Wetlands are complex and dynamic ecological systems incorporating two important, inter-linked components: hydrology and vegetation. Modelling wetland components and processes reveals the nature of wetland systems and helps to predict the effects of environmental change. The main goal of much current research is the construction of a vigorous and spatially-explicit model which describes the dynamics of wetland vegetation in relation to environmental variables, including hydrological regimes, sediment type and nutrient availability. Knowledge about ecological functions, environmental services and societal values associated with wetlands has increased rapidly. How to turn this knowledge into practical benefits for sustainable and integrated wetland management is a key question. Individual chapters address the ethics and sociology of wetlands, and the ecology, ecohydrology and conservation practice of a variety of landscapes and countries. It will be useful to students, teachers and scientists involved in wetland research and informative for the staff of governmental bodies and other organizations engaged in wetland management.
