Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Wetlands, Livelihoods and Human Health

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Wetlands and Human Health

Part of the book series: Wetlands: Ecology, Conservation and Management ((WECM,volume 5))

Abstract

In developing countries millions of people live a life of subsistence agriculture, mired in poverty, with limited access to basic human needs, such as food and water. Under such circumstances wetlands, through the provision of a range of direct and indirect ecosystem services, play a vital role in supporting and sustaining peoples’ livelihoods and hence, their health. This chapter discusses the role of wetlands in the context of the sustainable livelihoods framework in which wetlands are viewed as an asset for the rural poor in the form of “natural capital”. The framework is used to illustrate how ecosystem services, livelihoods and health are entwined and how the ecosystem services provided by wetlands can be converted to human health either directly or via other livelihood assets. It highlights the contributions that wetlands make to basic human needs and, either directly or through transformations to other forms of livelihood capital, the support they provide to livelihoods and overall well-being.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Acreman M, Holden J (2013) How wetlands affect floods. Wetlands 33:773–786

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Acreman MC, José P (2000) Wetlands In: Acreman M (ed) The hydrology of the UK: a study of change. Routledge, London, pp 204–224

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Alongi DM (2008) Mangrove forests: resilience, protection from tsunamis and responses to global climate change. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 76:1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amaraneni SR, Singh S, Joshi PK (2004) Mapping the spatial distribution of air and water pollutants in Kolleru Lake, India using geographical information systems (GIS). Manage Environ Qual Int J 15(6):584–607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Amilhat E, Lorenzen K, Morales EJ, Yakupitiyage A, Little DC (2009) Fisheries production in Southeast Asian farmer managed aquatic systems (FMAS): I. Characterisation of systems. Aquaculture 296:219–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton H, Grant M (2006) A health map for the local human habitat. J Royal Soc Promot Heal 126(6):252–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blaikie, P. 2006. Is small really beautiful?: Community Based Natural Resource Management in Malawi and Botswana. World Development 34(11) 1942–1957 doi:10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.11.023.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bullock A, Acreman MC (2003) The role of wetlands in the hydrological cycle. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci 7:358–389

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carney D, Drinkwater M, Rusinow T, Wanmali S, Singh N (1999) Livelihood approaches compared. DFID

    Google Scholar 

  • Chambers R, Conway G (1992) Sustainable rural livelihoods: practical concepts for the twenty-first century. IDS Discussion Paper 296. IDS, Brighton

    Google Scholar 

  • Chatenoux B, Peduzzi P (2007) Impacts of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: analysing the potential protecting role of environmental features. Nat Hazards 40:289–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cleaver F, Franks T (2005) How institutions elude design: river basin management and sustainable livelihoods. BCID Research Paper No. 12. Bradford Centre for International Development. University of Bradford, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Colston A (2003) Beyond preservation: the challenge of ecological restoration. In: Adams WM, Mulligan M (ed) Decolonising nature: strategies for nature conservation in a post-colonial era. Earthscan, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook H, Williamson T (1999) Water management in the English landscape: field marsh and meadow. Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, pp 273

    Google Scholar 

  • Department for International Development (DFID) (1999) Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets. http://www.eldis.org/vfile/upload/1/document/0901/section2.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2014

  • Elkington B, Vongtakoune S, Thaimany S (2009) Medicinal plant surveys in Kiat Ngong Wetlands and its adjacent areas. Livelihoods and Landscapes Strategy, IUCN. Cited in IUCN Baseline report—Bueng Kiat Ngong wetlands, Pathoumphone District, Champassak Province, Lao PDR (p 9)

    Google Scholar 

  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2004) Aquatic biodiversity in rice fields. FAO, Rome Italy http://www.fao.org/rice2004/en/f-sheet/factsheet7.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr 2014

  • Finlayson CM, Davidson N, Pritchard D, Milton RG & Mckay H (2011) The Ramsar Convention and ecosystem-based approaches to the wise use and sustainable development of wetlands. Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy 14:3-4, 176–198

    Google Scholar 

  • Finlayson CM, Howitz P (2015) Wetlands as settings for human health—the benefits and the paradox. Introduction. In Finlayson CM, Howitz P (eds) Wetlands and human health. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 1–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Friend R (2007) Securing sustainable livelihoods through wise use of wetland resources: reflections on the experience of the Mekong Wetlands biodiversity conservation and sustainable use programme (MWBP). MWBP. Vientianne, Lao PDR

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerrard P (2004) Integrating wetland ecosystem values into urban planning: the case of that Luang Marsh, Vientiane, Lao PDR, IUCN—The World Conservation Union Asia Regional Environmental Economics Programme and WWF Lao Country Office, Vientiane

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilman K (1994) Hydrology and wetland conservation. Wiley, Chichester, 101 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz P, Finlayson CM (2011) Wetlands as settings for human health: incorporating ecosystem services and health impact assessment into water resource management. BioScience 6(9):678–688

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz P, Finlayson CM, Weinstein P (2012) Healthy wetlands, healthy people: a review of wetlands and human health interactions. Ramsar Technical Report 6. Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Gland, Switzerland & the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadlec RH, Knight RL (1996) Treatment wetlands. Lewis Publishers/CRC Press, Boca Raton

    Google Scholar 

  • Kerr AM, Baird AH, Campbell SJ (2006) Comments on “Coastal mangrove forests mitigated tsunami” by K. Kathiresan and N. Rajendran (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 65 (2005) 601–606). Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 67:539–541

    Google Scholar 

  • Lorenz C, van Dijk GM, van Hattum AGM, Cofino WP (1997) Concepts in river ecology: implications for indicator development. Regul Riv Res Manage 13:501–506

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MA (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment) (2005) Ecosystems and human well-being: Wetlands and water synthesis. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Marmot M (2002) The influence of income on health: views of an epidemiologist. Health Affairs https://sph.uth.edu/course/occupational_envhealth/bamick/RICE%20-%20Weis%20398/Marmot_income.pdf. Accessed 19 Dec 2013

  • Masiyandima M, McCartney MP, van Koppen B (2004) Wetland contributions to livelihoods in Zambia. FAO Netherlands Partnership Program: sustainable development and management of wetlands pp 50

    Google Scholar 

  • Mbaiwa JE(2005) Wildlife Resource Utilization at Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai Community Area in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Journal of Environmental Management, 77(2):144–156

    Google Scholar 

  • Mbaiwa JE, Stronza AI (2010) The effects of tourism development on rural livelihoods in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. J Sustain Tour 18(5):635–656

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCartney MP, Acreman MC (2009) Wetlands and water resources. In Maltby E, Barker T (eds) The wetlands handbook. Wiley-Blackwells, pp 357–381 (ISBN: 978-0-632-05255-4)

    Google Scholar 

  • McCartney MP, Rebelo LM, Senaratna Sellamuttu S & de Silva, S (2010) Wetlands, agriculture and poverty reduction. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI Research Report 137) pp 39, doi: 10.5337/2010.230

    Google Scholar 

  • McCartney MP, van Koppen B (2004) Wetland contributions to livelihoods in the United Republic of Tanzania. FAO Netherlands Partnership Program: sustainable development and management of Wetlands 42 p

    Google Scholar 

  • McCartney MP, Chigumira F, Jackson JE (1997) The water-resource opportunities provided by dambos for small-scale farming in Zimbabwe. Presented at seminar on “The management and conservation of the wetlands of Zimbabwe”. Harare, Zimbabwe, 12–14 February 1997

    Google Scholar 

  • McCartney MP, Cai X, Smakhtin V (2013) Evaluating the flow regulating functions of natural ecosystems in the Zambezi Basin. International Water Management Institute (IWMI Research Report 148), Colombo. doi:10.5337/2013.206 51pp

    Google Scholar 

  • McIvor AL, Spencer T, MÓ§ller I, Spalding M (2012) Storm surge reduction by mangroves. Natural Coastal Protection Series: Report 2. Cambridge Coastal Research Unit Working Paper 41. University of Cambridge, The Nature Conservancy and Wetlands International

    Google Scholar 

  • McJannet D, Wallace J, Keen R, Hawdon A, Kemer J (2012) The filtering capacity of a tropical riverine wetland: II. Sediment and nutrient balances. Hydrol Process 26:53–72

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mountford JO, McCartney MP, Manchester SJ, Wadsworth RA (2002) Wildlife habitats and their requirements within the Great Fen Project. Final CEH report to the Great Fen Project Steering Group

    Google Scholar 

  • Prescott-Allen R (2001) The well-being of nations:a country-by-country index of quality of life and the environment. In cooporation with International Development Research Centre, IUCN, The world conservation union, international institute for environment and development, food and agricultural organization of the united nations, map maker Ltd, UNEP World conservation monitoring centre. Island Press, Washington. CABI

    Google Scholar 

  • Prior H, Johnes PJ (2002) Regualtion of surface water quality in a Cretaceous Chalk catchment, UK: an assessment of the relative importance of instream and wetland processes. Sci Total Environ 282–283:159–174

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rebelo L-M, McCartney MP, Finlayson CM (2009) Wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa: distribution and contribution of agriculture to livelihoods. Wetl Ecol Manage 18:557–572

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roger PA, Heong KL, Teng PS (1991) Biodiversity and susatainability of wetland rice production: role and potential of microrganisms and invertebrates. In: Hawksworth DL (ed) The biodiversity of microorganisms and invertebrates: its role in sustainable agriculture. CABI

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoones I (1998) Sustainable rural livelihoods: a framework for analysis IDS working paper 72, IDS, Brighton

    Google Scholar 

  • Senaratna Sellamuttu S, de Silva S, Nguyen-Khoa S, Samarakoon J (2008) Good practices and lessons learned in integrating ecosystem conservation and poverty reduction objectives in wetlands. Colombo, Sri Lanka: IWMI; Wageningen, Netherlands: Wetlands International. 73 p, on behalf of, and funded by, Wetlands international’s wetlands and poverty reduction project

    Google Scholar 

  • Senaratna Sellamuttu S, de Silva S, Nagabhatla N, Finlayson M, Pattanaik C, Prasad SN (2012) The Ramsar convention’s wise use concept in theory and practice: an inter-disciplinary investigation of practice in Kolleru Lake, India. J Int Wildl Law Policy [ISI] 15(03–04):228–250. doi:10.1080/13880292.2012.749138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor H (2002) Insights into participation from critical management and labour process perspectives.In B. Cooke, & U. Kothari (Eds.), Participation: The new tyranny. London: Zed Books, pp. 122–138TEEB (2010) The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Mainstreaming the Economics of Nature: A synthesis of the approach, conclusions and recommendations of TEEB.

    Google Scholar 

  • Temmerman S, Meire P, Bouma TJ, Herman PMJ, Ysebaert T, de Vriend HJ (2013) Ecosystem-based coastal defence in the face of global change. Nature 504:79–83

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • US Corps of Engineers (1972) An overview of major wetland functions and values. US Fish and Wildlife Service, FWS/OBS-84/18

    Google Scholar 

  • Wakelin MJ, Walker TG, Wilson D (1987) Lincoln flood alleviation scheme. Proc Inst Civ Eng 82:775–776

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wetlands International (2010) Wetlands and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH)—understanding the linkages. Wetlands International, Ede

    Google Scholar 

  • Wetzel RG (2001) Fundamental processes within natural and constructed wetland ecosystems: short-term versus long-term objectives. Water Sci Technol 44:1–8

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wood A, Dixon A, McCartney MP (2013) People-centred wetland management In: Wood A, Dixon A, McCartney MP (eds) Wetlands management and sustainable livelihoods in Africa. Routledge and Earthscan, pp 1–42

    Google Scholar 

  • World Bank (2001) World development report. Attacking poverty: opportunity, empowerment and security. The World Bank, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization (WHO) (2006) Constitution of the world health organization. WHO. http://www.who.int/governance/eb/who_constitution_en.pdf. Accessed 30 June 2011

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Water Management Institute, P.O. Box 4199, Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Matthew P. McCartney, Lisa-Maria Rebelo & Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu

Authors
  1. Matthew P. McCartney
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lisa-Maria Rebelo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Matthew P. McCartney .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Land, Water and Society,Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales, Australia

    C Max Finlayson

  2. School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, West Australia, Australia

    Pierre Horwitz

  3. School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

    Philip Weinstein

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

McCartney, M., Rebelo, LM., Sellamuttu, S. (2015). Wetlands, Livelihoods and Human Health. In: Finlayson, C., Horwitz, P., Weinstein, P. (eds) Wetlands and Human Health. Wetlands: Ecology, Conservation and Management, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9609-5_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation