Geo 603 Environment Geology

QUESTION: Propose the best management practices and action

plan to protect the wetland in the University of BUEA Campus

INTRODUCTION

Wetlands are areas where water is present at or near the surface of the soil for

part of the year. They can be found in various landscapes such as the edges of

lakes, rivers, and coastal regions. They are inundated or saturated with water

either permanently or seasonally. Wetland soils known as hydric soils are

typically anaerobic and have specific characteristics due to prolonged

saturation. They support a variety of plant species adapted to wet conditions,

often referred to as hydrophytic vegetation. Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen,

peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with

water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine

water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.

Wetlands can be classified into several types based on their characteristics,

hydrology and vegetation. The main types include; freshwater wetlands

(marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, ponds), coastal wetlands (mangroves, salt

marshes, deltas, sea grass beds), man-made wetlands or artificial

Wetlands are unique ecosystems with distinct characteristics that set them

apart from other environments which they include the presence of water, which

can be permanent or temporary.

Wetland soils are saturated with water, which affects the types of plants and

animals that can live there. Wetlands support unique and diverse plant and

animal communities that are adapted to living in saturated conditions. Wetlands

are often connected to other water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, or oceans, and

play a crucial role in maintaining hydrological cycles. Wetlands are highly

productive ecosystems, with high levels of plant growth and animal activity.

Wetlands provide a diverse range of habitats, including marshes, swamps, bogs,

fens, and mangroves.

Wetlands are critical ecosystems that provide a wide range of ecological,

economic and social benefits. Wetland supports a diverse array of species

including birds, fish, mammals and invertebrates. They serve as breeding,

feeding and migratory habitats. The unique hydric conditions that fostered

variety of specialized plant species. Wetlands filter pollutants and sediments

from water improving overall water quality by trapping nutrients and

contaminants. They play a vital role in cycling nutrients such as nitrogen and

phosphorus which then help to maintained ecosystem balance. Wetlands store

significant amounts of carbon in their soils and vegetation, helping mitigate

climate change. They help to regulate local climate and can moderate

temperatures.
Wetlands help to filter and purify water by removing sediments, nutrients, and

pollutants. Wetlands help to regulate water flows, reducing the risk of flooding

and storm water damage. Wetlands play an important role in regulating the

climate by storing carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Wetlands

provide opportunities for recreation and tourism, including bird watching,

fishing, and boating.

Wetlands provide important sources of food, including fish, shellfish, and other

aquatic species. Wetlands have cultural and spiritual significance for many

communities, providing important sites for traditional activities and ceremonies.

Wetlands help to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion, reducing the risk of

damage to infrastructure and property. Wetlands help to recharge groundwater

aquifers, providing an important source of water for drinking, irrigation, and

industry. Wetlands provide numerous benefits for human health and well-being,

including clean water, air purification, and opportunities for recreation and

relaxation.

To ensure the sustainability and health of the wetlands at the University of

Buea, it is essential to implement best management practices and a

comprehensive action plan. This initiative aims not only to protect and restore

the wetlands ecological integrity but also to engage the University community

and local stakeholders in conservation efforts.

How to protect the wetland in the UB Campus from sedimentation and debris
deposits, evaporation, pollution and invasive species

Sedimentation Control Measures

The University of Buea campus like many areas, likely faces sedimentation

threads to it’s wetland from various sources. Sedimentation control measures

aims to reduce the amount of sediments entering this sensitive ecosystem. This

includes preventing sediments from entering water ways. Construct

sedimentation basins or ponds to capture sediment and debris before they enter

the wetland install sediment traps, such as silt fences or sedimentation basin, to

capture sediment and debris. Use erosion control measures, such as re-

vegetation or geotextiles, to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation.

Debris Removal and Management

Organize regular clean-ups to remove debris and trash from the wetland. Install

debris traps, such as trash racks or debris booms, to capture debris and prevent it

from entering the wetland. Promote proper waste management practices, such as

recycling and proper disposal of trash, to reduce the amount of debris that enters

the wetland.
Wetland Restoration and Enhancement

Restore degraded or damaged habitats within the wetland, such as replanting

native vegetation. Enhance habitat diversity by creating a variety of habitats,

such as ponds, marshes, and forests. Control the spread of invasive species that

can harm native plants and animals.

Community Engagement and Education

Raise awareness among local communities, stakeholders, and the general

public about the importance of protecting the wetland from sedimentation and

debris deposits. Provide education and training to local communities,

stakeholders, and managers on wetland conservation and management practices.

Encourage community involvement in wetland conservation and management

efforts through volunteer opportunities and community-based projects.

Best Management Practices and plan Actions

Vegetated buffer strips; Planting, vegetation alongside the edges of wetlands to

filter sediments and nutrients from runoff. This helps to slow down water flow

and promote sediment deposition before it reaches the wetland. Proper storm

water management by directing storm water away from vulnerable areas using

the Swales, ditches and pipes. Establish protected zones, designate wetlands on

UB campus should be protected, restrict unauthorized activities such as

construction, dumping or excessive human traffic.

Water Management Strategies

Create water storage structures, such as ponds or reservoirs, to store excess

water during periods of high rainfall. Divert excess water from surrounding

areas into the wetland to maintain water levels.

Vegetation Management

Plant native vegetation, such as aquatic plants, grasses, and shrubs, to help

shade the water and reduce evaporation. Establish vegetation buffers around the

wetland to reduce wind speed and evaporation. Control invasive species that can

out Compete native vegetation and increase evaporation.

Soil and Groundwater Management

Implement soil conservation measures, such as terracing or contour farming, to

reduce soil erosion and increase water infiltration. Implement groundwater

recharge systems to replenish groundwater aquifers and maintain water levels in

the wetland.

Evaporation Reduction Technologies

Install floating wetlands or artificial islands to provide shade and reduce

evaporation. Install shading devices, such as canopies or umbrellas, to provide

shade and reduce evaporation.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Implementing a monitoring program to trap sedimentation rates and the

effectiveness of control measures. This might include the measuring sediment

basins depth in the wetlands periodically. Sediment basins and traps need

regular cleaning and maintenance to remain effective. Vegetation in buffer strips

and bio retention cells needs to be maintained to ensure proper functioning.

Monitor water levels regularly to detect changes in evaporation rates. Also,

Monitor vegetation health and density to ensure that it is providing adequate

shade and reducing evaporation.

Habitat Restoration; this practice may be used to promote the conservation of

wildlife species in general, including threatened and endangered species. Where

applicable this practice may be used to conserve and stabilize archeological and

historic sites. Consider rotating management and maintenance activities (e.g.

mow only one fourth or one-third of the area each year) throughout UB campus

to maximize spatial and temporal diversity..

Where wildlife management is an objective, the food and cover value of the

planting can be enhanced by using a habitat evaluation procedure to aid in

selecting plant species and providing or managing for other habitat requirements

necessary to achieve the objective. Use native species when available. Consider

trying to re-establish the native plant community alongside the UB Campus site.
If a native cover (other than what was planted) establishes, and this cover meets

the intended purpose and the landowner's objectives, the cover should be

considered adequate. Divert water away from active gullies or critically eroding

areas. Increase or decrease the drainage area above ponds

To conclude, the proposed management practices focus on ecosystem

Assessment, sustainable land use, community engagement and ongoing

monitory. By adopting these strategies, the University of Buea can safeguard its

wetland, fostering a balance between environmental conservation and

community development. These action plans outline the steps necessary to

achieve these goals, ensuring that the wetland remains a thriving ecosystem for

future generations.
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