India’s resolution to the Ramsar Contracting Parties on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’, adopted at Ramsar CoP15 in Zimbabwe.

• The resolution received overwhelming support from 172 Contracting Parties, Six International Organisation Partners, and various observers.

• It emphasizes the role of individual and societal choices in wetlands conservation, promoting a pro-planet lifestyle within the national contexts of each member state.
• The Resolution builds upon Resolution 6/8 on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles’ adopted at the Sixth UN Environment Assembly in March 2024.

Core Objectives of the Resolution

• Encourages a whole-of-society approach for wetlands conservation, essential in the contemporary context.

Sustainable lifestyles 

• It refers to daily choices, behaviors, and ways of living that:
  • Minimize environmental degradation by conserving resources and reducing waste generation;
  • Support equitable socio-economic development by considering the social and environmental impact of consumption across all communities and generations;
  • Improve quality of life through physical and mental health, access to basic material for good life, including security, and good social relationships.
• India has taken a leading role in promoting sustainable lifestyles. 
• At UNFCCC CoP26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) a global movement encouraging individuals and communities to adopt climate-friendly habits.

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) 

• Aims to mobilize individuals and communities for environmental action globally.
• Integration with Wetlands Conservation: Mission LiFE is embedded in national efforts like ‘Mission Sahbhagita’ and the ‘Save Wetlands’ Campaign.
• Achievements include Mapping of 170,000+ wetlands, Boundary demarcation of nearly 120,000 wetlands in the last 3 years.

Ramsar Convention

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that offers a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources.
• Adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and enforced from 1975, the Convention has been joined by nearly 90% of UN member states. These members, known as Contracting Parties, represent all global regions.
• India became a signatory to the Convention on February 1, 1982.
• Under the treaty, wetlands that meet specific ecological criteria are designated as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’, promoting global cooperation in managing shared wetlands, cross-border ecosystems, and migratory species.

India’s Contributions to Wetland Conservation

• India has 91 Ramsar Sites covering 1.36 million hectares, making it the largest network in Asia and third largest globally.
• In the last decade, the Ramsar site network in India has expanded by 250%.
• For the first time, Udaipur and Indore have been recognised as Wetland Cities, reflecting India’s growing focus on urban wetlands.

Wetland Wise Use Framework

• The ” Wise Use” framework, released by India’s environment ministry in 2024, recognises: Importance of ecological character, ecosystem approach, and sustainable development.
• Wise use includes:
• • Recognising the role of ecosystem processes in delivering services like fisheries and bird habitats.
  • Inclusion of local communities and indigenous people as key stakeholders.
  • Promotion of decentralised management based on local knowledge and participation.
• The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules mandate conservation according to the principle of wise use, as defined by the Wetlands Authority.
• Activities prohibited in notified wetlands include:
  • Conversion for non-wetland uses and encroachment.
  • Setting up or expanding industries.
  • Disposal of construction and demolition waste.
  • Poaching, and discharge of effluents.

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