This volume explores major wetland ecosystem services, such as climate cooling and water quality improvement, and discusses the recent wetland conservation and restoration activities in China and neighboring countries. The role of wetlands in either cooling or warming the climate is analyzed as the net balance between carbon sequestration and emissions of methane and nitrous oxide. Wetlands start off having a net warming effect on the climate but in time switch to net cooling. Further, they remove 40% of the N and P from run-off and groundwater flow in agricultural areas, but wetlands need to amount to 10% of the total catchment area to make a difference.

Reflecting on the recent large investment in wetland ecological studies in China and neighboring countries, the book addresses invasive species in coastal wetlands as well as the protection and wise use of tidal flats around the Yellow Sea. It also presents promising regional case studies on wetland restoration. The book is intended for academics, students and practitioners in the field of wetland ecology, management and restoration, as well as consultants and professionals working in conservation, wise use and environmental policy. 

Chapter 1. Wetland Functions and Ecosystem Services: Implications for Wetland Restoration and.- Part I. Wetland functions and ecosystem services.- Chapter 2. Wetlands as Biogeochemical Hotspots affecting Water Quality in Catchments.- Chapter 3. Wetland effects on global climate: Mechanisms, impacts, and management recommendations.- Chapter 4. Wetlands regulate climate via evapotranspiration.- Part II. Wetland mechanisms, threats, conservation and management.- Chapter 5. Invasive plants in Coastal Wetlands: Patterns and Mechanisms.- Chapter 6. Tidal Forested Wetlands: Mechanisms, Threats, and Management Tools.- Chapter 7. National actions and international frameworks for the conservation and wise use of tidal flats and other coastal wetlands in the Yellow Sea.- Part III. Ecological Restoration of Wetlands.- Chapter 8.  Wetlands restoration in China - Principles, technology and practice.- Chapter 9. Case Studies of Ecological Restoration and Conservation Strategies for Marshes and Peatlands.- Chapter 10. Building Resiliency to Changing Conditions in Wetland Management and Restoration.- Chapter 11. Overview and synthesis.