Define Wetland.

A wetland is an area of land that is either permanently or seasonally saturated with water, creating unique ecological conditions characterized by waterlogging. Wetlands are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water.

Wetlands can vary widely in their appearance and composition, encompassing marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, and estuaries. They support a diverse array of plants, animals, and microorganisms adapted to wet conditions. Common wetland plants include cattails, sedges, mangroves, and water lilies.

Wetlands play important ecological roles such as water purification, flood control, shoreline stabilization, and habitat provision for numerous species, including migratory birds and fish. They also contribute to biodiversity conservation and provide valuable ecosystem services that benefit human communities, such as nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

Due to their ecological significance, many wetlands are protected under national and international regulations to conserve their biodiversity and maintain their essential functions in the landscape.