Overview
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Context
Experts from the ‘Wetlands International’ suggested that wetland conservation should feature as an independent topic of discussion in the negotiations at the upcoming biodiversity and climate change conferences for effective carbon sequestration, mainly in CoP15, and CoP27.
Background
The issue of ‘wetland conservation’ is often avoided or ignored at international level.
Analysis
What are the Wetlands?
The Indian definition
“area of marsh, fen, Peat land 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 meters, but does not include river channels, paddy fields, human-made water bodies/ tanks specifically constructed for drinking water purposes and structures specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt production, recreation and irrigation.” |
Distribution of wetland in India
Why wetlands are valuable for the environment?
What is the need for wetland conservation?
The wetlands account for just six per cent of the plant but are home to 40 per cent of world’s plant and animals.
Conclusion
Wetlands not only support high concentrations of biodiversity, but also offer a wide range of important resources and ecological functions such as food, water, fibre, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood moderation, storm protection, erosion control, carbon storage and climate regulation. Wetlands may comprise a minor portion of the planet, but are crucial parts of the ecosystem and are under tremendous pressure. Hence, their conservation is the need of the hour.
PRACTICE QUESTION Q1. Discuss the importance and role played by Wetlands in the Ecological conservation of Earth. Q2. What are the threats causing depletion of wetlands? Enumerate measures to conserve wetland ecosystems. |
Verifying, please be patient.