New Delhi (NVI): India today acquired its first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management (WCM), for the conservation and restoration of wetlands in the country, the Ministry of Environment said.
“On the occasion of the World Wetland Day and as a part of its commitment towards conservation, restoration and management of India’s wetlands, Minister of State for Environment Babul Supriyo announced the establishment of a Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management,” the Environment Ministry said in a statement.
It is established as part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai, an institution under the ministry, it added.
The virtual event was attended by NCSCM, state wetland authorities and the knowledge partners of the Wetland division.
Speaking at the launch, Supriyo highlighted the importance of wetlands in providing various ecosystem services.
“The dedicated Centre which is launched today would address specific research needs and knowledge gaps and will aid in the application of integrated approaches for conservation, management and wise use of the wetlands,” he said.
Supriyo also released publications relating to Faunal Diversity of all the Ramsar sites in the country and a brochure on Designation of Ramsar sites.
The Centre will help in building partnership and networks with relevant national and international agencies, the statement read.
“WCM would serve as a knowledge hub and enable exchange between State and Union Territories wetland authorities, wetland users, managers, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners,” it added.
Apart from this, the Centre would also assist the national and State and UT governments in the design and implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks, management planning, monitoring and targeted research for its conservation.
India has nearly 4.6 per cent of its land as wetlands, covering an area of 15.26 million hectares. It has 42 sites designated as wetlands of International importance (Ramsar sites), with a surface area of 1.08 million hectares, the ministry noted.
Furthermore, the year 2021 also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, which is celebrated annually as World Wetlands Day.
-RJV
