CONSERVING WETLANDS, SUSTAINING LIVES: CELEBRATING WORLD WETLANDS DAY
Context: World Wetlands Day is observed annually on February 2nd to increase awareness regarding the importance of wetlands. This date also commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty established in 1971. On August 30, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 75/317, officially designating February 2nd as World Wetlands Day. This designation as a United Nations International Day highlights the vital importance of wetlands worldwide and their essential role in ecosystems.
WHAT IS A WETLAND?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil all year or for significant periods, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens. They perform key ecological functions, such as water purification, flood control, and providing habitat for diverse species.
Whether seasonally or permanently saturated, they encompass various environments:
Natural Wetlands:
Mangroves.
Marshes.
Rivers.
Lakes.
Deltas.
Floodplains.
Flooded forests.
Coral reefs.
Marine areas (up to 6 meters at low tide).
Man-Made Wetlands:
Rice-fields.
Waste-water treatment ponds.
Reservoirs.
Despite covering only about 6% of the Earth’s land surface, wetlands support an astonishing diversity of Life
WHY OBSERVE WORLD WETLANDS DAY?
Almost 90% of global wetlands have been deteriorated since the 1700s.
Wetlands are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests.
These ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, freshwater supply, and economic stability diversity of life.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WORLD WETLANDS DAY
Elevates awareness about wetlands both locally and internationally.
Highlights the critical need to halt their swift decline and promote preservation.
Provides an opportune moment to enhance knowledge on the significance of wetlands.
THEMES OF WORLD WETLANDS DAY:
2024: “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing” emphasizes interconnectedness.
2023: Wetland restoration.
2022: Wetlands action for people and nature
WHO ORGANIZES WORLD WETLANDS DAY?
The event is coordinated by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands.
Since its inception in 1997, Contracting Parties have been commemorating the day.
WHO IS WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE?
Participation is encouraged for all, including international bodies, governmental entities, experts, children and youth, the media, community organizations, policymakers, and individuals.
Highlights the significance of wetlands to everyone.
THE RAMSAR CONVENTION: SAFEGUARDING WORLDWIDE BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEMS
Known as the Ramsar Convention, this intergovernmental agreement was initiated by UNESCO in 1971 to protect wetlands.
It establishes guidelines for the preservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands and their resources, having been formalized in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and enacted in 1975.
Almost 90% of United Nations member countries across various regions are signatories to this Convention.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMSAR SITES
A Ramsar site represents a globally significant wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention.
Being recognized as a Ramsar site highlights the importance of these wetlands on a global scale, particularly for their role in supporting habitats for approximately 180 species of water birds.
The Sundarbans in West Bengal stands as India's largest Ramsar site, covering over 11,000 square kilometres, which is about 10% of India's total wetland area, spanning 18 states.
CRITERIA FOR RAMSAR SITE DESIGNATION
To qualify as a Ramsar Site, one of the following nine criteria must be met:
Criterion 1: The site exemplifies a significant, rare, or unique wetland type for its biogeographic region.
Criterion 2: It is a habitat for species or ecological communities that are at risk, endangered, or critically endangered.
Criterion 3: It sustains species populations crucial for the biogeographic region's biological diversity.
Criterion 4: It supports species at a critical life cycle stage or acts as a sanctuary under harsh conditions.
Criterion 5: It regularly hosts 20,000 or more waterbirds.
Criterion 6: It regularly supports 1% of the population of a waterbird species or subspecies.
Criterion 7: It plays a role in preserving a significant portion of fish species or subspecies, contributing to global diversity.
Criterion 8: It is vital for fish as a food source, breeding ground, nursery, and/or migration route.
Criterion 9: It consistently supports 1% of the population of a species or subspecies of wetland-dependent non-bird animal species.
IMPORTANCE OF THE RAMSAR DESIGNATION
The Ramsar designation fosters the creation and upkeep of an international wetland network essential for global biodiversity conservation.
These areas are crucial in supporting human existence by preserving ecosystem functions, processes, and services.
Wetlands recognized by Ramsar receive protection through rigorous standards set by the convention.
RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA: A CELEBRATION OF BIODIVERSITY
RAMSAR CONVENTION AND INDIA:
India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on 1st February 1982.
The Ramsar Convention collaborates with prominent organizations, including IUCN,
Birdlife International, IWMI, Wetlands International, WWT, and WWF International.
NEW RAMSAR SITES (JANUARY 2024):
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve – Karnataka.
Aghanashini Estuary – Karnataka.
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve – Karnataka.
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu.
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest – Tamil Nadu.
RAMSAR SITES (JULY 2022):
Karikili Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu.
Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest – Tamil Nadu.
Pichavaram Mangrove – Tamil Nadu.
Sakhya Sagar – Madhya Pradesh.
Pala Wetlands – Mizoram.
RAMSAR SITES (WORLD WETLAND DAY 2022):
Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
RAMSAR SITE (DECEMBER 2021):
Haiderpur Wetland in Uttar Pradesh, the 47th Ramsar Site.
AUGUST 2021 ADDITIONS:
Sultanpur National Park – Gurugram, Haryana.
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary – Jhajjar, Haryana.
Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary – Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Wadhvana Wetland – Vadodara, Gujarat.
2020 RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA:
December 2020 – Tso Kar Wetland Complex (Ladakh).
November 2020 – Lonar Lake (Maharashtra).
November 2020 – Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake, Uttar Pradesh).
November 2020 – Asan Barrage (Uttarakhand).
July 2020 – Kanwar Lake (Bihar).
February 2020 – Sunderban Reserve Forest (Kolkata).
50TH ANNIVERSARY AND CENTRE FOR WETLAND CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT:
February 2, 2021, marked the 50th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention and World Wetlands Day.
India established the Centre for Wetland Conservation & Management under the MoEFCC at NCSCM in Chennai.
SAMBHAR LAKE:
Sambhar Lake, a Ramsar Site, garnered attention due to its deterioration from salt mining.
TOTAL RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA:
Currently, there are 80 Ramsar Sites in India.
Ramsar Sites in Assam:
Deepor Beel, meaning a significant water body in Assamese, is located roughly 10 km to the southwest of Guwahati. It is recognized as one of the most extensive and important riverine wetlands in the Brahmaputra Valley in the lower region of Assam, India. Due to its rich bird population, Birdlife International has identified it as a key Important Bird Area (IBA). In 2002, Deepor Beel was honored with the Ramsar site status, highlighting its global significance as per the Convention on Wetlands, established in Ramsar, Iran, in February 1971. This wetland is home to diverse aquatic species and is noted for its remarkable variety of 219 bird species.
WETLANDS: A CRUCIAL FORCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Mitigating Climate Change Through Wetlands:
Wetlands play a crucial role in stabilizing concentrations of CO2, CH4, N2O, and other Greenhouse Gases.
They are significant in capturing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing carbon, contributing to the battle against climate change.
Reducing Disaster Risks with Wetlands:
Wetlands are key in lessening disaster risks, including flooding.
They function as natural shields, protecting coastlines and reducing GHG emissions caused by climate changes and land use.
Carbon Storage in Wetlands:
Wetlands accumulate carbon in their vegetation and soil, aiding in the reduction of atmospheric CO2.
They are integral to the global water, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles, avoiding carbon release into the atmosphere.
The Role of Peatlands:
Although peatlands occupy only 3% of the Earth's land, they hold double the carbon stored in forests.
They are vital for meeting climate goals, promoting sustainable development, and conserving biodiversity, necessitating prompt action in India.
Wetlands as Havens for Migratory Birds:
Millions of migratory birds find sanctuary in wetlands.
They are pivotal for the yearly migration of waterbirds, linking continents and cultures with their seasonal journeys.
Wetlands provide crucial resting points for these migratory species.
Cultural and Touristic Value of Wetlands:
Wetlands are steeped in cultural importance within Indian traditions.
Sacred sites include Manipur's Loktak Lake, known as "Ima" (Mother), and Sikkim’s Khecheopalri Lake, celebrated as the "wish-fulfilling lake."
They are also prime locations for tourism, such as Kashmir's Dal Lake, Himachal Pradesh's Khajjiar Lake, Uttarakhand's Nainital Lake, and Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal.
THREATS TO THE WETLANDS
Human-Induced Threats:
The IPBES report highlights bio-invasions as a significant ecological threat, with over 3,500 detrimental invasive species spread across various regions and ecosystems due to human activities.
Effects of Urban Expansion:
The push for development near urban areas for housing, industry, and commerce increases.
Wetlands are at risk of disappearing due to the coastal squeeze from rising sea levels.
Impacts of Climate Change:
Climate change exacerbates the vulnerability of wetlands through various factors.
Changes in air temperature, precipitation patterns, and more frequent storms, droughts, and floods affect wetland ecosystems.
Risks of Maladaptation:
Wetlands may suffer from maladaptation, where efforts to adapt in other areas inadvertently cause harm.
For example, the construction of hydraulic structures for water storage can lead to increased salinization in downstream coastal wetlands.
WAY FORWARD: INCORPORATING WETLANDS INTO DEVELOPMENT AND CITY PLANNING
Emphasizing Ecosystem Benefits:
Acknowledging the ecosystem services provided by wetlands is vital in development policies and city planning.
It is essential to integrate wetland values into strategies for combating climate change.
Incorporating Wetlands into City Projects:
Urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation should include wetland conservation as a key component.
Such integration promotes urban growth that is both environmentally sustainable and resilient.
Practical Examples of Wetland Integration:
For the Smart Cities Mission, implementing green infrastructure that includes wetlands for managing floods and purifying water, along with creating green spaces for public enjoyment and ecological education.
Within the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, embedding wetland preservation and rejuvenation efforts, and establishing green urban areas that benefit the community.
Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals:
Including wetlands in urban design aids in meeting SDGs concerning clean water, climate mitigation, marine, and terrestrial biodiversity.
Fostering Urban Resilience:
Recognizing wetlands' roles in flood management, water treatment, and biodiversity is crucial for developing resilient urban areas.
Wetland integration in city planning addresses environmental challenges and promotes sustainability.
Eradicating Poverty through Wetland Management:
Wetland management offers economic benefits, such as eco-tourism, fishing, and farming, aiding in poverty reduction.
Aligning developmental and environmental objectives ensures lasting community advantages.
Adopting International Best Practices:
Learning from international examples, like wetland-inclusive urban planning in Copenhagen and Singapore, can inform local strategies.
Applying successful global models of wetland preservation within urban development can adapt solutions to specific locales.
Engaging Communities:
Encouraging community involvement in wetland conservation efforts and decision-making.
Educational programs to stress wetlands' role in sustainable development and boost community engagement.
Integrating wetlands into urban and development policies ensures the creation of resilient, sustainable cities, aligning with worldwide environmental objectives and benefiting current and future populations.
