The word wetlands is used for various biotopes which are located
between the water and land ecosystems. What they have in common is
that they are supported by water. The classification of wetlands is
complicated due to their transitional character, a variety of types
and different names. According to the convention, 'wetlands are areas
of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial,
permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh,
brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which
at low tide does not exceed six metres'. Wetlands play an important
role in human life and in the past, they greatly influenced the
development of civilisation. In the present, they are areas of
exceptional biodiversity and rank among the most productive ecosystems
on the planet.