Home Page

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

factors were also seen to show disparities which were analysed and presented quantitatively for each continent.

1.4.3. VALUES, FUNCTIONS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS

The World Bank Group (2004) defines a wetland function as an aspect of a wetland that supports human activities or protects natural systems or natural processes. Wetland values hardly depend on wetland functions and are considered in terms of the socio-economic benefits that can be derived from them. These aspects have been a focal point in several research works geared towards showing the important place wetlands hold in life’s functioning systems.
            Authors like Tchindjang, (1996) Wabo ,(2004) and Mphoweh, J.N, (2005) carried out research on the values and ecological functions of wetland flora, which are seen to be regulators of water flow as well as suppliers of several goods of high socio-economic value.
            Combined with the previously mentioned values, research by Achidi, B.A. (1991), Ghogomu, A.N, (2000), Tanteh, G.C., (2004) and the WWF, (2004) have shown that wetlands are the bases of several socio-economic activities on which rural communities live, either directly or indirectly. Through farming activities on the wetlands, some communities have created farming groups which have actively become involved in community development projects (Mbanga, 2004).

1.4.4. PROBLEMS LINKED TO WETLAND DEGRADATION AND SOME STRATEGIES APPLIED BY ACTORS.

The rising need for a sustainable management of wetlands is justified by the problems which are seen to be arising due to their destruction. Several studies have proven that mishaps like: flooding ,spread of water borne diseases, fall in the output of fishing and hunting activities, droughts ,decrease in portable water supply and a disequilibrium in ecosystems, are some problems which can be associated to wetland loss and degradation(Nanfack 1990), Tchindjang (1996) & Marie-Laure. (2002). Recent studies by the U.N Environment Programme (2006) announced findings of a commissioned study in Nairobi, Kenya; where it was established that the degradation of wetlands has led to the spread of avian flu. This is explained by the fact that the destruction of wetland habitats for migratory birds causes them