Review on the natural conditions and anthropogenic threats of Wetlands in Ethiopian

Wetlands are one of the most multifunctional ecosystems of the world that provide a range of economical, biological, ecological, social, and cultural functions and services to human beings. In Ethiopia all types of wetlands except coastal and marine-related wetlands and extensive swamp-forest complexes are found and they are estimated to cover more than 2% of its total surface area coverage. Wetlands deliver a wide range of ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being such as food and feed, construction materials, water supply, water purification, climate regulation, flood regulation and eco-tourism. Wetlands have played a significant role in the growth of human civilizations and cultural development. However, the degradation and loss of wetlands is a worldwide phenomenon and seems to progress faster than in other ecosystems. Despite all those and other indispensable values, these wetlands are under severe pressure and degradation. Due to improper extraction of uses and misconceptions forwarded to wetlands, the health of the wetlands is continuously decreasing from time to time that in doubt their existence in the near future. In order to reverse these emerging problems and conserve these fragile but crucial wetlands, integrated problem solving approach through realizing the collaboration of relevant stakeholders from policy level down to grassroots community is indispensable opportunity to Ethiopian wetlands.