Ecosystem service assessment of selected wetlands of Kolkata and the Indian Gangetic Delta: multi-beneficial systems under differentiated management stress

A comprehensive ecosystem service assessment of wetlands in the Sundarbans National Park and East Kolkata Wetlands reveals that 32 out of 36 possible ecosystem services are produced across these sites, with significant variations attributed to differing wetland characteristics and management regimes. The study highlights critical gaps in existing literature, particularly in recognizing provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, and demonstrates the importance of systemic approaches like the Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES) in capturing interdependent service production. This method not only supports the protection of ecological character but also challenges the underrepresentation of peri-urban wetlands' values, offering a practical framework for informed decision-making.

Everard, M., Kangabam, R., Tiwari, M. K., McInnes, R., Kumar, R., Talukdar, G. H., Dixon, H., Joshi, P., Allan, R., Joshi, D., & Das, L. (2019). Ecosystem service assessment of selected wetlands of Kolkata and the Indian Gangetic Delta: multi-beneficial systems under differentiated management stress. Wetlands Ecology and Management, 27(2-3), 405–426. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-019-09668-1