A recent Wetlands International report, presented at COP16 in Cali, Columbia highlights the crucial role of wetlands in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP).
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding treaty in force from 1993 to conserve biodiversity, ensure sustainable use of its components, and promote the fair sharing of benefits from the utilisation of genetic resources.
- India is a party to the Convention.
- Governing Body: The Conference of Parties (COP) consists of governments that have ratified the treaty.
- Secretariat: Located in Montreal, Canada.
- Key Agreements
- Cartagena Protocol: Adopted in 2000 and in force since 2003, it regulates the transboundary movement of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs).
- Nagoya Protocol: Adopted in 2010, it establishes a legally binding framework for access to genetic resources and the fair sharing of benefits from their use.
- Aichi Targets: At COP-10, the CBD adopted a ten-year framework for action called the “Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020,” which set 20 ambitious yet achievable targets for biodiversity conservation.
- COP16: The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will commence in Cali, Colombia.
- This marks the first meeting of the Parties since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) in 2022.
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- This review was conducted after the COP15, where countries were encouraged to revise their NBSAPs in line with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
- National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): These are national strategies and action plans for countries to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at the national level.
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Key Highlights of the report titled ‘Assessing the inclusion of wetlands in NBSAPs’
- The assessment includes 24 NBSAPs from around the world, representing 12 percent of the 196 countries that are parties to the Convention on Biodiversity.
- A majority of submissions came from Europe (10), followed by Asia (7), Africa (2), North America (2), Latin America and the Caribbean (2) and Oceania (1). 83 per cent of the submitted NBSAPs explicitly mention wetlands, inland waters or freshwater in their targets.
- Africa and Oceania: 100% inclusion rate.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
- Adoption: The 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 2022.
- Aim: To protect 30% of the planet by 2030 to reverse ecosystem degradation.
- Targets: The framework has 4 goals and 23 targets that the world needs to achieve by 2030.
- It will replace Aichi Biodiversity Targets.
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- Europe: Over 90% inclusion rate.
- Key Areas Largely Absent: Major wetland areas like the Amazon River Basin and Hudson Bay Lowland were seldom included in national strategies, despite their environmental significance.
- Call for Action:
- Need for Clear Targets: The report stresses the importance of establishing clear, measurable goals for wetland protection and restoration in NBSAPs.
- Broader Impact: Enhancing wetland integration in national strategies will benefit both global biodiversity and the communities relying on these ecosystems.
About Wetlands
- Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface for part or all of the year.
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Types of Wetlands
- Natural Wetlands: These include high-altitude Himalayan lakes, wetlands in the floodplains of major rivers, saline and temporary wetlands in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as coastal wetlands such as lagoons, backwaters, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs.
- Man-Made Wetlands: These wetlands are constructed for specific purposes, such as water storage for irrigation and drinking, fish production, or recreational use.
- Examples: Reservoirs, aquaculture ponds, salt pans, dams, barrages, inland lakes, impoundments, and traditional village ponds.
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- For Example: marshes, swamps, bogs, and floodplains.
- They are transitional zones between land and water and are typically found in areas like riverbanks, coasts, and low-lying regions.
Importance of Wetlands
- Ecosystem Services: They play a key role in water quality, wildlife habitats, floodwater storage, and maintaining water flow during dry periods.
- Biodiversity Contribution: They support 40% of the world’s biodiversity but are the fastest-disappearing ecosystem.
- Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands, especially peatlands, are vital carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon in their vegetation and soils, which helps mitigate climate change.
- Groundwater Recharge: They contribute to the recharge of groundwater supplies by allowing water to percolate into the ground.
- Livelihoods and Economic Resources: Wetlands support livelihoods for millions of people through fishing, agriculture, and tourism. They provide essential resources such as food, fibre, and raw materials for various industries.
Key Challenges Faced By Wetlands
- Habitat Destruction and Land Use Change: Urbanisation, agriculture, and industrial development often lead to the draining, filling, or conversion of wetlands for infrastructure or cultivation.
- Overfishing, hunting, and unsustainable resource use deplete biodiversity and disrupt the ecological balance of wetlands.
- Pollution: Runoff from agriculture and industry causes nutrient overload, chemical contamination, and eutrophication.
- Water Extraction: Overuse for agriculture and industry lowers water levels, disrupting wetland ecosystems.
- Invasive Species: Non-native plants and animals outcompete native species and alter habitats.
- Example: Water hyacinth has led to heavy siltation in Deepor Beel in Assam.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures, altered precipitation, and sea level rise threaten wetland stability.
- Example: Sundarbans face nearly double the sea level rise compared to other coastal regions.
Initiatives at the Global Level for Wetland Preservation
- Ramsar Convention:
- It is an intergovernmental treaty, adopted on 2nd February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the southern shore of the Caspian Sea.
- In India, it came into force on 1st February 1982, under which wetlands of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
- World Wetlands Day: It is celebrated every year on February 2nd.
- This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) on 2 February 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
- Montreux Record
- It is a register of wetland sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are anticipated due to technological developments, pollution, or other human activities.
- This record is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
- Ramsar Sites in India under Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake.
- Global Wetland Outlook: It is a comprehensive report released by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands that provides an assessment of the status and trends of wetlands worldwide.
- Wetland City Accreditation (WCA):
- The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system established by the Ramsar Convention during the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) 12, 2015 to recognize cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.
- The WCA is valid for 6 years.
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Initiatives in India for Wetland Preservation
- Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme:
- It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
- This program was launched in June 2023 with an aim to transform tourism practices at ecologically sensitive wetlands, with a particular focus on Ramsar sites.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): It is a centrally sponsored scheme for the protection of both wetlands and lakes, being implemented by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change.
- Wetlands of India Portal: It is a dynamic knowledge repository for wetlands to provide a single point access system that synthesises information dissemination regarding wetland sites of the country, projects, initiatives and training.
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- The portal provides a platform for the people of the country to learn more about wetlands and get involved in their conservation and management.
Conclusion
The report acts as a wakeup call for countries to take bolder actions in conserving wetlands to meet biodiversity targets by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
October 23, 2024
