Wetlands provide humans with a range of benefits and services, including flood protection and water filtration. While many wetlands are currently protected under both federal and state law, immediately adjacent land areas surrounding the wetlands, often termed buffer zones, which are of vital importance in contributing to quality and resiliency, are not always as protected. Therefore, there is a need to enhance wetland protection via creation and preservation of these buffer areas. 

 

The global stock of wetlands is currently being lost at a rate of about 1% per year and Southern California is no exception, with a loss of over 48% of their coastal wetlands since the mid-19th century. While measures have been taken to protect these wetlands from direct development, predicted sea level rise could easily eliminate wetlands, which are unable to migrate due to insufficient or non-existent buffer areas between human constructions and wetland areas. By having a monetary value indicating the total worth of the services provided by wetlands, coastal planners will be able to gauge the costs that will be incurred if those wetlands are lost due to a lack in the ability to migrate. This will also foster collaboration between coastal planners and politicians to create management plans that enhance buffer zones around and upland of those wetlands deemed most important to societal wellbeing.