Celebrating 25 Years of World Wetlands Day

The purpose of this Special Issue is to celebrate 25 years of “World Wetlands Day”. There is no other ecosystem that has its very own Ramsar Convention or such a challenge impacting ecosystem sustainability. Papers for this Special Issue provide an overview of wetland status and function within different regions of the world. The papers in this Special Issue of Land consist of three review papers, ten research articles and one perspective paper. Edward Maltby’s review paper provides us with an overview of the paradigm shift of how we value and assess wetlands over time. Ballut-Dajud et al. provide us with a worldwide perspective on factors affecting wetland loss. Finally, Jan Vymazal provides us with a historical overview of the development of water quality treatment wetlands in Europe and North America. The research papers can be grouped into four groups: 1) use of remote sensing to analyze stability and dynamic factors affecting wetlands; 2) factors affecting the wetlands’ ability to store carbon; 3) assessment of wetlands effect on water quality; and 4) understanding historical use and value of wetlands, farmer’s attitudes about wetland management, and how we can value wetland ecosystem services. Finally, Bryzek et al. remind us that, as wetland researchers and managers, we should minimize damage to wetlands even through field monitoring work

Forest Management and Water Resources in the Anthropocene

Decades of research has provided a depth of understanding on the relationships among forests and water, and how these relationships change in response to climate variability, disturbance, and forest management. This understanding has facilitated a strong predictive capacity and the development of best management practices to protect water resources with active management. Despite this understanding, the rapid pace of changes in climate, disturbance regimes, invasive species, human population growth, and land use expected in the 21st century is likely to create substantial challenges for watershed management that may require new approaches, models, and best management practices. These challenges are likely to be complex and large scale, involving a combination of direct effects and indirect biophysical watershed responses, as well as socioeconomic impacts and feedbacks. We explore the complex relationships between forests and water in a rapidly changing environment, examine the trade-offs and conflicts between water and other resources, and examine new management approaches for sustaining water resources in the future