An ecological system, such as a coastal wetland or rainforest, is an excellent illustration of
environmental sustainability because it maintains a dynamic balance in which energy, water,
nutrients, and creatures interact to support a variety of living forms across time. These
ecosystems are frequently self-sufficient due to their resilience and ability to recycle resources in
the face of changing conditions. They perform critical functions including as controlling climate,
storing carbon, filtering water, preserving shorelines, and maintaining biodiversity (Newton et
al., 2020).
Plants, soil, and water interact in coastal wetlands to provide a unique habitat capable of
absorbing excess nutrients and filtering out contaminants, so contributing to the cleanliness of
the surrounding seas. The dense vegetation stabilizes shorelines and decreases the impact of
storm surges, thereby protecting inland communities. Wetlands also store a considerable amount
of carbon, which helps to regulate global temperatures. Wetlands are important for biodiversity
because they provide breeding and feeding sites for various animals such as fish, birds, and
amphibians(Singh, 2024).
When human activities such as urban development, agriculture, and industrial pollutants
encroach on natural ecosystems, the equilibrium is upset, frequently with serious repercussions.
There is habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change. These disturbances cause
changes in the ecosystem and that is detrimental to both human and animal sustainability(Singh,
2024).
To restore environmental sustainability in these habitats, initiatives must be focused on
conservation, restoration, and sustainable management. Designated areas should be placed on
under protection and conservation (About Coastal Wetlands, n.d.). Restorative measures should
be in place for the sustainability of the area. A practice of sustainable resource management is a
good start. Adopting sustainable agriculture, logging, and fishing practices guarantees that these
activities have a minimal impact on the ecosystems. This may involve establishing buffer zones
around wetlands, selective logging, and promoting ecotourism in rainforests(Starner, n.d.). Here
in my homeland, there is a band on parrotfish. No one is to sell it as it plays a vital role in our
marine life.
In conclusion, coastal wetlands and rainforests demonstrate the principles of environmental
sustainability by showing how natural systems maintain equilibrium and support life. When
human activities disrupt these systems, they result in biodiversity loss, climate change, and
environmental degradation. To restore these ecosystems, focused conservation efforts, restoration
methods, and sustainable management are required, all of which can contribute to their long-term
health and production.
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References
About coastal wetlands. (n.d.). United States Environmental Protection Agency.
https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/about-coastal-wetlands?form=MG0AV3
Newton, A., Icely, J., Cristina, S., Perillo, G. M. E., Turner, R. E., Ashan, D., Cragg, S., Luo, Y.,
Tu, C., Li, Y., Zhang, H., Ramesh, R., Forbes, D. L., Solidoro, C., Béjaoui, B., Gao, S.,
Pastres, R., Kelsey, H., Taillie, D., . . . Kuenzer, C. (2020). Anthropogenic, direct
pressures on coastal wetlands. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 8.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2020.00144
Singh, V. (2024). Wetlands and human well-being. IUCN. Retrieved October 28, 2024, from
https://iucn.org/blog/202402/wetlands-and-human-well-being?form=MG0AV3
Starner, C. (n.d.). Wetland conservation methods you need to know. Green Living Answers.
https://www.greenlivinganswers.com/ecosystem/wetland-conservation-
methods#google_vignette
Wetlands Management: Benefits, Strategies | StudySmarter. (n.d.). StudySmarter UK.
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/environmental-science/environmental-
policy/wetlands-management/#:~:text=Implementing%20Effective%20Wetlands
%20Conservation%20Techniques,management%20practices%20and%20policy
%20decisions.
