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Wetland classification and inventory: A summary

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Classification and Inventory of the World’s Wetlands

Part of the book series: Advances in Vegetation Science ((AIVS,volume 16))

Abstract

Regional, national and local wetland classifications have been developed and successfully applied. These have invariably been orientated towards conservation and management goals, and the information used to assess wetland loss or to assign management priorities. Existing national and regional classification systems have not only been useful, but they provide an essential base for developing an international system. At the international level, differences among existing systems in the definition of a wetland and how wetland types are defined assume great importance and need to be resolved. Classification is an essential prerequisite for wetland inventory. A number of international inventories have been undertaken, although these have not generally utilized the available high technology and data storage systems available through remote sensing and geographic information systems. More extensive international inventories will require standardization of techniques for data collection, storage and dissemination. A minimum data set needs to be defined with standards for data accuracy. An international committee under the auspices of an international agency (e.g. IWRB, Ramsar Bureau, IUCN) needs to be established to develop an international classification system and guidelines for carrying out a complete inventory of the world’s wetlands.

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Author notes

  1. C. M. Finlayson

    Present address: Office of the Supervising Scientist, Locked Bag 2 Post Office, Jabiru, NT, 0886, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. International Waterfowl & Wetland Research Bureau (IWRB), Slimbridge, Glos, GL2 7BX, UK

    C. M. Finlayson

  2. Department of Botany 141A Bessey Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA

    A. G. van der Valk

Authors
  1. C. M. Finlayson
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  2. A. G. van der Valk
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C. Max Finlayson A. G. van der Valk

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© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Finlayson, C.M., van der Valk, A.G. (1995). Wetland classification and inventory: A summary. In: Finlayson, C.M., van der Valk, A.G. (eds) Classification and Inventory of the World’s Wetlands. Advances in Vegetation Science, vol 16. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0427-2_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0427-2_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4190-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-0427-2

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