World Wetland Day 2024 (WWD)

Source: PIB
GS III:  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About World Wetlands Day 
3. India’s Achievements
4. About Amrit Dharohar initiative

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in collaboration with Government of Madhya Pradesh, organised a national event at Sirpur Lake, Indore through Indore Municipal Corporation and Environmental Planning & Coordination Organisation (EPCO), Government of Madhya Pradesh to celebrate World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2024.

News in Brief

• The event was inaugurated by Dr Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister, of Madhya Pradesh and Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• Three publications were also released during the event including revised guidelines for
  • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
  • Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool: A Practitioner Guide
  • Compendium on Phyto-diversity of Ramsar Sites in India.

About World Wetlands Day 

• World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February.  
• This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. 
• India is a party to the Convention since 1982 and on the eve of WWD 2024. 
• The Standing Committee of the Convention has approved the themes for World Wetlands Day as follows: 
  • 2024: Wetlands and human wellbeing 
  • It highlights how wetlands contribute to flood protection, clean water, biodiversity and recreational opportunities, all of which are essential for human health and prosperity 

Previous Year Themes 

• 2022: Wetlands action for people and nature,  
• 2023: Wetland restoration 

India’s Achievements

• India has increased its tally of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) to 80 by designating five more wetlands as Ramsar sites.  
• Three of these sites, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve are located in Karnataka whereas two, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest are in Tamil Nadu. 
•  With the addition of these five wetlands to List of Wetlands of International Importance, the total area covered under Ramsar sites is now 1.33 million ha which is an increase of 5,523.87 ha from existing area (of 1.327 million ha.  
• Tamil Nadu continues to have maximum number of Ramsar Sites (16 sites) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).  

About Amrit Dharohar initiative

• Amrit Dharohar initiative, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, was launched by MoEF&CC in June 2023.
• It aims to promote the unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods.
• This initiative is to be implemented over three years in convergence with various Central Government ministries and agencies, State Wetland Authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals, working together for a common cause. 

List of Ramsar Site in India

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