1. What are wetlands?
  • Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. They occur where the water table is at or near the surface of the land, or where the land is covered by water.
  • According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres“.
  1. Importance of wetlands
  • Wetlands are important for several reasons, including their ability to sequester carbon, which helps in mitigating climate change.
  • Wetlands also help reduce the risk of disasters such as floods, by acting as buffers.
  • They are also a paradise for migratory birds and have cultural and tourism importance.
  1. Global initiatives for wetland conservation
  • The Ramsar Convention is a global initiative for the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation.
  • The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar wetland sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference.
  • World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on the 2nd of February across the globe to raise awareness about the value of wetlands.
  1. Indian initiatives for wetland conservation
  • In India, the wetlands are regulated under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) supports the implementation of management action plans for over 250 wetlands under schemes such as National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems, Mangroves and Coral Reefs, and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats.
  • India has 75 Ramsar sites covering an area of 13,26,677 ha in the country.
  1. World Wetlands Day 2023 theme
  • The 2023 theme for World Wetlands Day is ‘Wetland Restoration’, which highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and to protect biodiversity.

Why In News?

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ in Goa.

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