Abstract: Wetland ecosystems are the most important element of water resources and water cycle of river basins.The unique wetland hydrological functions make great contributions to maintenance of the health of river basin ecosystems and regional eco-environment.The paper analyses the wetland hydrological functions and their mechanisms,such as flood alleviation,runoff regulation,ground water recharge,water quality improvement and regional climate amelioration.On the basis of the above analysis,this paper puts forward a new thought and method of integrating wetland conservation and wise use into river basin management,and provides the detailed measures and suggestions for wetland conservation and management.

Key words: wetlands, hydrological functions, mechanism, conservation and management