Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing habitat for a diverse range of species. They support numerous aquatic and terrestrial organisms, contributing to overall biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.They also help in climate adaptation by buffering extreme weather ...
Wetlands, commonly known as the “kidneys of the landscape” are one of the most critical ecosystems on the earth which serves complex multifactorial functions such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, conserving biodiversity and improving human health. Marshes, swamps, bogs, estuaries they arRead more
Wetlands, commonly known as the “kidneys of the landscape” are one of the most critical ecosystems on the earth which serves complex multifactorial functions such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, conserving biodiversity and improving human health. Marshes, swamps, bogs, estuaries they are complex environments that provide vital life support for all of Earth. This article discusses the importance of wetlands in such areas and the tools available in India to conserve and sustainably manage them.
Climate mitigation (and adaptation)
Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands serve as natural carbon sinks, sequestering large quantities of carbon in their soil and vegetation. Peatlands, a form of wetland, can lock up around 30% of global soil carbon despite accounting for only 3% of the land area of the Earth. Wetlands sequester carbon, combating climate change by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Then again, wetlands provide protection from intense weather events such as floods and storms, which are increasing in frequency due to climate change. Absorb and release water slowly, minimizing the likelihood of flooding and erosion, improving the resilience of climate-threatened communities.
Water Regulation: Wetlands are integral to the hydrological cycle. They help regulate water flow, recharge groundwater, and mitigate floods and droughts. With the changes in precipitation due to climate change, this regulation becomes even more crucial for preventing water-related disaster from becoming more widespread, more severe. Wetlands serve as natural reservoirs of water, providing a continual supply during droughts and prevent flooding during heavy rains.
Biodiversity Conservation
Carbon Sink: Wetlands sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. They provide important habitat for many migratory birds, fish and amphibians. Take the Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a wetland vital to more than 360 species of birds. By protecting our wetlands, we allow for the genetic diversity necessary for ecosystem resilience and adaptation whenever there is a shift in environmental conditions.
Nutrient cycling: Wetlands play an important role in nutrient cycling, which is important for maintaining the health and productivity of surrounding ecosystems. They filter and retain nutrients thereby limiting the entry of pollutants into the water bodies. It also ensures the cleanliness of the water that is used for drinking, agriculture, and industrial uses by facilitating aquatic life.
Human Health
Natural Water Filtration: Wetlands are natural water filtration systems that help clean and remove harmful materials from surface water. This purification process is essential because it maintains the quality of water used for drinking, irrigation, as well as other domestic and industrial uses. Wetlands mitigate water pollution and waterborne diseases, thus enhancing community health by reducing the concentration of pollutants.
Food Security: Such wetlands are also critical for agriculture and fisheries in many places, notably India. They assist in the cultivation of rice and various other crops, ensuring food security for millions. Wetlands are also essential for sustaining fish stocks, which are an important protein source for many people. Wetland degradation can decrease agricultural production and fish stocks contributing to food security challenges.
Wetland Conservation Mechanisms in India
Wetlands are a crucial part of this environment and India, acknowledging their significance, has adopted a number of measures that ensure the conservation, protection, preservation and sustainable management of wetlands. These include:
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): In 1987, the National Wetland Conservation Programme was initiated to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in the country. The program includes wetland detection and monitoring, management plan development, and conservation actions. Additionally, it encourages community involvement and awareness, allowing local communities to play a critical role in conservation.”
Ramsar Convention: India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an International treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Please note that this is a data-driven program up to October 2023. India has 49 notified Ramsar sites extending to over 1.2 million hectares. The Convention is based on the idea that the maintenance of ecological and socio-economic values associated with these sites is most effectively achieved through the protection and management of each site in accordance with the rules of the Ramsar Convention.
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 set a legal framework for conservation and management of wetlands in India. These rules also require identification and notification of wetlands, management plan preparation, and the establishment of the Wetland Authority Committee at the state’s disposal. The rules also ban activities that can degrade wetlands, including its reclamation, dumping of solid waste, and discharge of untreated sewage.
ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management): The ICZM program, funded by the World Bank, promotes the sustainable management of coastal wetlands. It tries to intervene to seek a harmonious internal balance of economic development, ecological conservation and social welfare of coastal areas. It involves mangrove restoration, community-based conservation, and fisheries development for sustainability.
This has often lead to the traditional knowledge systems that prevail within different cultures being implemented in concert in community-based conservation. Community Involvement: There are several community-based conservation initiatives successfully conserving wetlands in India. To illustrate, the Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh, the largest freshwater lake in India, was preserved by local fisher communities. These communities have sustainable fishing practices and protected the lake from encroachment and pollution, confirming its ecosystem integrity.
Wetland Research and Monitoring: Various research institutions, autonomous bodies and the government of India are involved in research and monitoring of wetlands. Their research touches on wetland ecosystems, climate change effects, conservation measures, etc. These efforts help acquire data that is used for developing an effective policy and enhancing conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Healthy wetlands are critical for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and human health. What we need to achieve: To address this problem, a variety of mechanisms, ranging from national campaigns and international conventions at the macro-environment level, to community-based initiatives and research interventions at the operational level. However, continued and greater efforts thus are needed to protect and restore these valuable ecosystems in the face of population growth, urbanization and climate change. It is only by realising the multi-sided importance of wetlands and taking the right conservation measures that India can be able to preserve these natural wonders for our future generations.
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Strategies to Save Wetlands: The Essential Role of Wetlands in Climate and Biodiversity Strategies Wetlands, also known as the “kidneys of the environment,” are essential to addressing climate challenges, preserving biodiversity and protecting public health. When undisturbed, these ecosystems form aRead more
Strategies to Save Wetlands: The Essential Role of Wetlands in Climate and Biodiversity Strategies
Wetlands, also known as the “kidneys of the environment,” are essential to addressing climate challenges, preserving biodiversity and protecting public health. When undisturbed, these ecosystems form a multidimensional carbon vacuum, sucking in vast amounts of carbon dioxide and helping to slow the flow of greenhouse gas emissions. They are also buffers from extreme weather events, like floods and storms, which enhances climate change resilience. Wetlands also support a high diversity of plant and animal species, many endemic to those areas, and many threatened by the destruction of surrounding habitats.
Wetlands offer wide human health services in the form of water purification, groundwater replenishment, and local employability in neighbouring communities. India wherein these wetlands are a significant ecosystem and several steps have been taken in its conservation and sustainable use. reducer. National Wetland Conservation Programme(NWCP) was launched in 1987 to promote conservation and wise use of wetlands. In addition to the promotion of community-led conservation projects, the program emphasizes the identification, monitoring and management of these areas.
As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an international agreement dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, India has nominated 49 sites that encompass over 1.3 million hectares of Ramsar sites. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 These Rules provide a legal framework for wetland conservation and management. Secondly, State Wetland Authorities need to be formed for the promotion of conservation activities, so that these ecosystems are neither destroyed nor over-exploited.
In addition, wetland protection has been incorporated into India’s national climate action plans, realizing the important role wetlands will play in fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement. But pollution, encroachment on land and over-exploitation of resources still pose formidable challenges. In order to ensure the long-term health of India’s wetlands, there is an absolute need for increased public awareness, enforcement of laws and greater involvement by the local community.
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