Wetlands, as defined by the Ramsar Convention, include all lakes and rivers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peat lands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt pans, among others.
While long regarded as wastelands, wetlands are now considered hugely fruitful ecosystems that contribute essential beneficial services to society. Providing water entry for agricultural and domestic purposes, wetlands enable farmers to grow crops in all seasons, thus increasing food availability. They supply grazing and watering for domestic and wild animals, and are a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, serving as a lifeline for migratory birds.