insect-eating pitcher plants in an Irish bog
Marshes, mangroves, and bogs. What do these places have in common? They are wetlands.
We need wetlands! Why? This issue of Explorer magazine is going to tell you.
A wetland is an area of land that is covered by water for at least part of the year. Some wetlands are flooded woodlands. Others are watery grasslands. Yet, all wetlands are important.
a small marsh village in the Philippines
a mangrove forest in Brazil
Wetlands filter water. They prevent floods. They are homes for wildlife. They also soak up pollution. Yet, wetlands are in trouble. People want land for farming or for homes. Climate change brings floods and storms. In this issue, four National Geographic Explorers will tell you the challenges facing wetlands today.
Brenna Maloney, managing editor, Explorer