special issue wetlands

insect-eatingpitcherplantsinanIrish bog

Marshes,mangroves,andbogs.Whatdotheseplaceshaveincommon?Theyare wetlands.


Weneedwetlands!Why?ThisissueofExplorermagazineisgoingtotell you.



Awetlandisanareaoflandthatiscoveredbywaterforatleastpartoftheyear.Somewetlandsarefloodedwoodlands.Othersarewaterygrasslands.Yet,allwetlandsare important.

asmallmarshvillageinthe Philippines

amangroveforestin Brazil

Wetlandsfilterwater.Theypreventfloods.Theyarehomesforwildlife.Theyalsosoakuppollution.Yet,wetlandsareintrouble.Peoplewantlandforfarmingorforhomes.Climatechangebringsfloodsandstorms.Inthisissue,fourNationalGeographicExplorerswilltellyouthechallengesfacingwetlands today.

BrennaMaloney,managingeditor,Explorer