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Theme: THE DEGRADATION OF WETLANDS AND ITS SOCIO ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS IN NDOP CENTRAL SUBDIVISION, NORTH WEST PROVINCE CAMEROON

1.5.2. Wetland degradation:

The concept of degradation refers to a change in state from a complex to a less complex structure. Wetland degradation is a process which has been widely addressed in Ramsar publications. Moser, M. et al (1996) consider this process as the impairment of wetland functions a as result of human activity. This process is hardly isolated from that of wetland loss. When the degree of impairment goes above certain limits, it becomes difficult to reverse; this means the wetland has been degraded to a point of losses, (Hollis, 1993). Wetland degradation culminates in a loss in wetland area. Wetland degradation is also often considered in terms of the change in quantity of wetland resources around a baseline. This is manifested by the loss in biodiversity, change in wetland water quality/ flow patterns, scarcity of wetland resources, destruction of ecosystems, loss in aesthetic, cultural and spiritual values of wetlands and the appearance of new species. In this research, wetland degradation will be considered in terms of transformation in areas once occupied by wetlands which have been ceded to other uses (transformed surfaces), lost wetland areas, the change in the biodiversity, a change in water flow patterns and the change in turbidity/ water quality in and out of wetland areas.
As earlier mentioned, it is seen that wetlands are ecosystems that are today over exploited to a point of degradation. To evaluate degradation of wetlands, other concepts need to be understood, the main ones being the concepts of Wetland values and wetland functions. According to the World Bank Group (2004) wetland values refer to all wetland products that can be exploited towards satisfying human needs and can therefore be evaluated fiscally. Products that can be evaluated/quantified here include fish, trees, birds, edible amphibians, worms, recreation and landscape, input into food chains, wetland vegetation, foods crops cultivated, hydroelectric power generated etc. On the other hand, a wetland function refers to an aspect of a wetland that supports human activities or protects natural systems or natural processes,( for example flood control, toxic pollutants, wildlife resources, micro climate stabilisation, fisheries, water supply) without being used directly.

Due to an increasing dependence on wetlands for their products of high value to mankind, several problems are being faced by the ecosystem, necessitating actions geared at exploiting them in a rational manner. It is around such strategies that the concept of wetland