Why in News?

• The Global Wetland Outlook 2025, released by the Ramsar Convention, warns of rapid global wetland degradation.

• Key finding: Over 35% of wetlands lost since 1970, threatening biodiversity and climate resilience.

What Are Wetlands?

Definition:

• Ecosystems where land is saturated with water—either permanently or seasonally—supporting distinct biodiversity.

Types of Wetlands:

• Marshes

• Swamps

• Bogs

• Peatlands

• Mangroves

• Estuaries

Key Characteristics:

• Water-saturated soils (hydric soils)

• Specific vegetation like reeds, grasses, and mangroves

• Act as transition zones between land and water systems

Key Data from Global Wetland Outlook 2025

Loss Rate:

• Wetlands are disappearing 3 times faster than forests

• 35% lost globally since 1970

Biodiversity Crisis:

• 80% decline in populations of wetland species (1970–2022)

Carbon Storage:

• Peatlands cover just 3% of land, yet store 30% of global soil carbon

Agricultural Pressure:

• Almost 50% of wetlands degraded by agriculture and excessive water use

India-Specific Insights:

• 19 Ramsar Sites in India under ecological stress

• Notable examples: Keoladeo National Park, Chilika Lake

Opportunities – Why Wetlands Matter

Biodiversity Hotspots:

• Wetlands like Loktak Lake, Sundarbans support migratory birds, fish, and endangered species

Flood Regulation:

• Function as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater

• Example: Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh

Carbon Sequestration:

• Peatlands help meet India’s Net-Zero 2070 goals

Livelihood Source:

• Over 1 billion people depend on wetlands (fishing, farming, tourism)

Challenges & Concerns

Policy Fragmentation:

• Wetlands fall under multiple ministries = poor coordination

Illegal Encroachments:

• Urban wetlands (e.g. Bellandur Lake, Bengaluru) suffer from pollution and construction

Data Deficiency:

• No updated national wetland inventory—last mapping over 10 years ago

Climate Risks:

• Wetland drying and salinisation worsened by erratic rain and rising temperatures

Water Overuse:

• Excessive groundwater extraction threatening wetlands in Ganga plains

Recommendations – Way Forward

Unified Wetland Authority:

• Create a central agency under MoEFCC for better governance

Revise Wetland Rules 2017:

• Include smaller seasonal and urban wetlands under protection

Incentivise Local Conservation:

• Introduce carbon credit-based rewards for communities

Modern Monitoring Tools:

• Use AI, remote sensing, satellite data for real-time mapping

Integration with Climate Plans:

• Include wetlands in State Action Plans (e.g., Kerala’s Blue Carbon project)

Community Models:

• Launch Wetland Mitras (friends of wetlands) and eco-clubs in schools

Conclusion

• Wetlands are critical ecosystems, not wastelands.

• Their conservation is vital for:

  • Climate resilience (SDG-13)

  • Biodiversity (SDG-15)

  • Livelihood security

• Protecting wetlands is key to India’s Net Zero by 2070 commitment.