World Wetlands Day 2026: Why wetlands matter more than you think

edexlive.com

World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, a global treaty focused on conserving wetlands. The day exists to remind governments and citizens that marshes, mangroves, floodplains, and lakes are infrastructure, even if they do not look engineered.

Wetlands absorb excess rainfall and slow water flow during heavy storms. By spreading water across wide areas, they reduce the intensity of floods downstream. Cities with healthy wetlands face lower flood damage than places where these areas have been drained or built over.

Mangroves and coastal wetlands act as living barriers against storm surges and cyclones. Their dense root systems reduce wave energy and prevent erosion. Replacing them with sea walls often increases long-term risk rather than reducing it.

Peatlands, marshes, and mangroves store large amounts of carbon in waterlogged soils. When wetlands are destroyed, this stored carbon escapes into the atmosphere. Protecting them slows climate change more effectively than many people realise.

Wetlands sustain fisheries, agriculture, and grazing for millions of people. Rice cultivation, inland fishing, and salt farming depend directly on wetland health. When wetlands degrade, food security and rural incomes suffer first.

India has 98 Ramsar-listed wetlands, yet many urban and rural wetlands are shrinking due to encroachment, pollution, and water diversion. Lakes turning into real estate or dumping grounds is a pattern seen across cities and small towns alike.

Wetland conservation means controlling sewage inflow, protecting natural water channels, limiting construction near floodplains, and restoring native vegetation. These steps are practical, measurable, and cheaper than disaster recovery after damage is done.

edexlive.com