India commemorates World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2024 by highlighting its 80 newly-awarded Ramsar sites, showcasing how these essential ecosystems play a crucial role in sustaining human well-being. Rice grown in wetland paddies contributes to 20% of the world's food production and serves as a staple for 3 billion people, while also providing a natural barrier to the impacts of extreme weather events. The FAO is actively promoting the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of wetlands, addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and competing demands.
World Wetlands Day: India Celebrates with 80 New Ramsar Sites
On February 2, 2024, India commemorated World Wetlands Day by highlighting its 80 newly-awarded Ramsar sites. These essential ecosystems play a crucial role in sustaining human well-being, providing food, water, and shelter for a variety of plant and animal species, and acting as natural barriers to the impacts of extreme weather events.
Background
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2 to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and promote their conservation. The day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
India's Wetlands
India is home to a wide variety of wetlands, including marshes, swamps, mangroves, and estuaries. These ecosystems are found in all parts of the country, from the Himalayas to the coastal plains. India's wetlands are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including many endangered species.
Threats to Wetlands
Wetlands are under threat from a variety of human activities, including drainage, pollution, and climate change. These threats are導致 the loss and degradation of wetlands, which has a negative impact on both human and wildlife populations.
Conservation and Sustainable Management
The conservation and sustainable management of wetlands is essential for ensuring the continued provision of the many benefits that wetlands provide. This requires a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and communities.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What are the benefits of wetlands?
Wetlands provide a variety of benefits, including:
2. What are the threats to wetlands?
Wetlands are threatened by a variety of human activities, including:
3. What is the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands?
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
4. How can I help conserve wetlands?
You can help conserve wetlands by:
5. Where can I learn more about wetlands?
You can learn more about wetlands from the following sources:
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