Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
What does this article provide?
The article “Necessity of Mainstreaming Wetland Conservation” highlights the critical role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance and the urgent need for their conservation due to threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change. For UPSC CSE Mains, students should focus on understanding the ecological, economic, and social benefits of wetlands, the challenges in their conservation, and the importance of integrating wetland conservation into broader environmental strategies.
Potential Topics for Prelims
Wetlands, World Wetlands Day, Ramsar Convention, Montreux Record, Global Wetland Outlook, Paris Agreement, Amrit Dharohar Scheme
Potential Topics for Mains
Importance of Wetlands in Biodiversity Conservation, Challenges in Wetland Conservation and Management, Role of Wetlands in Climate Change Mitigation, Wetland Conservation Policies and Initiatives in India, Community Participation in Wetland Conservation, Impact of Urbanization on Wetlands, Case Studies of Successful Wetland Conservation Projects
Source
The Hindu
Wetland Conservation
Introduction
The recent suo motu public interest litigation by the Meghalaya High Court to oversee wetland conservation in the State has once again highlighted the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, these precious habitats face numerous threats from urbanization, pollution, and unsustainable practices. This article delves into the necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive policies, community involvement, and innovative solutions to safeguard our wetlands for future generations.
Wetlands Conservation
- Definition: Wetlands are ecosystems where land stays waterlogged for extended periods.
- Examples: Marshes, swamps, bogs, and mangroves.
- Types of Wetlands:
- Inland Wetlands: Lakes, rivers, floodplains, marshes, swamps, bogs, and seasonal wetlands.
- Coastal Wetlands: Mangroves, estuaries, lagoons, mudflats, coral reefs, and salt marshes.
- Artificial Wetlands: Reservoirs, canals, rice paddies, salt pans, and constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.
- Key Characteristics of Wetlands:
- Water Presence: Can be either permanent or seasonal, involving surface or groundwater.
- Hydric Soils: Water-saturated soils, low in oxygen, and rich in organic material.
- Specialized Vegetation: Hosts unique flora and fauna adapted to waterlogged conditions.
- Examples: Reeds, sedges, and mangroves.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Habitats for a diverse array of fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
- Ecological Role: Vital for flood control, water purification, carbon storage, and climate regulation.
- World Wetlands Day:
- Date: Celebrated annually on February 2nd.
- Purpose: Promotes awareness about the conservation of wetlands.
- Historical Significance: Marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
- UN Recognition: Emphasized in 2022 by the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 75/317, establishing it as a global observance.
- Theme for World Wetlands Day, 2024: ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’.
Importance of Wetlands
- Ecosystem Services: Wetlands deliver essential services such as water filtration, flood mitigation, carbon storage, and habitat provision for diverse species.
- Global Coverage: Wetlands span approximately 12.1 million km² worldwide, accounting for 40.6% of global ecosystem services.
- Economic and Social Support: They underpin livelihoods, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, significantly enhancing economic and social welfare.
- Example: Events like the Kashmir Valley floods, Chennai floods, and cyclones like Kalinga highlight the necessity of wetlands for community resilience.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Wetlands function as both carbon sinks and sources, playing a crucial role in climate regulation.
- Agricultural Development: Wetlands guarantee a steady water supply, aiding agriculture and human needs, particularly during droughts.
- Disaster Risk Reduction: Wetlands serve as natural buffers against storms and floods, bolstering resilience against climate-related disasters.
- Livelihood Support: Wetlands are vital for the sustenance of communities relying on them for fishing, agriculture, and other economic pursuits.
- Job Creation: Wetlands create millions of jobs in sectors like tourism, fishing, and other industries, driving economic growth and poverty alleviation.
- Research and Education: Wetlands are invaluable sites for scientific research and environmental education, fostering knowledge and awareness.
Current Status of Wetlands in India
- Ramsar Sites: As of February 2025, India boasts 89 Ramsar sites, encompassing 8% of the total wetland area in the country.
- Distribution: Wetlands in India span from the coasts to the Himalayan region, exhibiting a variety of ecosystems.
- Types:
- Inland and Man-made Wetlands: By 2017-18, 66.6% of wetlands were natural, with 43.9% as inland and 22.7% as coastal wetlands.
- Artificial Wetlands: Include reservoirs, canals, rice paddies, and constructed wetlands.
- Recent Trends:
- General Trends: A decline in natural wetlands and a rise in man-made wetlands nationwide.
- Decline in Vegetation: Approximately 30% of natural wetlands have been lost in the past four decades due to urbanization, infrastructure development, agricultural expansion, and pollution.
- Urban Loss: Greater loss in urban areas, especially around major cities.
- Mumbai: Lost 71% of its wetlands between 1970 and 2014.
- Chennai: Lost 85% of its wetlands.
- Alarming Loss: Despite the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules introduced in 2010 and revised in 2017, degradation continues.
- East Kolkata: Wetlands shrunk by 36% from 1991 to 2021.
- Global Status:
- Decline in Wetland Area: Since 1900, 50% of global wetlands have been lost; between 1970 and 2015, wetland surface area decreased by 35%.
- Biodiversity Loss: 81% of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal and marine species have seen population declines since 1970.
- Loss Rate: The global loss rate of wetlands is 0.78% per year, three times higher than the loss rate of natural vegetation.
- Extinction Risks: Wetland species face increasing extinction threats globally.
Initiatives for Wetland Conservation
Global Initiatives
- Ramsar Convention: An international treaty that outlines the framework for national and international efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.
- Wise Use: Core principle involving the maintenance of wetlands’ ecological character within the scope of sustainable development.
- Montreux Record: A register of Ramsar sites where ecological changes have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to technological advancements, pollution, or human activities. It is part of the Ramsar List.
- Global Wetland Outlook (GWO): A report by the Ramsar Convention assessing the global status of wetlands, highlighting trends, challenges, and conservation efforts needed to protect these ecosystems.
- COP14 Highlights: The 2022 Ramsar COP14 emphasized aligning wetland conservation with global biodiversity targets, climate frameworks, and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
- Interlinkages: Wetland conservation is tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement, and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Indian Initiatives
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023-24): Launched during the Union Budget 2023-24 presentation, the scheme focuses on optimal wetland utilization over three years to enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism, and local livelihoods.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (2013): Combined the National Wetlands Conservation Programme and National Lake Conservation Plan to create a comprehensive approach to aquatic ecosystem conservation.
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules (2017): Set up state wetlands authorities under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, establishing a legal framework for wetland protection and management.
- Coastal Protection Regulations: Protects coastal wetlands through the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (2018) and Island Protection Zone Notification (2011), ensuring ecosystem preservation.
- MoEFCC’s Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme (2020): Covers over 500 wetlands through baseline data collection, rapid assessments, stakeholder engagement, and management planning.
- Integration with Namami Gange (2021): Links wetland conservation with river rejuvenation under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), developing health cards and management plans for 500+ wetlands across Ganga districts.
- National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): Prioritizes wetland conservation for biodiversity protection and ecosystem services, advocating for a national wetlands mission.
Challenges in Wetland Conservation
- Development Pressures: Urbanization, industrial activities, and agricultural expansion are primary contributors to the deterioration of wetlands.
- Integration in Plans: Often, wetland conservation is not incorporated into broader development agendas.
- Climate Change: Increasing temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels intensify wetland degradation.
- Governance Issues: Inefficient management practices and weak enforcement of conservation policies obstruct effective wetland preservation.
- Limited Awareness: The ecological and economic significance of wetlands is frequently underestimated, resulting in their exclusion from development plans.
Effective Strategies for Wetland Management
- Ecosystem-Based Approach: Follow the recommendations of Ramsar COP14.
- Examples: Maintain natural water flows, prevent encroachments, regulate land-use changes, protect native species, control invasive species, etc.
- Protection of Small and Seasonal Wetlands: Essential to safeguard smaller and seasonal wetlands by documenting their maximum spread during monsoons in official records.
- Examples: The shrinking wetlands of Bengaluru due to urban expansion illustrate the need for official recognition and protection of seasonal wetlands.
- Enhanced Monitoring and Governance: Utilize satellite data for tracking, improve interdepartmental coordination, and engage local communities.
- Examples: The monitoring system at Chilika Lake employs remote sensing and community involvement to track ecosystem health.
- Promotion of Nature-Based Solutions: Restore degraded wetlands, use them for wastewater treatment, and integrate blue-green infrastructure.
- Incorporate wetland conservation into climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Examples: Mangrove restoration in the Sundarbans serves as a buffer against cyclones and sea-level rise.
- Boost Community Participation: Provide livelihood incentives, promote eco-tourism, and raise public awareness.
- Examples: The Loktak Lake fishermen’s cooperative in Manipur balances wetland conservation with sustainable fishing practices.
- Leverage Science and Technology: Employ geospatial tools for comprehensive mapping and monitoring of wetland changes, prioritizing conservation efforts.
- Examples: The National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas, created by the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, offers valuable insights into the dynamic changes in wetlands across the country over the past decade.
- Economic Valuation: Evaluate the economic worth of wetland ecosystem services to emphasize their importance in decision-making.
Conclusion
The conservation of wetlands is paramount for sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and providing essential ecosystem services. Despite the challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and governance issues, integrated management approaches, community involvement, and advanced monitoring techniques offer promising solutions. By recognizing the economic and ecological value of wetlands and incorporating their conservation into broader development and climate strategies, we can ensure their protection for future generations. It is crucial to maintain the momentum of global and national initiatives, fostering collaboration and commitment to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
Related PYQ
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. [UPSC CSE – 2023 Mains]
Practice Question
How does wetland conservation support other development activities? Explain how the implementation of the Ramsar Convention aids the execution of other international environmental agreements.
Guidelines to Answer the Question
- Introduction: Start by defining wetlands and briefly mentioning their significance.
- Contribution to Development Activities:
- Economic Benefits: Highlight the role of wetlands in supporting agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and job creation.
- Ecological Services: Discuss how wetlands provide flood control, water purification, and climate regulation.
- Social Well-being: Explain the importance of wetlands in sustaining local communities and livelihoods.
- Implementation of Ramsar Convention:
- Framework for Conservation: Describe how the Ramsar Convention provides guidelines for the sustainable use and protection of wetlands.
- International Cooperation: Explain how the Ramsar Convention facilitates collaboration between countries.
- Linkage with Other Environmental Treaties:
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Discuss the alignment of wetland conservation with SDGs
- Paris Agreement: Explain the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation.
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: Highlight the importance of wetland restoration in this global initiative.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and emphasize the importance of integrating wetland conservation with broader development and environmental strategies.