Products from wetlands: Overview

Abstract

Wetland Products are those things produced in wetlands that can be used by people as food, fuel, building materials, fibre, and fodder for livestock. They equate to Provisioning Ecosystem Services derived from Wetlands. They may be used in their raw state or be processed in some way and can be exploited at a range of scales and intensities. Wetland products have been an important resource for human development, and are important components of livelihoods, particularly in developing countries. Economically important wetland products include rice and fish, whilst others may provide vital support for small-scale local livelihoods. Wetland products are of great and increasing importance in wetland management considerations, providing both opportunities for and constraints to conservation management.