Wetlands are ecosystems consisting of land covered either permanently or seasonally by water. They can include marshes, ponds, edges of lakes and seas, river deltas, and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.

Wetlands make up an estimated 4 to 6 percent of the Earth’s land area and are found in all ecosystems.

Some wetlands, including swamps and marshes, are among the planet’s most productive ecosystems. As they provide habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic species, they often have higher biodiversity than do other ecosystems. They also serve as important carbon and nutrient sinks.

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