"This volume is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary study of wetlands, which unites the natural science perspective with strong social concerns and economic and other approaches in order to design a practical national wetlands conservation strategy and action plan. In designing this strategy, it is acknowledged that while wetlands are seen as a common property resource, no one is really prepared to take responsibility for their preservation and sustainable use. Therefore, the contributors argue, an important part of any long-term strategy for protecting wetlands must involve local users and incorporate traditional knowledge."