Standardization of Wetland Definition Based on Ecosystem Perspective

Lack of standard wetland definition is an important cause for difficulty in wetland management. The necessity of standardization of wetland definition was described in terms of scientific research and wetland protection. From ecosystem perspective, wetland was defined as: Wetlands are transitional ecosystems at the interface between truly terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic systems, wetlands are characterized as having a water table that stands at or near the land surface for a long enough period each year to support hydric soil, aquatic plants and animals. And an analysis was provided to understand the definition from aspects of scientific research and protection management. A common difficulty in wetland research and management was how to determine wetland boundary, it was suggested that the wetland boundary be strictly defined in scientific terms meanwhile giving manageable boundary according to the specific situation.