According to the international Ramsar Convention (1971), wetlands are areas of marsh, fen (grassy), peatland (a type of wetland) or water -- whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt water. They provide habitat for plants, animals and bird species that thrive in aquatic environments rich in nutrients. They filter contaminants out of water and are a rich source of food for the communities nearby.
Although wetlands are very important to the ecosystem, in Thailand, they have steadily declined in both size and quality because people mistook them for being wastelands or swamps that should be filled in or drained for agriculture and housing.
Last year, the Royal Irrigation Department dredged the Wiang Nong Lom wetland in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai, to improve storage and utilisation of water. However, the dredging process has had a negative impact on the Wiang Nong Lom wetland. To discuss this issue and raise awareness about other wetlands, the Siam Society under Royal Patronage by the Natural History Section organised a panel discussion titled "Wiang Nong Lom: The Significance Of Wetlands" in April at the Siam Society Auditorium.
