7377

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7377
• Author: Kusler, J. A. and S. Daly.
• Title: Wetlands and River Corridor Management.
• USFW Year: 1989.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

filling or pollution, are probably the commonest
human impacts on wetlands and so hydrological
forecasting and management is necessary in most
cases. Hydrology is a strongly numerical subject
with well-developed methods of forecasting and
modelling wetland systems (Mercer and Faust 1986).
In addition all hydrologists are trained on the
basis of a catchment approach to analysis and so
wetlands are always seen as an integral element in
a wider system that extends from the upland
watershed to the estuary and coastal zone.
Figally, whilst different cultures may use
km /year, m /sec or cusecs to assess river
discharge, an experienced hydrologist working in
wetland management soon discovers that the real
units for river discharge are Pesetas/sec, )C/sec,
$/sec, or Drachmas/sec, etc. Water flows,
especially in dry countries, are major flows of
resources and management must attend to this
reality as well as the scientific principles of
the hydrological cycle.
Economics
Economics, and especially the rapidly emerging
environmental economics, is becoming a central
science to wetlands (McNeely 1988). Its ability to
reduce complex scientific issues to terms readily
understood by politicians and its ability to
provide a common "currency" between different
specialism gives it a special place. Economic
studies of wetlands have begun a focus on the
economic value of wetlands and their functions
(Turner 1988). An even more powerful role may be
in the social and economic auditing of the
processes which destroy and degrade wetlands
(Adams 1985). One example is provided by Thomas'
(1989) work on the irrigation systems around the
Ichkeul National Park in Tunisia. He found that
the Ghezala irrigation scheme produced a net los
(1987/88 prices) of 0.063 Tunisian Dinars per m
of water used (1TD = ca. $1 U.S.). Reservoir
releases to sustain the National Park's fishery,
grazing and tourist 3 functions will produce a net
profit of3 0.188TD/m for modest releases of 4.1
million m per year and a net profit of 0.069TD/m3
for the more generous releases of 12 million m
each year.
People-Environment Relationships
In the past, scientific studies by anthropolo-
gists, geographers and sociologists have not
played a great role in wetland matters. However,
the focus of these disciplines, especially geo-
graphy, on the interface and inter-relationships
between natural environmental systems and
human/social/cultural systems is central to the
understanding of management possibilities and
needs. Above all, these bridging disciplines
between the natural and human environment are
essential when considering possible management
options. The natural environment may offer certain
possibilities but human societies choose
particular strategies on the basis of their
particular views and aspirations. Wetlands cannot
be managed through the natural sciences alone.
MANAGEMENT
Management Plans
At the heart of the management of wetland sites
is the management plan. There are several formats
for such plans (Wood and Warren 1978) but the
methodology of management planning is an excellent
approach. The essential progress of the plan from
description to evaluation and, finally, to
prescription is logical and workable. Plans, by
their very nature, are broad and integrative. They
are particularly good methods for identifying
areas of ignorance about particular sites or about
the science base for wetland management.
Management plans are positive because they always
finish with a plan of action but at the same time
they are flexible, and need continual updating and
review.
The essential problem with management plans is
not preparing them but in getting them implemented
by the wetland "controllers". The failure to
implement management plans can arise from a wide
variety of sources. These range from, for example;
ineffectual leadership of the conservation agency
to opposition from interests around the wetland;
and from shortages of cash to paralysis induced by
inter-ministerial consultations.
Wetland Management Techniques
The ecological, hydrological and ornithological
techniques for managing wetlands are well
established and well known. Whilst there are a
number of practical wetland management handbooks
(Scott 1982), there is a generally acknowledged
need for "interchange of experience and informa-
tion on wetland policy, conservation and wise use
between countries" (Ramsar Bureau 1988). Methods
of economic analysis are also advancing rapidly
(Farber and Costanza 1987). However in many
countries, almost every wetland manager who
operates at the field level, and most young
enthusiasts within established or emerging Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs), seek advice on
basic methods of wetland management. In addition,
they agree wholeheartedly that management struc-
tures, legislation and governmental policies are
highly relevant to their task and are sometimes a
source of their management problems. Sadly, many
wetland managers and wetland supporters in
developing countries are quite unaware of the
possibility of receiving expert advice and
political support from the international arena.
Therefore, there is a need for a flexible and
comprehensive management handbook, with sections
for each climatic zone. The manual should cover
topics such as:
1. hydrology
2. ecology
3. engineering
4. environmental economics
5. legislation
6. international organizations
7. getting expert help for free
8. mobilizing public opinion
9. lobbying politicians
10. organising international pressure
11. etc., etc., etc.
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