The role of moisture regime and hydro-topography on tropical wetland ecosystem management

Abstract

Moisture and hydrological conditions have a close and fundamental relationship with tropical wetland ecosystems’ existence, characteristics, and function. Peatlands and mangrove ecosystems are wetland ecosystems but both have different unique edaphic characteristics so they are interesting as reference ecosystems. Events like land clearing, drainage, flooding, drought, and fires cause the degradation of peat and mangrove ecosystems in Indonesia. Moisture dynamics and hydro-topography will affect the quality of the land and the environment, so it is very important to study them to provide ecological information for the successful management and restoration of wetland ecosystems. This paper will discuss the role of moisture regimes and hydro-topography in the management of tropical peatlands and mangroves. This study uses a review method by data and information analysis from study reports, field observation notes, and journals simultaneously and in an integrated manner. Moisture regime and hydro-topography conditions on peatlands and mangroves indicate differences in vegetation types and key species. Hydrological characteristics and edaphic conditions are expected to become critical references in the effort to preserve and restore tropical wetland ecosystems, in this case, peatlands and mangrove ecosystems.