Few thins. Can it matter then thatWorld Wetlands Day, which is observed on February 2 every year, aims to focus attention on the importance of wetlands for the environment and the people. Wetlands, the fragile ecosystems, are declining in most parts of the world. Wetlands are helpful in controlling floods, replenishing groundwater, protecting biodiversity and providing livelihoods to local population. The observance of Wetlands Day is meant to improve public awareness about the importance of wetlands.

World Wetlands Day (WWD) was celebrated for the first time on February 2, 1997, on the 16th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, by 18 countries. Today the Convention has 135 members. Ramsar is the only global environment treaty dealing with a particular ecosystem. The convention aims at the conservation and wise use of wetlands as a means to achieving sustainable development throughout the world. 

The countries that signed the contract committed to include internationally important wetlands in the Ramsar List and ensure the maintenance of the ecological character of each site. They also agreed to consult with other parties about the implementation of the convention, especially with regard to trans-frontier wetlands, shared water systems, shared species, and development projects affecting wetlands.

The emphasis of the convention in the early years was on the listed Ramsar sites. Originally, wetlands were seen as a habitat for waterfowl. Today great importance is given to the wise use of wetlands and on linking them to national land use and water management strategies.

WWD is celebrated by government organisations, non-governmental organisations, and others which organise seminars, lectures, competitions and other programs. Increasing public awareness helps communities to protect their local wetlands and recognise their important values and functions. The Ramsar convention links wetlands with the culture, livelihoods and traditions of local people and emphasises the importance of this relation in the conservation of wetlands. It is important for the local communities to be involved in the protection of wetlands.

Increasing awareness

The theme for Wetlands Day celebrations in 2001 was “Wetland world — A world to discover!” The theme for the year 2002 was “Wetlands: Water, Life, and Culture”. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2003 is “No wetlands — no water” in honour of the United Nations’ International Year of Freshwater (IYF). The UN resolution 55/196 proclaimed the year 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater. The resolution encourages governments, the UN system and all related bodies to take advantage of the Year to increase awareness of the importance of sustainable use, management and protection of freshwater. It also calls upon governments, national and international organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector to make voluntary contributions and other forms of support to the Year. The Ramsar Standing Committee suggested that WWD celebrations could be linked with the activities under IYF. 

Wetlands Day is highly significant for a country like India which has a varied terrain and climate and which supports a rich diversity of inland and coastal wetland habitats. Wetland habitats in India have been destroyed by draining and land filling. Wetlands are also severely disturbed by over-exploitation of fish resources, pollution, choking by exotic weeds and other human pressures. It is reported that one third of Indian wetlands have already been wiped out or got severely degraded. One of the most important wetlands in India is the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, which is a manmade wetland. This park is visited by various migratory species of birds almost every winter. Another important wetland is Chilka, the largest (1100 sq km) brackish-water lake in India, situated in Puri and Ganjam districts of Orissa.

Freshwater source

Wetlands play an important part in freshwater cycle. They are the link between water and land. They act as filters, thereby protecting sources of drinking water. The loss or degradation of wetlands has many consequences, such as increased flooding or the decline of water quality. Wetlands hold rainwater and sediments and purify water. The shrinking wetlands prove to be disastrous to the freshwater supply. Wetlands were destroyed for cultivation and to meet the demands of the increasing population.

 Agricultural residues and industrial wastes reach wetlands and suffocate them, leading to their decline. It is also important to create awareness among farmers about sustainable agriculture. The health of inland freshwater wetlands affects the health of coastal wetlands also. Coastal wetlands provide nearly 12 per cent of the total fish catch. But unsustainable fishing and pollution affect their yield.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in August 2002 highlighted the fact that nearly 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe freshwater and there are nearly 1.7 billion people living in water scarce areas. The Ramsar Convention had highlighted the wetland ecosystems as the starting point of all integrated water management strategies. Sustainability can be ensured only by maintaining the health of wetlands which are the sources of freshwater, besides being sources of livelihood to rural population.

The Wetlands Day presents a great opportunity for government agencies and citizen groups to propagate the Convention’s catchphrase, the “wise use principle”. It is important to make the best out of World Wetlands Day celebrations to reach out and spread the message of conservation through various means.