Wetlands, often called the lungs of the Earth, play an unparalleled role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. This was the resounding theme of the National Webinar on Wetlands organized by the World Environment Council on February 3, 2025, a fitting occasion to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The webinar brought together experts, environmentalists, and policymakers who collectively emphasized the need for urgent conservation and restoration of these precious ecosystems.
Wetlands: The Unsung Heroes of Nature
The discussions began with a detailed exploration of the pivotal roles wetlands play in nature. Acting as natural water filters, wetlands enhance water quality, regulate water levels, and provide flood control. They also offer economic and recreational benefits, supporting fisheries, agriculture, and eco-tourism. Hemlata, a key speaker, highlighted the interdependence of biodiversity and wetlands, explaining their critical role in creating a sustainable future.
However, the dialogue also shed light on the threats faced by wetlands globally—pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change are eroding their existence at an alarming pace. Hemlata also mentioned India’s strides in wetland conservation, including the National Wetland Conservation Program initiated in 1985-86 and the Wetland Conservation and Management Rules of 2017.
Collaborative Efforts in Conservation
The panel highlighted the pressing need for multistakeholder collaboration. The Director and CEO of Clean Care Society, India, stressed the importance of forging partnerships among governments, NGOs, and communities to build a comprehensive inventory of wetlands and implement restoration practices. Arun Rasuri, joining virtually from London, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing community involvement in building climate resilience.
Prima, a sustainability consultant, discussed the World Environment Council’s efforts to disseminate knowledge about wetland conservation across industries, while Bindhu shared concerns about waste dumping and construction damaging these ecosystems. Their collective message was clear: wetlands must be prioritized as vital elements of global sustainability goals.
Biodiversity and Sustainable Practices
Sustainability remained a recurring theme throughout the webinar. Prima highlighted the interdependence of all organisms and called for sustainable practices to preserve biodiversity. She emphasized the role of forests and wetlands in carbon mitigation and ensuring food security for a growing global population.
Meanwhile, Vignesh, a carbon auditor, called attention to mangrove and fish habitats, urging reduced plastic use and proper waste management to safeguard these delicate ecosystems. His practical suggestions resonated with the attendees, particularly as plastic pollution remains a major threat to wetlands worldwide.
Knowledge, Innovation, and Action
Innovative ideas took center stage when Dr. Ishirat Bulwariya introduced the concept of GIS mapping tools to monitor wetland health. She advocated for multidisciplinary research to understand wetland dynamics better and encouraged community participation in conservation efforts.
Professor Ganesh Channa, representing the World Environment Council, announced an inspiring project titled “Pancha-Tatva: Back to Nature.” This initiative integrates traditional and cultural approaches to environmental protection, aiming to rekindle humanity’s age-old respect for nature’s elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space.
A Collective Call to Action
The webinar concluded with a rallying cry for collective responsibility. Every participant was urged to take an active role in conserving and restoring wetlands. As Tushar aptly summarized, wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems, crucial for providing nutrients and sustaining life.
From water filtration to flood control, from mitigating climate change to nurturing biodiversity, wetlands are lifelines that deserve protection. The speakers called on governments, organizations, and individuals to act now—not tomorrow—to ensure these ecosystems thrive for future generations.
Preserving Wetlands: A Shared Responsibility
The National Webinar on Wetlands served as a reminder of humanity’s shared responsibility to protect the natural world. The discussions not only celebrated wetlands but also ignited a collective passion for conservation. As the World Environment Council and its allies champion this cause, it is clear that wetlands are no longer silent backdrops in the story of life—they are the main characters in the quest for a sustainable future.
Let this be our pledge: to act, to conserve, and to restore. For wetlands are not just ecosystems—they are the pulse of our planet.