A Synthesis: Wetlands as Settings for Human Health

Abstract

The interactions between wetlands and people have been explored in this book through the treatment of ecological and human health and well-being issues for both wetland management and public health practitioners. This recognises that both sectors have reciprocal and important roles to play in ensuring that the benefits provided by wetlands are maintained and even enhanced. Examples are given of the benefits for human health and well-being derived from wetlands, as well as the potential for adverse outcomes if the ecological character of wetlands is not maintained when making decisions about wetlands and human health issues. The examples provide more resolution to what it means for a wetland to be ‘healthy’ with a proposition that wetland health should be based on social values and indicators that could be agreed through the following steps: establish the best possible reference condition, given acceptable land or water use; make judgements based on uses of human amenity derived from the wetland; acknowledge that restoration may be necessary, especially where wetland uses prove to be non-sustainable; and accept that changes in use/amenity can change the condition and hence perception of the health of the wetland.