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Jairam Ramesh unveils a poster during the Wetlands International event. Photo credit: Dhruv Verma/Wetlands International
On World Wetlands Day, which was celebrated on February 2, 2025, Jairam Ramesh, member of Parliament and former Union environment minister, emphasised that increasing Ramsar sites in India isn’t enough for effective wetland conservation. He argued the country should prioritise the quality of wetland conservation, relying on scientific research, local community involvement, and stewardship.
Ramesh spoke at a Wetlands International South Asia event at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The event, attended by over 70 people, highlighted wetlands’ importance for ecological sustainability, biodiversity, and human well-being. It coincided with the 54th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty to protect wetlands.
In his keynote address, Ramesh reflected on India's Ramsar Convention engagement, noting progress since 1982, but significant threats to wetlands remain. He cited Deepor Beel and Kolleru Lake, where encroachment and pollution endanger vital ecosystems. Ramesh emphasised the need for community-led governance and further scientific research to improve conservation efforts.
The event featured a panel discussion on "Wetlands and Sustainable Development," with environmentalists and experts from IUCN-India, WWF-India, and the National Biodiversity Authority. They discussed the role of wetlands in climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. Experts stressed the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, coordinated policy efforts, and active citizen science to protect wetlands.
In line with the event's theme, "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future," Ramesh called for stronger legal frameworks and increased local community involvement in wetland conservation. He noted that while India has made strides in scientific understanding and legal frameworks like the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017, much work remains in practical conservation.
Addressing the challenges faced by wetlands, Ramesh pointed out four primary threats to wetlands, industrial and human effluents, municipal pressures, lack of local community involvement, and insufficient scientific activity. He emphasised that communities should have a stake in wetlands conservation, as they are often the best protectors of these ecosystems.
Other speakers, including Vishaish Uppal from WWF-India, echoed Ramesh’s views. Uppal highlighted the lack of incentives for private wetland owners, noting that 40% of India’s wetlands are privately owned. He called for clearer frameworks and better community engagement to make wetland conservation a shared responsibility.
The event launched several important publications, including a training manual on water quality for wetland conservation and a document on peatland estimation in India. These resources underscore the potential of wetlands to store carbon and their role in combating climate change.
As World Wetlands Day 2025 concludes, experts agree that coordinated action, community involvement, and stronger conservation frameworks are essential to safeguarding India’s wetlands for future generations.
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