WETLAND POLICY GUIDELINES

The objective of policy with respect to wetland conservation is to promote the conservation of wetlands to sustain their ecological and socio-economical functions, now and in the future [http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/recom.html]. Towards this end, the goals are,

• Maintenance of the functions and values derived from wetlands;

• No net loss of wetland functions in regional lands and water;

• Enhancement and rehabilitation of wetlands where the continued loss or degradation of wetlands or their functions have reached critical levels;

• Recognition of wetland functions in resource planning, management and economic decision making with regard to all national/state programmes, policies and activities;

• Securement of wetlands of significance;

• Recognition of sound, sustainable management practices in sectors such as forestry and agriculture that make positive contribution to wetland conservation while also achieving wise use of wetland resources; and

• Utilisation of wetlands in a manner that enhances prospects.

The wetland policy at State level provides:

• A signal of commitment to wetland conservation and acts as a catalyst for mutually supporting action across the region;

• A heightened profile for the issue to call attention to wetland, socio-economic and environmental benefits, to ensure that wetlands receive adequate consideration by the State government;

• Direction and support for individual decision makers to ensure that opportunity for the sustained and wise use of wetlands is realised, to avoid or reserve wetland related conflicts;

• Clarification of specific State responsibility for wetlands, as well as a synthesis of existing legislation, policies and programmes which already contribute to wetland conservation:

• A consistent, co-ordinated approach among the many State agencies, which influence wetlands, aimed at adjusting activities which conflict with wetland conservation and ensuring progress towards specific objectives and goals.

A comprehensive policy on wetlands needs to be formulated to enhance the quality and increase the spatial coverage specific to the region, to offer some of the most environmentally productive and cost effective opportunities for wetland conservation. The objectives should focus on addressing the following aspects,

• To reverse the current decline in the wetland base, ensuring no net loss and long-term net gain in the quality, quantity and permanence of wetlands.

• To encourage partnerships in restoration, management, usage, through co-operative planning efforts with the primary focus on wetland conservation.

• Draft procedures for administration of wetland usage and its conservation.

The emphasis is placed on the formation of Regional Wetlands Forum, involving local educational, public and private organisations (involved in wetland issues). For effective functioning, the forum should consist of researchers, school and college-students and teachers, economists, policy makers, representatives from the agricultural community, developmental concerns, conservation organizations, state and local agencies under the collaboration efforts from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Department of Science and Technology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and planning departments with the following responsibilities. The policy should address the following.

• Define wetlands, classification (based on degree of saturation, type of vegetation, usage, soil etc), inventory, planning, wetland regulation, and conservation approaches (i.e., acquisition, restoration, management and education).

• Establish regional and state-wide goals to achieve long-term increase in wetland acreage, functions and values in emphasizing the economic uses (fishing, agriculture, drinking water supply, etc).

• Draft programmes for preservation, conservation, restoration, and enhancing wetlands acreage and provide technical and adequate funding for wetland mitigation and management programmes.

• Develop consistent standards concerning wetland water quality, and guidelines for mitigation, monitoring and restoration efforts.

• Encourage actions that promote efficiency of wetland-related permitting processes for the varied usage of wetlands for economic purposes (as fisheries, irrigation etc) by suitable policies and creation of concurrent permit review procedures.

• Enhance co-ordination of governmental (state, central) and non-governmental organisations responsible for wetland conservation. Action oriented restoration and conservation programmes could be initiated and monitored through discussion meetings of academicians, and planning and implementing agencies for providing a platform for exchange of ideas.

• Help in the development of internal policies within state agencies like irrigation department, public works department, forest department, urban development and others that will encourage wetland conservation activities which are compatible with programmatic goals of flood control, ground water recharge, water management, water pollution control, recreation and others.

• Establish inter-agency task force responsible for co-ordinating and information exchange among the agencies, boards, and departments as necessary to ensure co-ordinated development and implementation of wetland conservation program.

• Integrate wetland policy and planning with other environmental and land use processes.

• Undertake cost-benefit analysis of the wetland resources derived by the society and economic evaluation caused due to the loss of wetlands.

• Advise government to provide funds for wetland research and conservation programs.

• Formulate Wetland Protection Act as a legislative vehicle to restrict any disturbance of wetlands leading to loss in biodiversity dependent on them.

 Recommendations for effective wetland management are:

• Integration of different Government Agencies for effective implementation of activities related to restoration of wetlands, their sustainable utilization and conservation.

• A National Committee for Lakes and Wetlands reclamation, restoration and development be formed to formulate a National Policy to evolve strategies for their sustainable utilization and conservation.

• A Comprehensive Plan be prepared to study selective, representative wetlands in a phased manner to create database with regard to their present status, sustainable use, management and conservation and to formulate strategies for their long-term management.

• Regular monitoring of ecosystems through the involvement of Schools, Colleges and Universities. Student's involvement including curriculum development concerning the protection of the ecosystem.

• Mass awareness programme be chalked out and implemented through Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) for popularization of the importance of the lakes, wetlands and rivers, and their role in the aquatic biodiversity and sustenance of human civilization.

• Lakes and Ponds in each Zilla Panchayath area be identified and their streams recharged through people's participation. People should be made aware of wetlands’ significance so that reclamation and conservation of these water bodies be taken up effectively.

• Fishermen's socio - economic aspects be taken into consideration while formulating wetland policies.

• Education and training: Public needs to be better informed about the rationale, goals and methods of aquatic ecosystem restorations. In addition, scientists and researchers with broad training are needed for aquatic ecosystem restoration, management and conservation.