India’s Wetland Renaissance: A Model for the World

31 Jul India’s Wetland Renaissance: A Model for the World

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs”  and  topic India’s Wetland Renaissance: A Model for the World

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-3-Environment-  India’s Wetland Renaissance: A Model for the World

FOR PRELIMS

What are wetlands? 

FOR MAINS

What challenges does India face in protecting wetlands, and how can they be addressed?

Why in the News? 

India showcased its pioneering wetland conservation model at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The country highlighted the rejuvenation of over 68,827 small wetlands in a single year, achieved through an innovative blend of community participation, technological integration, and policy convergence. This achievement underscores India’s commitment to sustainable environmental management, aligned with both national priorities and global environmental obligations.

Environmental and Ecological Impact

1. Biodiversity Conservation: Revived wetlands serve as habitats for migratory birds, amphibians, and endangered species, boosting regional biodiversity.
2. Groundwater Recharge: Wetlands function as natural aquifers, storing rainwater and slowly releasing it, helping sustain agriculture and drinking water supplies.
3. Climate Regulation: Wetland vegetation and water surfaces moderate temperatures, influence local weather patterns, and reduce heat island effects.
4. Carbon Sink Potential: Marshes and peatlands absorb large volumes of carbon dioxide, playing a role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Flood Mitigation: Wetlands absorb excess rainwater and surface runoff, reducing the frequency and severity of floods in vulnerable areas.
6. Water Quality Enhancement: They act as natural filters, removing pollutants and sediments, thus improving the health of downstream water bodies.
7. Restoration of Ecological Cycles: Wetland rejuvenation revives natural hydrological patterns, nutrient cycles, and wildlife corridors essential for ecosystem stability.

Integration of Technology and Innovation

1. GIS-Based Mapping: Geospatial tools have helped map, classify, and prioritize wetlands for targeted restoration based on ecological value.
2. Remote Sensing Tools: Satellite data enables the monitoring of seasonal changes, encroachments, and degradation across wetland areas.
3. National Wetlands Portal: A centralized digital platform allows data aggregation, progress tracking, and public access to conservation initiatives.
4. Citizen Engagement through Apps: Mobile applications enable community reporting, crowdsourced data, and grievance redressal related to wetland misuse.
5. AI and Predictive Modelling: Artificial Intelligence aids in forecasting ecological threats and identifying sites needing urgent intervention.
6. Hydrological Simulation: Scientific models simulate water inflow, retention, and discharge, helping design sustainable water management strategies.
7. IoT-Based Monitoring: Internet of Things devices measure real-time parameters like water level, pH, and pollution to ensure adaptive management.

Role of Communities and Cultural Significance

1. Local Governance Participation: Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies take ownership of wetland conservation under centrally sponsored schemes.
2. Empowerment of Women and SHGs: Self-help groups, especially those led by women, are engaged in plant nurseries, water body maintenance, and income generation.
3. Youth and Volunteer Engagement: Eco-clubs and school children are involved in awareness drives and eco-restoration efforts.
4. Revival of Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous systems like johads, kunds, and ahars are being revitalized with community wisdom and historical practices.
5. Cultural and Religious Ties: Many wetlands hold ritual and festival value, ensuring communities protect them as part of their spiritual traditions.
6. Participatory Mapping Exercises: Communities help define wetland boundaries, creating a sense of custodianship and social monitoring.
7. Environmental Awareness and Stewardship: Involving locals fosters a sense of collective responsibility, reducing misuse and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Livelihood Generation and Economic Benefits

1. Enhanced Inland Fisheries: Rejuvenated wetlands support fish production, improving nutrition and income, especially for marginal communities.
2. Floriculture and Wetland Farming: Cultivation of lotus, reeds, and medicinal plants creates local value chains and boosts household incomes.
3. Duck and Livestock Integration: Ducks thrive in wetland ecosystems, contributing to egg and meat production, while wetlands support seasonal grazing.
4. Nature-Based Tourism: Ramsar sites are promoted as eco-tourism hubs, supporting local homestays, guides, and hospitality workers.
5. Rural Job Creation: Restoration activities under MGNREGS have generated lakhs of employment opportunities in waterbody management.
6. Promotion of Green Enterprises: Wetland-linked microenterprises, including handicrafts and food processing, are giving rise to rural entrepreneurship.
7. Improved Agricultural Output: Wetlands improve soil moisture and irrigation, enabling farmers to adopt multi-cropping and water-saving practices.

Institutional Framework and Policy Initiatives

1. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Establish a legal foundation for identifying, notifying, and managing wetlands through State Wetland Authorities.
2. National Wetland Committee and Authorities: Provide inter-agency coordination, expert advice, and policy guidance to ensure compliance and strategic planning.
3. State Wetland Authorities (SWAs): These function as nodal bodies for inventorying, monitoring, and approving wetland restoration projects.
4. National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): Offers central financial and technical support for state-led conservation of wetlands and urban lakes.
5. Amrit Dharohar Scheme: Focuses on community-led eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management of Ramsar sites.
6. Mission Amrit Sarovar: Targets the creation and rejuvenation of 75 water bodies per district, promoting water security and local employment.
7. Convergent Implementation Mechanism: Collaboration between ministries of Environment, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and others ensures integrated execution.

Global Environmental Leadership and Diplomacy

1. Ramsar Convention Participation: India has shown strong engagement at COP15 and earlier summits, advocating for wetland protection in multilateral forums.
2. Highest Ramsar Sites in Asia: With 80 designated Ramsar wetlands, India leads in Asia, showcasing proactive site identification and management.
3. Contribution to Ramsar Strategic Plan: Aligning domestic actions with the 2016–2024 Ramsar Strategic Plan, India supports global wetland conservation targets.
4. Model for Global South: India’s low-cost, community-driven model serves as a template for countries in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
5. Alignment with MEAs (Multilateral Environmental Agreements): Wetland protection complements India’s commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and UNFCCC.
6. South-South Cooperation Advocacy: India promotes knowledge-sharing and capacity building through diplomatic channels, aiding wetland management in other developing countries.
7. Environmental Diplomacy through Leadership Initiatives: India’s hosting of global events and bilateral engagements positions it as a climate-resilient, ecosystem-restoring nation.

Climate Change and Natural Resilience

1. Carbon Sequestration Capacity: Peatlands and marshes store more carbon per hectare than forests, supporting India’s carbon sink goals.
2. Flood and Drought Buffering: Wetlands moderate the hydrological cycle, protecting communities during both floods and dry spells.
3. Support to NDC Implementation: Restoration projects contribute to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
4. Integration with NAFCC Projects: Wetlands are included in projects funded by the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change, promoting ecosystem-based adaptation.
5. Climate-Proofing Coastal and Arid Zones: In states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, wetlands bolster resilience to salinization, sea-level rise, and droughts.
6. Heatwave and Urban Resilience: Urban wetlands reduce surface temperatures and improve air quality, helping cities cope with heat extremes.
7. Nature-Based Infrastructure Approach: Wetland ecosystems are now part of disaster risk reduction and climate-proof urban planning in India.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Rejuvenated wetlands improve surface and groundwater quality, ensuring safe water access for nearby communities.
2. SDG 13 – Climate Action: Wetlands absorb emissions and provide cost-effective climate adaptation through biodiversity and hydrological functions.
3. SDG 15 – Life on Land: Restoration enhances habitat connectivity and supports species diversity in fragile ecosystems.
4. SDG 1 – No Poverty: Livelihoods generated through eco-tourism, fisheries, and MGNREGS work contribute to poverty alleviation.
5 .SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Local wetland economies enable job creation, especially for women and youth, in green sectors.
6. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities: Urban wetland projects, such as Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai, enhance urban sustainability and public health.
7. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Cross-sector partnerships between government, academia, civil society, and international bodies reinforce outcomes.

Scientific Research, Data, and Institutional Capacity

1. National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA): This scientific database maps over 2 lakh wetlands, categorizing them by size, function, and vulnerability.
2. Involvement of Research Institutions: Bodies like Wildlife Institute of India (WII), SACON, and NIOT support restoration through ecological and hydrological research.
3. State Wetland Authorities Capacity Building: Officials receive regular training on adaptive management, GIS tools, and biodiversity monitoring.
4. Knowledge Repositories and Documentation: Case studies, manuals, and toolkits on wetland restoration are published to encourage replication and standardization.
5. Citizen Science and Data Crowdsourcing: Public participation in monitoring enhances data richness and spreads environmental literacy.
6. Performance-Based Monitoring Systems: Scientific frameworks are used to measure biodiversity gains, water quality improvements, and socio-economic benefits.
7. Evidence-Based Policy Integration: Research outcomes directly inform policy changes, such as urban wetland zoning or species protection measures.

Q. Which of the following statements regarding India’s wetland conservation efforts is/are correct?
1. India has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in the world.
2. The “Amrit Dharohar” scheme promotes community-led eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation at Ramsar Sites.
3. GIS-based mapping and hydrological simulation have been integrated into India’s wetland rejuvenation strategy.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Mains Questions

Q. India’s model of wetland rejuvenation, demonstrated at COP15 of the Ramsar Convention, is a convergence of ecological restoration, community engagement, and technological innovation.
Discuss how this model contributes to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

                                                                                                                                                       (250 words, 15 marks)