Community perceptions of ecosystem services, drivers of degradation, and proposed conservation actions for Denbiq Wetland in West Gojam, Ethiopia

Denbiq Wetland, located in Bure Woreda of West Gojam, Ethiopia, provides essential ecosystem services that support local livelihoods and biodiversity. This study assessed the wetland’s ecological functions, the socio-economic factors contributing to its degradation, and community-driven conservation strategies. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations from a randomly selected sample of 202 households. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used for analysis. The findings show that the wetland offers diverse ecosystem services, including provisioning (freshwater, fodder, fruits), regulating (water purification, temperature control), cultural (recreation, tourism), and supporting (habitat, organic matter accumulation) functions. Logistic regression revealed statistically significant influences (p < 0.01): household size was negatively associated with wetland condition, while landholding size and age had positive impacts. Key drivers of degradation include agricultural expansion, overgrazing, reduced upland crop productivity, and limited grazing land. The local community showed strong awareness of, and support for, interventions such as awareness campaigns, establishing buffer zones, and grazing control. These findings underscore the need for integrated, community-based and policy-supported wetland management to maintain ecosystem function while supporting rural livelihoods.