Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. This year’s theme is “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration,” which highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration. World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2nd February to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their conservation. It is celebrated globally to emphasize the vital role of wetlands in the environment and human well-being. Wetlands are unique ecosystems that provide numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits. They act as carbon sinks, help regulate the water cycle, support biodiversity, and provide livelihoods for millions of people.
(Image: Unity in Bio-Diversity, Various Birds at Powai Lake, Mumbai)
A wetland is described as “areas of marsh, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tides does not exceed six meters. Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either temporarily or permanently. They include various types of ecosystems such as swamps, bogs, and fens, also mangrove forests, estuaries, lagoons, and shallow open water bodies.” under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in 1971. The treaty’s purpose is to stop the worldwide loss of wetlands and conserve them through wise use and management.
I. Introduction
In India, wetlands are of immense ecological and cultural significance, as well as being home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. This day in India highlights the country's commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It provides an opportunity for the government, non-government organizations, and the general public to work together to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and to promote their conservation and wise use. The day also serves as a reminder of India's obligation to implement the provisions of the Ramsar Convention, which India joined in 1982.
II. Wetlands in India: An Overview
Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They act as filters, purifying water, and reducing the impacts of floods and droughts. They are also vital habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species, including many that are threatened or endangered. Wetlands also provide critical services such as fishing, tourism, and recreation.
(Image: Khijadia Bird Sactuary - one of the Listed Wetlands in India)
The conservation and management of wetlands in India is guided by the National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP), launched by the government in 1985. The programme aims to conserve and manage wetlands through various measures such as protection and restoration, regulation of activities, and raising public awareness. However, despite these efforts, such lands face numerous threats, including land-use changes, pollution, over-exploitation of resources, and climate change. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of community involvement in wetland conservation, and many initiatives have been launched to involve local communities in the protection and management.
The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment compiled by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), estimates India's wetlands to span around 1,52,600 square kilometres, which is 4.63% of the total geographical area of the country.
III. Threats to Wetlands in India
Climate change is a major threat to wetlands in India. Rising temperatures and sea levels can lead to changes in precipitation patterns, causing wetlands to dry up, and threatening the survival of lives that rely on these ecosystems. In coastal areas, rising sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion, affecting the health of mangrove forests and other wetland habitats.
Human activities such as urbanization and deforestation also pose a significant threat to wetlands in India. Land conversion for agriculture, industry, and urban development results in the destruction of wetland habitats and the loss of biodiversity. Deforestation also reduces the ability of wetlands to absorb water, leading to increased flood risks.
Pollution and over-exploitation of resources are major threats to the health of wetlands in India. Uncontrolled discharge of industrial effluent and sewage into wetlands can cause eutrophication, leading to the death of aquatic plants and animals. Over-exploitation of resources, such as over-fishing and the extraction of water and minerals, can also lead to the degradation of wetland habitats. Addressing these threats and promoting sustainable practices is crucial for the preservation of wetlands.
(Images: 1. Indian Pond Heron hiding in Mangroves, at Godrej Mangroves 2. Dead Mangrove with Moss Growth )
IV. Government Efforts in Wetland Conservation
The government of India has implemented several laws and policies to conserve and manage wetlands in the country. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010, under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, provide a framework for the conservation and management of wetlands in India. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, also provides protection to various wetland habitats, including mangrove forests, salt pans, and coral reefs.
(Image: Narara Coral Reef, Gujarat)
The National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) is the primary government initiative for the conservation and management of wetlands in India. Launched in 1985, the programme provides financial assistance and technical support to states for the protection and conservation of wetlands. The programme also focuses on raising public awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need for their conservation.
There have been several successful wetland conservation efforts in India, including the conservation of the Chilika Lagoon in Odisha, the Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, and the Sundarbans mangrove forest in West Bengal. These efforts have involved the active participation of local communities and have resulted in the protection and restoration of wetlands, as well as the conservation of biodiversity. The success of these efforts highlights the importance of community involvement in wetland conservation and provides a model for other conservation efforts in the country.
V. Importance of Community Involvement in Wetland Conservation
Public awareness and education play a crucial role in wetland conservation. Informing people about the importance of wetlands, the threats they face, and the ways in which they can help protect them can go a long way in promoting conservation efforts. Education and awareness-raising initiatives can also help to build support for conservation policies and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable practices that can help protect wetlands.
Local communities have an important role to play in wetland conservation and management. They can serve as stewards of these ecosystems, monitoring them for changes and reporting any threats or changes to the relevant authorities. They can also play a role in promoting sustainable practices, such as responsible fishing, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture, which can help conserve wetlands and their biodiversity.
”Meswak leaves” Mangrove There are several success stories of community-led wetland conservation efforts in India, including the conservation of the Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh, the Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha, and the Pong Dam Lake in Himachal Pradesh. These efforts have involved the active participation of local communities and have resulted in the protection and restoration of wetlands, as well as the conservation of biodiversity. The success of these efforts highlights the importance of community involvement in wetland conservation and provides a model for other conservation efforts in the country.
(Image: View of Thane Creek and Mangroves at Godrej Jetty, Vikhroli, Mumbai, Maharashtra Recently listed Wetland in India)
VI. Architects as one of the Mediators between the nature and the common people
Create awareness amongst the stakeholders.
Know your users in and around the wetland- right from the human to the microbes. They all have the right to that habitat and thrive.
A sustainable design approach without increasing the overall carbon footprint of the project, and an approach that will enhance the ecological character of wetlands. Also it should be self-sustainable by respecting and involving the local communities, and making it “their identity”.
Less disturbance and retention of the existing natural wetland. This shall be done by thinking of innovative construction technologies to build the project.
Give back more if you take it from nature!
VII. Conclusion
World Wetlands Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need for their conservation. Wetlands in India are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and providing numerous ecosystem services, including water regulation, carbon sequestration, and habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The day serves as a reminder of the need to protect and conserve these valuable ecosystems.
The conservation of wetlands requires the combined efforts of individuals, communities, and the government. Individuals can adopt sustainable practices that help protect wetlands, such as reducing their use of single-use plastics, being mindful of the water they use, and participating in conservation efforts in their local areas. Communities can work together to monitor wetlands and report any changes or threats to the relevant authorities. The government can continue to implement and enforce laws and policies that protect wetlands, as well as provide support for conservation and management efforts.
The conservation of wetlands is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the sustainable use of these important ecosystems. With the combined efforts of individuals, communities, and the government, it is possible to protect and conserve wetlands in India for future generations. While the challenges facing wetlands are significant, the success of conservation efforts to date provides hope for a positive future outlook for wetland conservation in India. References:
https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/world-wetlands-day-2023
https://www.pmfias.com/ramsar-sites-india-ramsar-convention-wetlands/
https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/material#
https://upsccolorfullnotes.com/ramsar-sites-in-india-2021/
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/10-more-indian-wetland-sites-get-ramsar-tag-number-rises-to-64/article65722839.ece
Images: All the photographs have been personally clicked by the author. All images are intellectual property of Ar. Kartiki(Mestry) Arondekar. The work shouldn’t be copied, used, or reproduced in any manner without the consent of the owner.
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