Putting a value on wetlands

OUR wetlands are not just for scientists to study; they are there to be enjoyed by everyone.

But, sites are not yet fully appreciated and continue to be damaged by drainage, infilling, peat cutting and other activities.

That’s the view of Dr Peter Foss and Dr Patrick Crushell, of Wetland Surveys Ireland, who have just launched the first, online Map of Irish Wetlands, following on World Wetlands Day earlier this month.

However, they also acknowledge an increasing awareness of the importance of these threatened areas, including bog, fen, swamp, wet woodland, salt marsh, lakes, rivers and lagoons — for flood prevention, carbon storage and conservation of animal and plant life.

The map has been launched to help highlight the extent and value of wetlands, which make up 10% of the country. The main aim is to provide people with information on sites across Ireland. The location of each site, plus extra information, is displayed over Google maps.

Ecologists Foss and Crushell, who are calling for a national survey of wetlands, have noticed an absence of information. Up to now, such information has only been available in scientific reports. But, for the first time, much of this information has been gathered into a single, easily accessible archive.

The map should be useful to community groups, schools and others involved in promoting the natural heritage of their areas. It is also hoped that the map will become a resource for professionals in the planning and environmental fields.

The map should ensure that all wetland areas are considered in the decision-making process when it comes to land management and planning. That has not always been the case. To date, more than 3,100 sites have been mapped, but that is believed to be a small fraction of the total number. Just 30% of mapped wetlands are formally listed for protection by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

‘’It is crucial that a survey of wetlands be undertaken at a national level as it is impossible to protect the resource without first knowing its true extent. Only after a survey of wetlands can the relevant authorities carry out their functions in trying to protect these important habitats,’’ they say.

Cavan, Clare, Kildare, Laois, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Sligo, Westmeath, and Wicklow have begun surveys of their wetlands..

* The map can be viewed on the following websites: www.WetlandSurveysIreland.com, or www.FossEnvironmentalConsulting.com