If wetlands are to thrive, they must be managed wisely, sparingly, and with care. A crucial contribution can be made by the communities who live in and understand these ecologically vital habitats. Over the generations, they have established codes, systems, and beliefs that have balanced and preserved their natural resources. They have intimate knowledge not only of their surroundings, but also of the birds and other animals that pass through during the year's cycle. Such innate local wisdom is frequently the cornerstone of successful conservation.
Governments also have an important role to play.
Not only can they dispense funds and introduce legislation, they can also provide training opportunities for managers, scientists, ecologists, hydrologists, and other specialists who will maintain wetlands. They can enforce strict planning controls and order environmental assessments as a matter of course whenever a wetland is threatened. And where wetlands are in national or marine parks, administrations can strengthen by-laws covering those areas. But if that is to happen, politicians and governments first have to be convinced of the importance of wetlands, their life-enhancing environmental role and the positive effect they have on national economies. Nations must learn the vital lesson that to damage or destroy wetlands is ultimately more costly than to preserve them.