Final answer:
Preserving wetlands can be integrated into urban planning to mitigate flood risks. This involves creating or conserving wetlands for natural protection against floods and storms, and is part of community-based natural resource management strategies for sustainable development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preserving wetlands via passive flood mitigation can be integrated into urban planning and design strategies, especially in cities with low elevations near oceans. This adaptation strategy involves the creation or conservation of wetlands to provide natural protection against storm surges and flooding. Wetlands act as a buffer zone by absorbing excess water, which can help in reducing the impact of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and storms. It's not only about water absorption; wetlands also contribute to hydrologic regulation by intercepting raindrops and promoting soil development which can modulate the timing of flows and potentially reduce flooding.
The importance of native vegetation, especially the role of forests and mangroves in flood mitigation, is well-documented, with studies suggesting that a 10% decrease in natural forest area could lead to a significant increase in flood frequency and duration. Urban designers integrating wetlands into their plans are applying the principle of conservation, making it essential for sustainable development and community-based natural resource management. Therefore, a well-conceived preserve design in a densely populated area would be the one that incorporates wetland areas to maintain the ecological balances and provide ecosystem services.