Every year on February 2nd, the world celebrates World Wetlands Day, highlighting the crucial role these ecosystems play in human health and well-being.
Wetlands are often undervalued landscapes, yet they provide a plethora of vital services to humanity. They act as natural filters, purifying water and removing pollutants. They act as sponges, absorbing excess water and mitigating floods. They are biodiversity hotspots, teeming with life and providing critical habitat for countless species. Wetlands are also cultural treasures, holding spiritual and traditional significance for many communities.
The United Nations mentions: “Wetlands are ecosystems, in which water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. A broad definition of wetlands includes both freshwater and marine and coastal ecosystems.”
What is the History of World Wetlands Day?
The story begins in 1971, when representatives from different countries gathered in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Their mission was to adopt the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. This treaty marked a major milestone in recognising the importance of wetlands and their conservation on a global scale.
Later in August 221, the United Nations recognised February 2 as World Wetlands Day. The UN mentions: “On 30 August 2021, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2 February as World Wetlands Day to raise awareness of the urgency of reversing the accelerating loss of wetlands and to promote their conservation and restoration. The day marks the date of the adoption of the "Convention on Wetlands of International Importance" held in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.”
What is the Theme of World Wetlands Day 2024?
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 is "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing." This theme emphasises the interconnectedness between wetlands and various aspects of human health and well-being, highlighting the critical role they play in our lives.
Wetlands provide a multitude of benefits to humans, including:
- Freshwater: Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water and replenishing groundwater supplies. They also help to regulate water flow, reducing the risk of floods and droughts.
- Food security: Wetlands support a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and other edible plants and animals, providing food and livelihoods for millions of people around the world.
- Climate change mitigation: Wetlands store large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. They also act as buffers against sea-level rise and storm surges.
- Recreation and tourism: Wetlands offer opportunities for recreation and tourism, generating income and supporting local economies.
- Mental and physical health: Spending time in nature, including wetlands, has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental and physical health, such as reducing stress and anxiety.
World Wetlands Day 2024 aims to raise awareness about these benefits and encourage action to protect these vital ecosystems.
List of Newly Made Ramsar Sites in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
On January 18, 2024, five new sites were added to the list of Ramsar Sites in India, two of which are located in Karnataka and two in Tamil Nadu. Here's the list:
Aghanashini Estuary: This 4801 hectare estuary located in Uttara Kannada district supports 84 species of fish, five species of bivalves, 45 species of mangroves, and 117 bird species. It is an important breeding ground for several threatened bird species, including the black-necked stork and the Indian skimmer.
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve: This 54.38 hectare human-made wetland in Gadag district is home to over 166 species of birds, of which 130 are migratory. It is one of the largest wintering grounds for the bar-headed goose in southern India and is also an Important Bird Area.
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve: This 98 hectare irrigation tank in Vijayanagara district is an important habitat for resident and migratory birds. It is home to over 200 species of birds, including the painted stork, the Asian openbill, and the spot-billed pelican.
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary: This 453 hectare bird sanctuary in Ariyalur district is home to over 200 species of birds, including the painted stork, the spot-billed pelican, and the black-headed ibis. It is an important breeding ground for several threatened bird species, including the grey-headed lapwing and the Indian skimmer.
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest: This 1,223 hectare reserve forest in the Nilgiri Hills is home to a variety of shola grasslands, evergreen forests, and wetlands. It is an important habitat for several threatened species, including the Nilgiri tahr, the Nilgiri langur, and the Nilgiri wood pigeon.
The Press Information Bureau mentions: “Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Labour and Employment Shri Bhupender Yadav said on the eve of World Wetlands Day 2024, India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) to 80 from existing 75 by designating five more wetlands as Ramsar sites. In a post Shri Yadav said he met Dr Musonda Mumba, the Secretary General of Ramsar Convention who handed over the certificates of the aforesaid five sites.”
The addition of these five new sites brings the total number of Ramsar Sites in India to 80. This is a significant step forward in the conservation of wetlands in India, and it will help to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations.
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