Harnessing the Power of Wetlands in Sustainable Hospitality

Wetlands are far from being just swamps. According to Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, “wetlands are land areas saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally”. These include lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, peatlands, mangroves, and even coral reefs are classified as wetlands. These areas provide ecological, hydrological, social, and economic value, making them invaluable assets for sustainable development and hospitality projects.

Wetlands, though covering only a small percentage of the Earth’s surface, play a crucial role in delivering essential ecosystem services to the world. They are biodiversity hotspots, attracting birds, aquatic life, and diverse flora. It is also our natural flood management and water filtration system, act as buffers during heavy rains, reducing peak flows and mitigating flood risks and property damage. Wetlands play a vital role in regulating microclimates too by moderating local temperatures, maintaining humidity levels, and influencing precipitation patterns. According to a 2022 paper published in Science, wetlands are also carbon sinks, storing 20% of the organic ecosystem carbon in the world.

However, globally they are vanishing three times faster than forests, making their conservation a critical priority in sustainable development. Wetlands, like riparian corridors and coastal zones, are highly sensitive to human activities and environmental changes but these areas are where most of human’s activities are concentrated at too, thus are very often at odds with each other. On World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2^nd to raise awareness about their immense ecological value, we are reminded of the urgent need to protect and restore these natural treasures.

Form interdisciplinary teams: Involve specialists such as ecologists, landscape architects, and environmental planners to collectively establish an environmental framework from the onset. This framework guides development plans with a focus on ecosystem enhancement, hydrology, zoning of protected areas, buffers and connectors, and developable spaces.

Analyze the wider watershed: Conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and site analysis to understand the broader ecological and hydrological processes—often beyond the development site—that influence the wetland. Consider the possible upstream and downstream impacts of development.

Biophilic Design: Harness the innate human connection to water and nature to create environments that are psychologically restorative and deeply engaging. Design elements such as elevated boardwalks, wildlife viewing platforms allow guests to explore the wetland and observe wildlife in their natural habitat, all while minimizing human impact and preserving the integrity of the ecosystem.

Guest Experience: Enhance guest engagement by providing interpretive signage and guided educational tours, both on foot and by water, to highlight the ecological significance and unique features of the wetland. Incorporate hands-on activities, such as planting mangrove saplings, to give guests a meaningful opportunity to actively contribute to wetland conservation and restoration efforts. These interactive experiences not only deepen guests’ connection to nature but also promote awareness and advocacy for wetland preservation

Architectural and Landscape Integration: Design the built form to blend with the natural landscape of the wetlands and its surroundings. This blurring of indoor and outdoor spaces enhances biophilic connections, immersing guests in the natural habitat. Furthermore, incorporating green elements into the built form increases structural complexity, creating additional habitats that support and promote biodiversity.

Sustainable Lighting: Use low-intensity, warm-temperature lighting (1800K–3000K) paired with fully shielded fixtures to enhance nighttime aesthetics and safety while minimizing disturbance to nocturnal wildlife. Migratory birds and turtle hatchlings are especially vulnerable to light pollution, which can disorient them and lead them off their natural paths, causing significant harm.

Low-Impact Development (LID): Design with LID principles to preserve and enhance the wetland functions. Channel runoffs into a system of treatment trains for infiltration into the ground and natural filtration before draining into the wetlands if possible. There may also be the possibility of incorporating constructed wetlands to treat wastewater sustainably in non-potable reuse such as irrigation and washing.

Hydrological Alterations: Minimize or mitigate potential changes to hydrology, including water diversion, flow rate modifications, or impacts on water quality, such as pollution. These changes can disrupt the critical functions of wetlands.

Wetland enhancement: Enhance the wetland ecosystem by planting native vegetation to improve ecological resilience and support the native wildlife. Introduce habitat features such as nesting platforms, fish shelters, or habitat islands to attract and sustain a diverse range of species. These measures promote biodiversity and improve ecosystem functionality.

Integrated Management Plan: Develop integrated management plans for the development and the wetlands. These plans should include clear performance indicators, such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), to ensure that development leads to a measurable increase in the quantity and quality of habitats compared to pre-development conditions.

Collaboration: With local communities to minimize adverse impacts on their social and economic dependence on wetlands, while fostering partnerships for long-term stewardship and sustainable use. Additionally, partnerships with educational institutions can expand opportunities for teaching, research and community engagement, ultimately contributing to the improved conservation and management of wetlands.

Wetlands can serve as a key sustainability feature, forming the foundation of a development’s environmental initiatives while appealing to eco-conscious travelers. They offer a distinct advantage, helping hospitality projects stand out in a competitive market.

Developers have the opportunity to view wetlands not as obstacles, but as assets that can contribute to thriving, sustainable environments. These spaces provide resilience against environmental challenges and promote community engagement and responsibility.

In the face of increasing environmental pressures, integrating wetlands into development projects can align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), supporting net-positive and regenerative development.