Page 69 - Mann Ki Baat January, 2023
P. 69
was removed from the record in being. The multiple benefits and
2002 and received the Ramsar services provided by wetlands
wetland conservation Award for are essential in achieving
2002. Sustainable Development Goals
In a similar way, the Indian (SDGs). The SDGs represent an
Government has devised a ambitious agenda to eradicate
management plan for the poverty and achieve sustainable
conservation of wetlands as the development by 2030 and India
National Plan for Conservation is committed to achieving this
of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) target.
and Wetlands (Conservation Regulatory frameworks,
and Management Rules) policies and Governmental
2017. The NPCA scheme aims laws can be effective, only
at holistic conservation and if the country’s citizens are
restoration of wetlands for motivated and involved in
achieving the desired water wetland conservation. Hence the
quality enhancement, besides Government plays a vital role
improvement in biodiversity and in engaging and encouraging
ecosystems. It aims to promote local communities, students,
mainstreaming of wetlands in researchers and people of
developmental programming all age groups through Jan
with States by supporting the Bhagidari to actively participate
formulation and implementation in Wetland stewardship through
of integrated management participatory management
plans, capacity development and conservation awareness
and research. creation about the significance
Wetlands are essential to of wetlands, to reduce
human well-being, inclusive threats to wetlands, influence
economic growth and climate trends, restore wetlands and
mitigation and adaptation. communicate good practices;
They provide water for human effectively conserve and
consumption and agriculture. manage the existing 75 Ramsar
They protect our shores and help Sites on priority; and use wisely
make cities and settlements safe all wetlands, beyond Ramsar
and resilient. They are the Earth’s Sites, through integrated
greatest natural carbon stores. river basin management and
They support biodiversity and restoration; and enhance
abundant and unique nature. implementation through such
They are vital to mitigate and measures as scientific guidance,
adapting to climate change. communications, international
They provide sustainable cooperation and capacity
livelihoods and are essential building.
to human health and well-
65
65
