ROYAL C. GARDNER ON “LAWYERS, SWAMPS AND MONEY – U.S. WETLANDS LAW, POLICY AND POLITICS”

Abstract

At the beginning I am glad to write review of Book titled “Lawyers, Swamps and Money – U.S. Wetlands Law, Policy and Politics” written by Royal C. Gardner and published by Island Press, Connecticut Avenue, Washington DC, USA. Wetlands expert Prof. Gardner is famous for his extensive work on wetlands law and policy and this present fascinating book reflects not only his expertise, but also his special ability to inform the details of U.S. wetlands law and policy to the public. This book is an example of the extensive work of the Author by producing another vivacious piece of work in the sector of Natural Resources Law and Policy especially wetlands. He has made the U.S. wetlands law and policy accessible to all inspite of the complex issues raised from the areas of constitutional, administrative and environmental law. Wetlands law is a part and parcel of the Natural Resources Law. Wetlands are depositories of unique biodiversity and they provide numerous ecological services, maintain hydrological balance and give livelihood benefits to dependent communities. As such there is an eminent need for protecting the wetlands which are becoming vulnerable day-by-day as a result of climate change effects and thus the Wetlands law and policies are framed on the guidelines of Ramsar Convention for preservation, protection and restoration of wetlands. The Convention defines Wetlands as ‘areas of marsh, fen, peat-land, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, blackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters’131. It also mentions that areas defined as wetlands ‘may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six meters at low tide lying within the wetlands’. In the modern world significance of wetlands are enormous for a better life with the surrounding environment. For this, the knowledge on wetlands law and policy for the protection, preservation and restoration of wetlands is essential for everybody in this world.