Nature’s wealth

The document argues that Manitoba's wetlands are critical 'green infrastructure' that regulate water, filter pollutants, and support biodiversity. It details the severe loss of these ecosystems—exceeding 90% in parts of the Red River watershed—and discusses the consequences, including increased flooding and nutrient runoff into Lake Winnipeg. The text highlights the versatility of cattails for food and bioenergy, and outlines provincial strategies and local projects aimed at wetland protection and restoration.

• Wetlands provide essential water regulation and flood mitigation; in Manitoba, their floodwater storage capacity is estimated to be more than 11 times that of the Shellmouth Reservoir, with a calculated value exceeding $600 million in today's dollars.
• Wetland loss is severe in the Canadian Prairies and the Prairie Pothole Region, with some areas like the Manitoba portion of the Red River watershed seeing losses of over 90%. Globally, 50% of wetlands disappeared in the last century due to agriculture, urbanization, and industry.
• Wetlands act as 'nature's kidneys' by filtering nutrients; specifically, Manitoba wetlands capture approximately 12 kg of phosphorus and 60 kg of nitrogen per acre of cattail, which helps prevent harmful algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg.
• Cattails are being utilized as a sustainable bioenergy source in Manitoba. At Pelly’s Lake, 3,800 tonnes of cattails are harvested annually to produce pellets, cubes, and synthetic gas, offering heating values equal to or higher than poplar or willow.
• The Manitoba government has introduced a Surface Water Management Strategy and 'Towards Sustainable Drainage' regulations to protect seasonal, semi-permanent, and permanent wetlands, based on a 'no-net-loss of wetland benefits' principle.
• Wetlands are critical for biodiversity, supporting hundreds of species and more than one third of Canada’s species at risk.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). Nature’s wealth. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/IISD-LWF-DUC-wetlands-insert.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Nature’s wealth. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/IISD-LWF-DUC-wetlands-insert.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Nature’s wealth |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/IISD-LWF-DUC-wetlands-insert.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndnatures, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Nature’s wealth}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/IISD-LWF-DUC-wetlands-insert.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }