World Wetland’s Day was Celebrated on 2nd February – 2019

Countries across the globe raised support for “Wetland and Climate Change” theme

• World Wetlands Day (WWD) was observed on 2nd February to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands on the planet. February 2nd marks the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands at 1971 Ramsar Convention in Iran.
• Ever since, the day is annually celebrated on February 2nd based on a new theme on the importance of loss of wetlands and the need to conserve it. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2019 is ‘Wetlands and climate change’ highlighting the role of wetlands as a natural solution to reduce the impact of climate change.
• The wetlands are the water ecosystem either permanently or seasonally. What distinguishes wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the vegetation of aquatic plants that are adapted to the unique hydric soil.
• The 2019 theme aims to highlight the impact of climate change that causes a rise in sea level, coral bleaching, hydrological effects, changes in water temperature, alterations in water availability and quality.
• There are four climate benefits of conserving wetlands – (1) Absorbing and storing carbon, (2) Reducing floods, (3) Reducing storm surges and protecting coastlines and (4) Relieving droughts.

Themes of World Wetland’s Day from 2016 to 2021

On the eve of Wetland day 2019, the Ministry of Environment has issued a publication on the inspirational reports and measures to conserve wetlands in India. The Ministry has notified the following data.,

Inspiration from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India

• As per National Wetland Atlas, nearly 4.7% of India’s geographical area is under wetlands.
• Wetlands have special attributes as cultural heritage of humanity, and have deep connections with our beliefs and practices. They are indeed an important part of our natural wealth and “liquid assets”.
• The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. India became a party to the Convention in 1982, and as on date has designated 26 wetlands as Ramsar Sites under the 9 designation criteria of the Convention.
• The wise use approach recognizes that stemming wetland loss and degradation requires incorporation of linkages between people and wetlands, and thereby emphasizes that human use of these ecosystems on sustainable basis is compatible with conservation.
• Each year, the World Wetlands Day is attached to a specific theme. The 2019 theme „Wetlands and Climate Change‟ has been chosen to initiate actions against the drainage of wetlands.
• Wetlands are valuable as sources, sink and transformers of a multitude of biological, chemical and genetic material. Wetlands play an important role in reducing the impact of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and cyclones. Wetlands act as a natural sponge, absorbing and storing excess rainfall and reducing flooding. During the dry season, they release the water stored, delaying the onset of droughts and reducing water shortages.
• About 35% of the wetlands (whose areas are accounted for) have been lost since 1970. A core driver of wetland degradation is limited integration of their full range of biodiversity and ecosystem service values in sector wise developemental planning.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the nodal Ministry for wetlands conservation have been assisting State Governments since 1985 in design and implementation of integrated management plans. Financial assistance has been provided to State Governments for implementation of management plans for 180 wetlands.
• In 2017, the Ministry has also notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules as the regulatory framework for wetlands in the country. Several states have also notified wetland authorities and acts and rules for conservation and wise-use of wetlands.
• Under the capacity building program of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystem (NPCA) scheme, regional workshops, training programs are organized for imparting training to the wetland managers involved in the conservation and management of wetlands and lakes in the country. World Wetlands Day is observed on 2nd February each year to raise awareness among all sections of the society about values and functions of wetlands and wiseuse of their resources.

The following actions are recommended for conserving wetlands and thereby combating the impacts of climate change.,

• Conserve and wisely use wetlands. Include wetlands conservation within State Climate Action Plans.
• Prepare integrated management plans for wetlands. Use a diagnostic approach to identify root causes of wetlands degradation, and ensure that the management plan is adequate to respond to the risks.
• Assessment of impacts of climate change on wetlands including high altitude wetlands
• Monitor wetland ecosystem health periodically and
• Disseminate information on climate change to all stakeholders, and seek their views on
  adaptation needs.