Conserving wetlands is not government’s responsibility alone: Bhupender Yadav

New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav called upon a “multi-stakeholder” approach for wetlands conservation, saying it is not the government’s responsibility alone.

“Wetlands are essentially societal assets, and unless the entire society participates and partners in wetlands conservation, tangible change cannot be achieved” he said.

The Ministry made these remarks, while addressing two day regional consultative workshop for the restoration and integrated management of wetlands for the North-eastern states in Imphal on Saturday.

The workshop is fourth in the series of regional workshops (previously held in Srinagar, Goa, and Kochi) under Mission Sahbhagita.

The Sahbhagita mission aims to conserve and effectively manage a network of 75 wetlands of national and international importance in the country with an all-inclusive ‘whole of society’ and ‘whole of government’ approach.

The Union Minister emphasised that wise use of wetlands aligned with its natural ecology is critical for survival of these ecosystems.

Highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder approach Yadav said “different agencies should come together and collaborate for wetlands conservation”.

Yadav stated, “wetlands often get neglected as public goods. The entire society needs to come together to protect these ecosystems”.

He also emphasised that change in personal behaviours is the most important aspect if we have to conserve the wetlands. Mission LiFE is critical for nudging people for conserving wetlands”.

The Union Minister also released the publication ‘Cultural Significance of Indian Wetlands’. The publication showcases the cultural values of wetlands – and provides examples of traditional knowledge, local beliefs, festivals, community practices and folktales related to wetlands.