Conservation of Wetlands and Other Coastal Ecosystems: a Commentary on their Value to Protect Biodiversity, Reduce Disaster Impacts, and Promote Human Health and Well-Being

• Published in: Wetlands (Wilmington, N.C.) N.C.), 2019-12, Vol.39 (6), p.1295-1302
• Main Authors: Sutton-Grier, Ariana E., Sandifer, Paul A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic ecosystems; Asthma; Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Coastal ecosystems; Coastal Sciences; Coasts; Community planning; Cultural heritage; Disaster management; Disaster recovery; Disaster risk; Disasters; Disease transmission; Ecology; Ecosystem services; Ecosystems; Emergency preparedness; Environmental economics; Environmental Management; Floodwater; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Green infrastructure; Hydrogeology; Impact damage; Infectious diseases; Land use; Landscape Approaches to Wetland Management; Landscape Ecology; Life Sciences; Microbiota; Nature conservation; Open spaces; Physiological effects; Recovery; Risk management; Species diversity; Urban planning; Well being; West Nile virus; Wetlands
• ISSN: 0277-5212; 1943-6246
• DOI: 10.1007/s13157-018-1039-0

There is substantial, growing literature that details positive human health effects, psychological and physiological, of exposure to “nature,” including “green” and “blue space,” with evidence suggesting that diversity of species or environments may have specific positive human health benefits. These health benefits are important ecosystem services provided by healthy ecosystems. In this paper, we discuss several critical ecosystem services provided by wetlands including disaster risk reduction, with an emphasis on benefits to human health and well-being. Impacts to human health via damage to ecosystem services from disasters have rarely been considered in disaster planning or mitigation, nor have the health benefits been part of the framework for planning urban greenspaces and land-use. Coastal wetlands can be part of “natural and nature-based” solutions, minimizing the impacts of disasters by buffering coastal communities from storms and erosion and absorbing flood waters. In addition, mental and physical health benefits of experiencing healthy wetlands could offset some stress and disease encounters related to disasters. Thus, coastal wetlands should be part of a strategy for reducing the risk posed by disasters and facilitating recovery. We conclude with recommendations for research priorities and specific inclusion of wetlands in coastal community planning for disaster response and recovery.