- Wetlands encompass areas characterized by marsh or peatland, featuring water that is either static or flowing, ranging from fresh and brackish to saline.
- This definition includes regions with marine water, where the depth at low tide does not surpass 6 meters.
- Functioning as transition zones, wetlands serve as ecotones bridging terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
- Examples of wetlands include mangroves, lake littorals (marginal zones between the highest and lowest water levels of lakes), floodplains (areas adjacent to river channels beyond natural levees, periodically flooded during high discharge), and various marshy or swampy areas.
- Within the wetland ecosystem, these habitats undergo periodic flooding from adjacent deepwater habitats, providing support for plants and animals specifically adapted to shallow flooding or waterlogging conditions.
- Noteworthy characteristics include waterlogged soil-adapted plant life known as hydrophytes and hydric soils, characterized by insufficient oxygen.
- India boasts a rich tapestry of wetlands, numbering over 27,000, with more than 23,000 classified as inland wetlands and approximately 4,000 as coastal wetlands.
- These wetlands collectively cover 18.4% of the country’s total area, with 70% utilized for paddy cultivation.
- The natural diversity of wetlands in India spans high-altitude regions in the Himalayas, floodplains along major river systems, saline and temporary wetlands in arid and semi-arid zones, and coastal environments like lagoons, backwaters, estuaries, mangroves, swamps, and coral reefs.
MEASURES TO PROTECT WETLANDS
Wetlands, critical ecosystems bridging terrestrial and aquatic realms, play a pivotal role in biodiversity, water regulation, and overall environmental health. Various international, national, and organizational initiatives contribute to safeguarding these invaluable habitats. Here’s an in-depth exploration of key measures to protect wetlands:
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. It recognizes wetlands’ ecological importance and emphasizes the need for their wise use.
Key Components:
- Wise Use: Encourages the sustainable use of wetlands to meet the needs of present and future generations without compromising their ecological integrity.
- List of Ramsar Sites: Identifies wetlands of international importance and promotes their conservation. Currently, there are over 2,400 Ramsar Sites worldwide.
- Implementation:
- Countries that are parties to the Ramsar Convention commit to designating and managing Ramsar Sites within their territories. Regular meetings and conventions facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts.
Ramsar Sites in India:
India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, designates Ramsar Sites to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of its diverse wetlands.
Key Ramsar Sites in India:
- Chilika Lake, Odisha: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
- Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its avian population, especially migratory birds.
- Sundarbans, West Bengal: The largest mangrove forest globally, providing crucial habitat for Bengal tigers and numerous species.
Wetlands International:
Wetlands International is a global non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands worldwide.
Key Initiatives:
- Research and Advocacy: Conducts scientific research to understand wetland ecosystems and advocates for their conservation.
- Capacity Building: Collaborates with governments and local communities to enhance their capacity for sustainable wetland management.
Impact:
- Wetlands International contributes to global policies, influencing decisions that prioritize wetland conservation and sustainable management.
National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP):
Initiated by the Government of India, the NWCP aims to conserve wetlands through sustainable management practices.
Key Objectives:
- Mapping and Inventory: Develops comprehensive maps and inventories of wetlands across the country.
- Financial Assistance: Provides funds to state governments for the conservation and management of identified wetlands.
- Community Involvement:
- Encourages the active participation of local communities in wetland management, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship.
The collective efforts of international treaties like the Ramsar Convention, national programs like NWCP, and organizations like Wetlands International underscore the importance of collaborative action in protecting and preserving wetlands. These measures are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance, biodiversity, and the myriad benefits that wetlands provide to both nature and humanity.
FAQs: Measures to Protect Wetlands in India
1. What defines wetlands, and why are they important in India?
A: Wetlands in India are areas with marsh or peatland, featuring static or flowing water, ranging from fresh to saline. They serve as ecotones, bridging terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, water regulation, and overall environmental health.
2. How many wetlands does India have, and what is their distribution?
A: India boasts over 27,000 wetlands, with 23,000+ categorized as inland wetlands and around 4,000 as coastal wetlands. They collectively cover 18.4% of the country’s total area, with 70% utilized for paddy cultivation.
3. What are the main characteristics of wetland ecosystems in India?
A: Wetlands in India vary widely, including high-altitude wetlands in the Himalayas, floodplains along major rivers, saline and temporary wetlands in arid zones, and coastal environments like lagoons, mangroves, and coral reefs.
4. How does India protect its wetlands on an international level?
A: India has been a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982. This international treaty emphasizes the wise use and conservation of wetlands. The country designates Ramsar Sites, such as Chilika Lake, Keoladeo National Park, and Sundarbans, to ensure the sustainable use of its wetland resources.
5. What measures does the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands advocate for?
A: The Ramsar Convention encourages the wise use of wetlands, promoting their sustainable utilization. It maintains a list of Ramsar Sites globally and encourages countries to manage and conserve these sites. Over 2,400 Ramsar Sites worldwide are currently recognized.
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