the citizens of the country.

I would like to conclude by saying that wetlands are undoubtedly a prized possession for the environment and its inhabitants and its protection and conservation is what will guarantee the safety and welfare of all species of plants and animals.

LINKS FOR REFERENCE-

http://www.epaashj.ae/learning-centers/wasit-centre/

https://www.worldwildlife.org/habitats/wetlands

http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/about_freshwater/intro/majorwetlands/