WETLAND CLASSIFICATION: TOWARDS AN APPROACH FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA

Abstract

Early wetland classification systems, primarily North American, were strongly orientated towards the need to assess the value of wetlands for waterfowl production. Recently a broader interest in wetlands has led to the development of more comprehensive classification systems designed to form the basis of inventories to assist in the management of wetland resources. To date no comprehensive wetland classification system has been devised for use in southern Africa. The aim of this paper is to review the existing wetland classification systems and to propose a system appropriate for use in this region.