An integrated wetland assessment toolkit: a guide to good practice

Abstract

Wetlands contain biodiversity of exceptional conservation significance, comprising many unique ecosystems and a wide array of globally-threatened species. At the same time they typically form essential components of local, national and even regional economies, as well as underpinning the livelihoods of adjacent human communities. Wetland goods and services are often particularly important for poorer and more vulnerable groups, which have limited alternative sources of income and subsistence, and have weak access to basic services.