Confusion and Way Out of Small Wetlands - The Case of Farm ponds

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Abstract：In hilly and seasonally arid regions of the south, water bodies encircled by mountains on three sides and dammed on one are termed ”mountain ponds,” while those on flat terrains are known as ”flat ponds.” Collectively, these are referred to as farm ponds, which represent small-scale agricultural water storage systems constructed by communities or individuals. Historically, these ponds have played a pivotal role in mitigating seasonal aridity in hilly areas by generating economic benefits, enhancing water resources, controlling disasters, and fostering biodiversity. However, these ponds are increasingly threatened by shifts in irrigation practices, escalating pollution, and extreme weather events, leading to the dysfunction of numerous mountain and flat ponds. To address these challenges, this article offers governance strategies to enhance the wetland ecosystems of farm ponds through four approaches: individual advocacy, policy development, pollution mitigation, and organizational support.