[Answered] The conservation and management of wetlands have emerged as a challenge as these ecosystems are linked to broader developmental issues. Discuss the necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation in India’s environmental policy.

Wetlands are among the most biologically productive ecosystems, offering critical ecological, economic, and social services.

Challenges to Wetland Conservation in India

• Governance and Policy Gaps: While India has designated 89 Ramsar sites, these constitute only 10% of the country’s total wetland area. Conservation efforts are often limited to major wetlands, leaving many others vulnerable.
• Fragmented Approach: Wetland management initiatives in India largely focus on their ecological aspects, neglecting the socio-economic and developmental dimensions.
• Anthropogenic Pressures: Encroachment, pollution, and unregulated land-use changes are major threats. The depletion of urban wetlands has led to severe environmental consequences, such as increased flooding and loss of biodiversity.

The Need for Mainstreaming Wetland Conservation

• Integration with Developmental Planning: Wetlands should be recognized as blue-green infrastructure within urban planning to mitigate urban flooding, enhance water security, and support biodiversity.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Wetlands act as carbon sinks, making their conservation crucial for India’s climate commitments. Monitoring and restoring wetland ecosystems can aid in climate adaptation strategies.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Many communities depend on wetlands for fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Integrating wetland conservation with livelihood programs can ensure ecological and economic sustainability.
• Alignment with International Commitments: The Ramsar COP14 emphasized linking wetland conservation with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), biodiversity targets, and climate agreements like the UNFCCC. India must align its policies accordingly.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Policy Frameworks: A national wetland conservation strategy should integrate wetland protection into urban planning, climate action, and water management policies.
• Community-Based Conservation: Involving local communities in wetland governance through participatory models can enhance conservation outcomes.
• Scientific Monitoring and Restoration: Establishing a robust system for monitoring wetland health and initiating large-scale restoration projects is essential.
• Inter-Departmental Coordination: Wetland conservation should not remain the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Environment but should involve urban development, water resources, and agriculture departments.

Conclusion

A holistic, ecosystem-based approach, as advocated in Ramsar COP14, will ensure that wetlands continue to provide critical ecosystem services while supporting sustainable development.