Seventy-billion dollars - that's how much the world's wetlands are worth in annual goods and services, according to a report from the World Wildlife Fund.

The report says wetlands provide goods and services such as water filtration, habitat, flood control and food production. The authors analyzed all the studies that have been done on the economic value of wetlands.

They say billions of dollars are spent each year to drain wetlands for immediate economic benefits.

Chris Williams is a conservation manager with the World Wildlife Fund. He says decision-makers don't always understand the long-term benefits of wetlands.  more...