Why conserve the wetlands in Western Asia?
The key conservation issue for most wetlands in the arid zones of the world is the supply of water. Some wetlands contribute to the drinking water supply by collecting and releasing water to groundwater systems and surface water reservoirs. During the dry season, groundwater-fed wetlands offset the effects of droughts and water shortage. Wetlands are also natural water filters. The degradation and loss of wetlands can impact water supplies and, in some cases, result in water shortages. It is important to recognise that wetlands are vital elements of water systems, and that in addressing freshwater management problems, integrated water resources management has to be built upon protecting and maintaining “healthy” wetland ecosystems. Population increase and a corresponding increase in demand for water for development purposes has created an urgent need for effective management approaches to balance conservation and development in wetland areas. The importance of wetlands in arid zones is
