How can we think about Biodiversity without 'Wetland Ecosystem'?

It's been more than two years post the notification of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, guidelines to support state governments to implement wetland rules have been published. With the theme “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the SDGs” for the year 2020 at United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5), these guidelines become significant for a country like India which is endowed by a rich diversity of wetlands, ranging from high altitude wetlands of Himalayas, floodplains of rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra, lagoons and mangrove marshes on the coastline and reefs in the marine environments.

- Dr Arvind Kumar

World Wetlands Day on 2nd February 2020, with theme 'Wetlands & Biodiversity' has heightened significance of wetlands and its association with biodiversity, natural resources like air, water, ground water & surface water recharge, flora-fauna-avian habitat & livelihood security. We have 30% land-based carbon stored in peatland; one billion people depend on wetlands for their livelihoods & wetlands provide $47 trillion in essential services annually. Given that India has approx 7.57 lakh wetlands covering nearly 4.7% of India's geographical area, Wetlands are repository of 'natural environmental capital' to enhance socio-economic development and not just concrete economic growth.

In a major recognition towards conservation and rejuvenation of its wetlands, 10 more wetlands in India have been recognised as Ramsar sites taking to a total of 37 Ramsar wetlands. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has prepared a four pronged strategy for the restoration of wetlands which includes preparing a baseline data, wetland health cards, wetland mitras and Integrated Management Plans.

Rules as Milestones

The guidelines to the implementation of wetlands is specific on 'wise-use' of wetlands, through an “emphasis on sustainable development”, calling for resource use patterns which can ensure that human dependence on wetlands can be maintained not only in the present but also in the future, working closely with the State Wetland Authorities. The guidelines recommended that the management of each notified wetland is guided by an “integrated management plan” which details strategies and actions. In view of the growing recognition of indispensability of wetlands to address climate change, investing in wetlands shall enhance climate resilience, improve livelihood security of people and fostering economic growth in tandem with water-energy-food security.