Environment Minister Launches ‘Save Wetlands Campaign’ as a “Whole of Society” Approach for Wetlands Conservation

Over the next year, this campaign will focus on raising awareness of the importance of wetlands, expanding the coverage of wetland mitras, and establishing citizen partnerships for wetlands conservation.

During the event, two publications were also released: 'India's 75 Amrit Dharohar- India's Ramsar Sites Factbook' and 'Managing Climate Risks in Wetlands - A Practitioner's Guide. The factbook is a one-stop shop for information on our 75 Ramsar Sites, including their values, threats, and management plans. The Climate Risk Assessment Practitioner's Guide provides step-by-step guidance on assessing site-level climate risks and incorporating adaptation and mitigation responses into the wetland management plan.

Yadav met with state wetlands managers and learned about their accomplishments and challenges. In his speech, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of the wetland ecosystem in ensuring ecological, economic, and climate security. He also mentioned various green initiatives undertaken by the government in the 2023 budget under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such as Amrit Dharohar, MISHTI, PM PRANAM, Green credit, and Green Growth aligned with Mission LiFE.

Yadav also emphasised the country's achievements over the last 9 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, during which time the country not only developed economically but also ecologically. The Minister also emphasised the importance of improving communication, education, awareness, and participation in wetlands conservation.

Yadav also stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the invaluable role of local communities in Ramsar Site conservation in his Mann ki Baat on January 29, 2023.

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, Chief Minister of Goa, dignitaries from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Government of Goa visited Nanda Lake, Goa's first Ramsar Site, today to oversee conservation and management efforts. On this occasion, the Union Environment Minister raised the National Flag and unveiled the Nanda Lake signboard.

Dr. Pramod Savant, Chief Minister of Goa, congratulated the Government of India on achieving 75 Ramsar Sites in the country's 75th year of independence and realising the Prime Minister's dream. He also thanked the Government of India for its support in designating Nanda Lake as a Ramsar site, as well as for providing Goa with the opportunity to host the event. He promised that Goa would continue to work toward the goal of sustainable development.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on participatory management of wetlands and the mission and vision of the Sahbhagita Mission, State Governments and UT administrations enthusiastically celebrated World Wetlands Day this year at all 75 Ramsar sites with over 200 events, including flag hoisting at Ramsar sites and organising over 50 activities with student participation, including drawing competitions and quiz competitions. During these events, the wetland pledge was administered.

Following the site-level celebrations, a Regional Consultative Workshop for Restoration and Integrated Management of Wetlands was held in Goa on February 3, 2023, with 48 representatives from seven states participating: Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Goa, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

This workshop, organized by Mission Sahbhagita, provides a forum for participants to share their wetland management experiences, success stories, best practices, and challenges. Deliberations included three roundtable discussions on mainstreaming the LiFE Mission in wetland management, restoration and integrated management of wetlands, and youth engagement and outreach.