World Wetlands Day

What are Wetlands?

A wetland is a land area that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and it takes on the characteristics of a distinct ecosystem
The Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as “areas of marsh, fen, peatlands or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres“.
Five major wetland types are generally recognized:
- marine (coastal wetlands including coastal lagoons, rocky shores, and coral reefs);
- estuarine (including deltas, tidal marshes, and mangrove swamps);
- lacustrine (wetlands associated with lakes);
- riverine (wetlands along rivers and streams); and
- palustrine (meaning “marshy” – marshes, swamps and bogs).
The definition of wetlands is very broad and includes ponds, water storage areas, low-tide coastal zones and all human-made sites such as fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt pans.

About Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance signed in 1971, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
It is named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the Caspian Sea.
It is the only global treaty to focus on a single ecosystem (wetlands).
At present, more than 170 nations are signatories (including India) to the Ramsar Convention. A contracting party agrees to nominate at least one wetland in its territory to the List of Wetlands of International Importance based on enumerated criteria.
Contracting Parties are committed to the Convention’s three pillars:

Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands. Wise use means the maintenance of the ecological character of the wetland and allowance of sustainable use for the benefit of people and the environment.
Designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands International Importance and ensure their effective management.
Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.

About Montreux record

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
Currently, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are being kept under the record for taking appropriate steps for ecological restoration.
Chilika lake (Odisha) was placed in the record but was later removed from it.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Government of Madhya Pradesh, organised a national event at Sirpur Lake to celebrate World Wetlands Day (February 2) 2024.
The theme of WWD-2024 is ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’ which underscores the critical role wetlands play in enhancing our lives.
It highlights how wetlands contribute to flood protection, clean water, biodiversity and recreational opportunities, all of which are essential for human health and prosperity.