Wetland ecohydrology and its challenges

Abstract

Wetlands function through strong interactions between hydrology and ecology, and thus are central environments for ecohydrological research, including the development of the core theories of ecohydrology and the associated methodology. Human society has entered into the so-called “anthropogenic era”, in which human actions are causing severe perturbations to natural ecosystems. The scientific approach of wetland ecohydrology can be used to measure accurately the responses of wetland ecosystems to anthropogenic forcings, and provide scientific strategies for their restoration and protection. In this paper, wetland ecohydrology of a given region is conceptualized as comprising three spheres: human disturbances, hydrological dynamics and the response of wetland natural ecosystems. A geoinformatic framework is applied for the quantitative expressions of the connections, both between and within these spheres. With wetland ecohydrology representing a systematic and integrative methodology in contrast to narrow, disciplinary approaches, we focus on the issue of balancing limited water resources between natural wetland ecosystems and human activities, and in particular the scientific approach on how to estimate the proportion of natural wetland ecosystems to preserve in agricultural areas in order to ensure sustainability. In doing so, we aim to facilitate the development of a harmonious relationship between natural wetland ecosystems and local communities and thus the promotion of sustainable regional development.