India’s Resolution on the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ Adopted at Ramsar COP15
Why in News?
India’s Resolution on the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ was successfully adopted at the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The resolution, titled “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands”, is a landmark step that links wetland conservation with sustainable living and aligns with India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) vision.
What is the relevance of India’s Wetland Resolution for UPSC ?
We are writing about India’s Resolution on the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ because it is not only a major achievement in global environmental governance but also directly relevant for UPSC aspirants. Wetlands feature prominently in the UPSC Prelims under the environment and ecology section, where questions often focus on Ramsar Sites India, Ramsar Convention Goals, and wetland conservation initiatives. At the same time, the resolution links to UPSC Mains topics such as sustainable development, biodiversity, and India’s global environmental leadership. Understanding this resolution helps aspirants build content for Essay papers, GS Paper 3 (Environment & Conservation), and GS Paper 2 (International Agreements), making it a crucial current affairs topic with both factual and analytical relevance.
What is India’s Resolution on the Wise Use of Wetlands?
India’s resolution builds directly upon UN Environment Assembly Resolution 6/8 on Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles, adopted in 2024. It proposes a whole-of-society approach for wetland protection and urges countries to integrate sustainability into national wetland policies.
Key Provisions of the Resolution:
- Alignment with Global Frameworks: Firstly , It supports Resolution XIV.8 from Ramsar COP14 and complements the 10-Year Framework on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP).
- Integration of Sustainability: It also calls for mainstreaming lifestyle-based sustainable interventions into wetland management plans, programmes, and investments.
- Mission LiFE Linkage: Third , it strengthens India’s global leadership by connecting wetland protection with Mission LiFE India, which promotes pro-planet behaviours.
- Behavioral Change Focus: Moreover, It encourages actions like reducing waste, conscious consumption, and minimising environmental degradation.
This resolution positions India as a frontrunner in combining wetland conservation with sustainable lifestyles, making it a crucial milestone in the journey towards meeting Ramsar Convention Goals.
Wise Use of Wetlands – Global and Indian Approach
The Ramsar Convention (1971) defines the wise use of wetlands as maintaining their ecological character through ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development.
India’s Initiatives on Wise Use:
- Released the “Wetland Wise Use – An Implementation Framework (2024)”, offering a practical roadmap for conservation.
- Through Mission Sahbhagita and the Save Wetlands Campaign, more than 2 million citizens participated in mapping 1.7 lakh wetlands and boundary demarcation of nearly 1.2 lakh wetlands.
- The Amrit Dharohar Scheme supports wetlands through eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and livelihood opportunities.
- The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) continues to guide restoration and management efforts for lakes, ponds, and other ecosystems.
Together, these measures highlight India’s leadership in wetland conservation, linking it to climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
Key Outcomes of Ramsar COP15
At COP15, countries collectively reaffirmed their commitment to wetlands by adopting 13 resolutions, including India’s landmark proposal.
Highlights:
- Victoria Falls Declaration: It emphasised a political will, increased investment, and resource mobilisation for wetland management.
- Flyway Conservation: Also , it strengthened cooperation for protecting migratory birds and established the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership.
- Species Protection: It has a special focus on conserving endangered species like river dolphins.
- Wetland Restoration Resolution: It urged nations to adopt policies for restoring degraded freshwater ecosystems.
- Criteria for Ramsar Sites: Updated criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance, using IUCN Red List and specialist group data.
- Role of Indigenous Communities: It Recognises traditional knowledge and local participation in wetland governance.
- 5th Ramsar Strategic Plan: Moreover, it adopted with 4 goals and 18 targets, monitored by the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP).
Hence , these outcomes strengthen global cooperation, with India’s Wetlands Resolution being one of the most notable achievements.
Conclusion
India’s Resolution on the ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ at Ramsar COP15 is a pathbreaking step that links sustainable lifestyles with wetland protection. By aligning with Mission LiFE, Resolution XIV.8, and the Ramsar Convention Goals, India has not only strengthened its domestic framework but also provided global leadership in wetland conservation. This resolution ensures that wetlands are safeguarded for biodiversity, climate resilience, and future generations while reinforcing India’s commitment to ecological sustainability.
FAQs on India’s Resolution on the Wise Use of Wetlands
India’s resolution promotes sustainable lifestyles for wetlands conservation and was adopted at Ramsar COP15. It focuses on behavioural change, integration of Mission LiFE, and alignment with Resolution XIV.8 and 10YFP.
It builds on initiatives like Amrit Dharohar Scheme, NPCA, and the Wetland Wise Use Framework, ensuring sustainability is embedded in wetland programmes.
Ramsar Sites India are wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Currently, India has over 80 designated Ramsar Sites
Mission LiFE India encourages pro-planet lifestyles, including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and community-led conservation, directly supporting the Wise Use of Wetlands principle.
It connects wetland conservation with sustainable lifestyles, making it a unique contribution to the COP15 Ramsar Convention and a model for other countries.
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