Why are wetlands often drained or filled for development and agriculture?

Wetlands are frequently drained or filled primarily to facilitate human economic activities, such as expanding agricultural land and supporting urban development. Because wetlands are often characterized by excess water that can hinder crop production or delay planting, they are viewed as land that requires drainage to become productive.1234

Historically, these areas have been converted to create more efficient fields for farming or to provide stable ground for growing cities, such as Chicago and Washington, D.C. In many cases, the decision to destroy or degrade these ecosystems stems from a failure to recognize their ecological importance, prioritizing immediate economic gains over the vital ecosystem services wetlands provide, such as flood control, water filtration, and carbon storage.21

It is ethically imperative to shift this perspective. Recognizing that wetlands act as the "kidneys of the landscape," sustainable development must prioritize the conservation and restoration of these habitats to protect biodiversity and maintain the environmental integrity necessary for a healthy planet.12