World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2nd every year and its objective is to raise global awareness about the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. These areas are home to 40% of all plant and animal species, making their preservation vital for the survival of many species.
The Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies, and more. Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. The wise use of wetlands is essential for their conservation and sustainable use.
This year’s theme is It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration, which highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration. Wetlands provide essential services and supply all our fresh water. However, they continue to be degraded and converted to other uses.
Wetlands in India
India is endowed with a rich diversity of wetlands, including high altitude wetlands in the Himalayas, floodplains of rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra, lagoons and mangrove marshes on the coastline, and reefs in marine environments. As per the National Wetland Atlas, India has nearly 4.6% of its land as wetlands, covering an area of 15.26 million hectares.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is the nodal Ministry for wetlands conservation and has been assisting state governments in design and implementation of integrated management plans since 1985. India has 75 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 13,26,677 ha, the highest in South Asia.
The Ramsar Convention
The Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Contracting Parties commit to work towards the wise use of all their wetlands, designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance, and cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands.
The Theme for 2022: Wetlands Action for People and Nature
The theme for 2022 was Wetlands Action for People and Nature, highlighting the importance of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health. It was a call to invest in financial, human, and political capital to save the world’s wetlands from disappearing and to restore those that have been degraded.
Three Main Messages
- Value wetlands for the multiple benefits and nature-based solutions they provide for human well-being and a healthy planet.
- Manage wetlands wisely and use them sustainably so we can conserve them and maintain the health of these critically important ecosystems.
- Restore lost and degraded wetlands to revive the rich biodiversity and life found in these life-sustaining ecosystems.
Benefits of Wetlands
Wetlands store and clean water, provide habitat for numerous species, help regulate the climate, and support agriculture by providing fertile soil and controlling pests. They also play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters and protecting coastal areas from erosion.
Conclusion
Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to humans and the environment. It is crucial to raise global awareness about the importance of wetlands and take action to conserve and restore these critical ecosystems. World Wetlands Day is an opportunity to increase people’s understanding of these important ecosystems and encourage actions to protect and preserve them for future