Government launches one year ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ to sensitize people

New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, on Saturday launched the ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ to sensitize the people at all levels of society for its conservation.

This campaign over next one year will include sensitizing people of the value of wetlands, increasing the coverage of wetland mitras and building citizen partnerships for wetlands conservation.

Speaking at the event in Goa , Mr Yadav highlighted the critical role played by the wetland ecosystem in securing the ecological, economic and climate security.

He also mentioned about various green initiatives taken by the Government in the budget 2023 including Amrit Dharohar, MISHTI, PM PRANAM, Green credit and Green Growth aligned with Mission LiFE.

The Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi the country has not only developed economically but also with ecological balance.

He also emphasised on the importance of strengthening communication, education, awareness and participation for the conservation of the wetlands.

As the national celebrations of World Wetlands Day Mr Bhupender Yadav, Chief Minister of Goa Pramod Savant and other officials visited Nanda Lake, Goa’s first Ramsar Site to oversee the conservation and management efforts.

Congratulating centre goverment for the achievement of 75 Ramsar Sites, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Savant the Goa will continue to work towards achieving the goal of sustainable development.

To mark the World wetlands Day 2023, the government has also organized various event and workshops at all the 75 Ramsar Sites under the “Sahbhagita Mission” is a platform for sharing wetland management experiences, success stories, best practices as well challenges.

World Wetlands Day is observed on 2nd February every year worldwide to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 1971.

India is a party to the Convention since 1982 and has so far declared 75 wetlands as Ramsar sites covering 23 states and Union Territories.

The 2023 theme for World Wetlands Day is ‘Wetland Restoration’ which highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration.

India has the largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia, making these sites a critical ecological network for the conservation of global biological diversity and supporting human well-being.