Wetland ecosystems are characterised by the amount and quality of their water, by their soils, by the species they host, as well as by interactions between these components. From an ecological viewpoint, a wetland is in a good state when its biological components are diverse, when its physical and structural integrity are maintained, and when it is functioning well. Biodiversity is one of the main components of a wetland. This notion covers the diversity of life at different scales: genes, species and habitats.
Through this theme, the Observatory wishes to determine the health of wetland ecosystems, emphasising its two key components: water and life. The six MWO indicators currently monitored under this theme are: