Enforcement: Wetlands

Abstract

Enforcement of laws and regulations protecting wetlands is an important piece of the proverbial wetlands management puzzle. Enforcement usually works in concert with other actions like identification of wetlands, education on the importance of wetlands conservation, and restoration of wetlands that have been damaged or destroyed. Tools for wetlands enforcement vary greatly, and three examples of such tools are as follows: (1) criminal and civil enforcement of law protecting wetlands; (2) administrative actions ranging from notification to violators of wetlands protections to voluntary agreements requiring restoration and future compliance with wetlands protections; and (3) use of diplomatic relationships to enforce wetland protection measures.