Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are biologically productive ecosystems that cover 6% of Earth's surface.
They provide 40.6% of global ecosystem services including water management and climate change mitigation.
The theme of World Wetland Day aligns with the sustainable development goals from the 1987 Brundtland Report.
Wetland conservation must be integrated with global environmental and development strategies, as emphasized by Ramsar COP14.
Global and Indian Wetland Loss
Globally, wetlands have declined by 35% from 1970 to 2015.
In India, 30% of natural wetlands have been lost in the past 40 years due to urbanization and pollution.
Cities like Mumbai and Chennai have seen massive wetland loss (71% and 85%, respectively).
Since 1970, 81% of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal species have declined.
Wetland Conservation Efforts
Ramsar designation does not always guarantee effective conservation.
India has 89 Ramsar sites, but effective conservation requires broader policy alignment for sustainability.
Ramsar COP14 stressed linking wetland conservation with global frameworks like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Wetland management in India is mainly focused on ecological and environmental issues, but broader social and economic factors need more attention.
Need for Improved Wetland Management
Wetlands offer significant ecological, economic, and social benefits and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Current management strategies are insufficient; a more comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach is needed.
Effective wetland conservation should be integrated into development plans and linked to global environmental initiatives, like the Ramsar Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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