Ironically wetlands have been perceived as wastelands associated with disease, difficulty and danger. Emphasizing the negative impacts and ignoring their importance, these habitats were considered obstacles in the path of progress and hence drained, filled, despoiled and degraded for economic gains. The wetland loss has been responsible for bringing to the verge of extinction countless species of plants and animals. Inadequate understanding of the crucial role and utility of wetlands is a matter of serious concern. Wetlands support high concentrations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate species.
Wetlands are also important storehouses of plant genetic material.
Rice, for example, which is a common wetland plant, is the staple diet of more than half of humanity. At the 6 th Conference of Contracting Parties held in March 1996 in Brisbane, Australia, this recommendation was reconfirmed. Wetland management planning involves hydrological, biological, sociological and administrative factors. This course is intended for those who are involved in wetland management planning. The course will be aimed at focusing the current knowledge and skills about wetland management planning with other relevant topics.