Wetlands are a concept that covers mires, shallow lakes, lochs, shallow bays, inlets, deltas, and sea meadows. We have much of this habitat in North-Norway, where some of Europe's most important ones are situated. In other parts of Europe, wetlands have been heavily reduced in size and numbers, and many of them are still under pressure for human development.
Wetlands often have very specialized plant societies. Here plants sprout and insects hatch. In addition they constitute El Dorado's for many bird species. On Finnmarksvidda's mires and marshes we very important breeding areas for wetland birds, among them the Lesser White-fronted Goose. River deltas and sea meadows are both important as breeding sites and as staging areas for birds on migration.
Unfortunately are many of our wetlands in North-Norway also being destroyed. The use of 4Wdrive vehicles creates deep and nonreversible tracks in the terrain. These tracks can drain the water away and thereby change the water level. Also the large number of reindeer in Finnmark has led to increasing wear damages in the wetlands. Sea meadows and river deltas are in some places threatened by development and pollution.
