Wetland Conservation

• Wetlands are an important ecosystem known globally, as stated in the Ramsar Convention (1971). They vary in terms of housing, distribution, labor, and use. Many aquaculture farms have lost their valuable properties and are turning into changing ecosystems, but their crucial role in the functioning of ecosystems is inevitable. The exploitation of wetlands as a result of developmental activities threatens their existence
• The Ramsar Special Wetlands Convention includes other seas, swamps, rivers and lakes, mangroves, coral reefs, floodplains at least six feet high, and artificial aquatic bodies such as reservoirs and swimming pools.

Human Dependence

Wetlands are one of the most productive environments in the world. These water bodies have human dependence and are important physical, chemical, biological, and socio-economic functions. They are important because of:

• Introducing groundwater source
• Prices for luxury and beauty
• Eliminate pollutants within acceptable limits
• Village administration
• Fuel, food, and livelihoods
• Especially for many varieties.
• Biological production

Ecosystem and Biodiversity Support

• Another important area of wetlands is the habitat of migratory wildlife and birds through ecosystem and biodiversity support. Groundwater is associated with wet soils. Migratory birds choose a path through wetlands, where they roost for several days
• IPBES (The Office of National Institutes of Agriculture and Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) Global surveys identify wetlands as the most common threats. According to UNESCO, this affects up to 40% of the world’s plants and animals that live or breed in wetlands. 30% of terrestrial carbon is stored in peatlands. One million people live on wet soils for their livelihoods. Wetlands provide $ 47 trillion in essential services each year.

Threats to Wetlands

Urbanization and human pressure, land-based industrial outfalls, and community pressure for fuel, food, and fodder are all serious threats to wetlands. Other significant risks are:

• Agricultural activities and industry in the catchment area
• Intensive aquaculture waste disposal and its wastes
• Choking weed
• Removing sand and shells
• Drying of coconut husks
• The dumping of tile industry wastes and the 

Aquatic weeds, which spread extensively and cover water bodies (species of Pits, Hydrilla, Salvinia, Eichhornia, etc.), are a grave danger to inland wetlands.  As a result, detritus organic matter accumulates, aesthetic qualities worsen, productivity declines, the human use system goes down, filling the basin with the wetland. Despite the best efforts of the residents in the area, weed control remains a big issue. Controlling the spread of aquatic weeds is a big difficulty worldwide, and billions of dollars are invested to solve the problem.

Status of Wetlands in India

The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017 govern wetlands. 

The 2010 Rules established a Central Wetland Regulatory Authority; the 2017 Rules replaced it with state-level authorities and established a National Wetland Committee that serves as an advisory body. Estuaries, streams, lagoons, and backwaters, were all eliminated from the definition of “wetlands” under the current laws.

Global Conservation efforts

• Ramsar Convention

  • This global conservation effort is an international agreement
  • It was approved at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971
  • It provides a foundation for international and national action to protect and make wise use of the wetlands and their resources
  • International cooperation is encouraged for wetland rehabilitation and wise usage through the management of transboundary waters and wetland resources
  • The Ramsar Convention is the only worldwide environmental treaty that deals with a specific ecosystem.

• Montreux Record

  • The Montreux Record was created by the Conference of the Contracting Parties Recommendation (1990).
  • It is part of the Ramsar List, kept up to date
  • The Montreux Record in the Convention is an official register of wetland sites
  • It’s a list of Wetlands of International Importance where environmental changes occur, are happening, or may take place as a result of technological advancements, pollution, or any other human influence
  • Sites are only added (or removed from) the Record with permission from the Contracting Parties within the territory in which they are situated
  • There are currently two Indian locations, Loktak Lake and Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, on the Montreux Record. Chilka Lake was removed from the list.