The course examines the types of wetlands with the emphasis on general characteristics of tropical wetlands.  Interactions of wetlands with other ecosystems will be addressed as well as productivity, biomass and turnover.  Human influence on wetlands as well as their economic, social and ecological importance is discussed.   Attention will also be paid to the indigenous and conventional methods of conserving the ecological integrity of wetlands.  Special reference will be made to designation of Ramsar sites.