India made stride in wetlands conservation at the 15th Ramsar Conference of Parties (CoP15) held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2025. The country introduced and successfully secured adoption of a resolution titled ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands.’ This resolution aligns with global efforts to encourage responsible environmental behaviour and sustainable resource use.
Background and Adoption of the Resolution
The resolution received overwhelming support from 172 Ramsar Contracting Parties, six International Organisation Partners, and other observers. It was formally adopted during the plenary session on 30 July 2025. The move marks the growing recognition of individual and societal roles in conserving wetlands and encouraging pro-planet lifestyles. The resolution complements existing frameworks such as Resolution XIV.8 on New CEPA Approach and the 10-year programmes on sustainable production and consumption.
Core Objectives of the Resolution
The resolution promotes integrating sustainable lifestyle interventions into wetland management plans, programmes, and investments at all governance levels. It calls for creating enabling conditions for conservation through public-private partnerships, education, and awareness campaigns. The focus is on encouraging voluntary actions that reduce environmental degradation while supporting equitable socio-economic development and improving quality of life.
Defining Sustainable Lifestyles
Sustainable lifestyles are defined as ways of living and social behaviours that: a) Minimise environmental harm by conserving resources and reducing waste; b) Support fair socio-economic growth by considering impacts across society and generations; c) Enhance quality of life through health, security, and social well-being.
India’s Role and Mission LiFE
India champions sustainable lifestyles through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at UNFCCC CoP26. Mission LiFE is a global mass movement encouraging individuals and communities to take environmental action. This initiative helps translate national goals into collective societal efforts. India’s resolution at Ramsar CoP15 builds on the UN Environment Assembly’s 2024 Resolution 6/8 on promoting sustainable lifestyles.
National Efforts and Community Involvement
India has embedded Mission LiFE in its wetlands conservation strategy. Campaigns such as ‘Mission Sahbhagita’ and ‘Save Wetlands’ have mobilised over two million volunteers. These volunteers have mapped more than 170,000 wetlands and demarcated clear boundaries for nearly 120,000 wetlands in the past three years. This grassroots involvement strengthens conservation and sustainable use of critical wetland ecosystems.
Global Significance
The resolution marks a shift towards a ‘whole of society’ approach in environmental conservation. It recognises that behavioural change and lifestyle adaptations are essential for sustaining wetlands, which provide vital ecosystem services and biodiversity support worldwide. The adoption of this resolution signals increased global commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of India’s Mission LiFE, discuss the role of individual and community participation in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
- Examine the significance of international environmental agreements like the Ramsar Convention in conserving global biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Analyse the impact of sustainable lifestyles on socio-economic development and environmental protection with suitable examples from India and other countries.
- Discuss in the light of climate change and urbanisation, how integrated wetland management can contribute to disaster risk reduction and water security.
