Recognizing Ecosystem Services from Wetlands of International Importance: An Example from Sussex, UK

The benefits human societies derive from wetlands are well established, although not necessarily enshrined in legislation or incorporated into local management regimes. The wise use of wetlands, as promulgated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is intended as a mechanism to ensure that the benefits delivered to society through ecosystem services are maintained and, where appropriate, restored. The designation process for Ramsar Sites explicitly records information on ecosystem services as well as the more traditionally recorded information on the biodiversity and management procedures. Analysis of four Ramsar Sites from the county of Sussex in southeast England showed that even for internationally important wetlands there is a failure to recognize the full value of the benefits provided and, importantly, several valuable ecosystem services remain unrecognized. The gap between recognized and unrecognized ecosystem services has implications for the consideration of wetlands in decision-making and the protection and wise use of all wetlands within Sussex and beyond. Conclusions drawn from the analysis of the examples presented are used to assist the future development of guidance for wetland managers and decision makers regarding the recognition of ecosystem services.