Types of Wetlands

I just came across this fantastic image showing differences between different kinds of wetlands, and thought that you all would appreciate it:



Source: https://www.wetlands-initiative.org/what-is-a-wetland

Wetlands play a crucial role in ecological health, water filtration, biodiversity, and food production. Integrating permaculture principles into their protection and creation can enhance their resilience and ability to support human communities, while maintaining their ecological integrity.

Permaculture Strategies for Wetlands can include:

Increasing plant diversity to enhance and strengthen ecological relationships

Creating perennial buffer zones surrounding wetlands to reduce runoff and stabilize soils

Incorporating earthworks to help slow, spread, sink, and savor water through swales, ponds, dams, terraces, and humus wells.  

Enhancing wildlife habitats, such as protected spaces for wetland species.  These can include amphibians, birds, fish, and pollinators.

What strategies have you used to integrate wetlands into your homestead designs?

What are the best ways to create micro-wetlands in areas with drier climates?

What are some of your favorite wetland species that your are using in your systems?

What traditional knowledge or practices can we learn from indigenous communities as it relates to wetlands?

Are there unique wetland ecosystems in your area that could help inspire permaculture design and strategies?

What are some strategies of capturing grey and black water, while helping to remove/transform toxic gick that inevitably finds its way in?

What are some other question we could be asking ourselves in relation to types of wetlands and their role in permaculture designs?

The "Lo'i" Wetland

Irrigated terraces specifically designed for the cultivation of Taro, or in Hawaii, "Kalo."  They utilize flowing fresh water from streams or springs, and are deeply tied to Hawaiian culture and traditions, serving both as a source of food and sacred spaces. Lo'i mimic natural wetland dynamics while being managed by mahi'ai (land stewards) for maximum productivity.

Water Depth: typically around 4-12 inches

Frequency: semi-permanent with reliance on continuous flowing wai (water)for maintaining proper oxygen levels and prevention of stagnation.

Plants: Primarily Kalo (Colocasia esculenta). Secondarily can include floating azolla water fern, watercress, warabi fern along the edges, or other plants used for mulch.

Ecosystem Functions: Water filtration of sediments and excess nutrients. Biodiversity in the form of aquatic species such as small fish or native "Opae" shrimp. Soil stabilization provided by the living roots of Kalo and other plants, and the slowing and spreading of water.  Perpetuation of cultural practice and knowlegde. Proper Lo'i management considers the health of both upstream and downstream systems. Management of the watershed networks is critical.



(Painting of Haloa by Maggie T. Sutrov)

The "Lo'i" Wetland -  Ecosystem Functions:  

When I visited Kauai a decade or so ago, I was told that when people of European decent, pushed the mahi'ai off their land, and the Lo'i wetlands fell into disuse, the negative impact on wetland birds was huge. The mahi'ai finally convinced the managers of one of the parks to let them start managing the wetlands again, and several nearly extinct species birds rebounded.

I admit I've not paid enough attention as to all the varieties and specific differences between versions of wetland, but I do know that we need to work on restoring, mimicking, protecting, and respecting them. There are so many good uses for them that increase their effectiveness.