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World Wetlands Day
Context:
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.
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- The theme for 2025, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” underscores the importance of safeguarding these vital areas for the health of our environment and future generations.
- As part of this effort, India recently announced four new Ramsar sites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand), Theerthangal & Sakkarakottai (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri (Sikkim).
Ramsar Convention and Wetlands Protection
- The Ramsar Convention is a critical international treaty focused on the conservation and wise use of wetlands, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
- India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982.
- Wetlands designated under Ramsar receive international support for conservation and management.
- Wetlands are considered “internationally important” based on criteria like supporting critical life stages of species, providing refuge during adverse conditions, and sustaining fish and waterbird populations.
What Are Wetlands?
- Wetlands are areas covered by water either seasonally or permanently, such as marshes and lakes.
- They are vital ecosystems that provide habitat for migratory birds, aquatic species, and plant life.
- Wetlands help in water conservation, groundwater recharge, flood control, and support fisheries and local communities.
Ecological Importance
- Carbon Sinks: Wetlands absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release, making them crucial in climate change mitigation.
- Biodiversity Reservoirs: They support diverse plant and animal species, including migratory birds, making them important for global biodiversity conservation.
Major Wetlands in India
- India has 89 Ramsar sites, and Tamil Nadu has the most (20).
- Notable wetlands in Punjab:
- Harike Wetlands – Largest in North India, hosts Siberian crane & bar-headed geese.
- Kanjli, Ropar, & Nangal Wetlands – Key sites for migratory birds & aquatic life.
- Beas Conservation Reserve – Home to Indus River Dolphins & freshwater fish.
- Ranjit Sagar Wetlands – Formed by Ranjit Sagar Dam on the Ravi River.
Threats to Wetlands
- Decline in migratory birds in Punjab’s wetlands by 13.7% (2023-24) due to habitat loss. Kanjli Wetland experienced the most significant drop, with nearly 49.49% fewer birds.
- Despite this decline, the number of bird species increased from 107 to 114 between 2022-23 and 2023-24.
- Man-made threats include habitat degradation from industrial waste, illegal sand mining, and agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilisers).
- In Punjab, polluted water from the Budha Nallah (Ludhiana) reaches the Harike Wetlands, harming water quality.
- Climate change, rising temperatures, and altered rainfall patterns also negatively impact wetland ecosystems.
Conservation Measures
- Suggested measures for improving wetland conditions include:
- Afforestation with native tree species.
- Soil conservation efforts.
- Strict enforcement against illegal sand mining.
- Increased public awareness of the importance of wetlands and their conservation.
