General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has released the Global Wetland Outlook for 2025.

About Global Wetland Outlook for 2025

• It offers the most current global evaluation of the condition, trends, value and policy responses concerning wetlands.
• Produced by: The Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the Convention on Wetlands.
• Eleven broad wetland types are evaluated encompassing: Seagrass, Kelp Forests, Coral Reefs, Estuarine Waters, Salt Marshes, Mangroves, Tidal Flats, Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Inland Marshes and Swamps, and Peatlands (Mires).

Major Findings

• Wetland loss continues: Since 1970, an estimated 411 million hectares of wetlands have been lost worldwide, representing a 22% decline in global extent.
  • The average rate of wetland loss was -0.52% per annum (ranging from -1.80% to -0.01%, depending on wetland type).
• Wetland degradation is widespread: Recently, wetland declines are notable in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, however, the extent of degradation also increased in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
• Reasons for Degradation: Urbanisation, industrial and infrastructure development are the three most important drivers of wetland degradation and loss across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • In North America and Oceania, invasive species were a larger concern, and in Europe drought was the main cause.
• High Value Resource: The 1,425 million ha of remaining wetlands give an estimated $7.98 trillion to $39.01 trillion benefits to people, every year.
  • If all remaining wetlands are effectively managed until 2050, they will provide a net present value (NPV) greater than $205.25 trillion over this time period.
• Conservation of healthy and functioning wetlands is cheaper than restoration: Average costs for restoring wetlands can range from $1,000 per hectare (per annum, Int$) to over $70,000 per hectare.
• The global financing gap for wetlands: Current estimates show that biodiversity conservation funding accounts for just 0.25% of global GDP, highlighting the significant underinvestment in nature, including wetlands.

Recommendations:

• Financing: Wetlands must be incorporated into financing mechanisms like those under the KM-GBF, which aims to mobilise billions annually.
• Unlock a private and public mix of financing to invest in wetlands as nature-based solutions.
• The Global Wetland Outlook 2025 calls for immediate action from policymakers, businesses, and society.
• Achieving this requires strong political will, public support, and will require significant resource mobilization. There is an urgent need to boost funding for nature.

What is a Wetland?

• A wetland is an ecosystem in which the land is covered by water—salt, fresh, or somewhere in between—either seasonally or permanently. It functions as its own distinct ecosystem.
• It includes water bodies such as lakes, rivers, underground aquifers, swamps, wet grasslands, peatlands, deltas, tidal flats, mangroves, coral reefs, and other coastal areas as well.
• These wetlands can be classified into three segments such as inland wetlands, coastal wetlands, and human-made wetlands.

Wetlands in India

• India includes high-altitude wetlands of the Himalayas, floodplains of rivers such as Ganges and Brahmaputra, lagoons and mangrove marshes on the coastline, and reefs in marine environments.
• India has around 4.6% of its land as wetlands, 91 Wetlands of India covering are under the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
• Presently, India stands first in South Asia and third in Asia in terms of number of designated sites.

Importance of Wetlands

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species.
• Water Filtration and Purification: They act as natural filters, trapping and removing pollutants and sediments from water.
• Flood Control and Water Regulation: Function as natural buffers against floods by absorbing and slowing down excess water during heavy rainfall or storm events.
• Carbon Sequestration: The waterlogged conditions in wetlands slow down the decomposition of organic matter, leading to the accumulation of carbon in the soil.
• Economic Benefits: Wetlands support various economic activities, including fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. They provide valuable resources for local communities and contribute to the overall economy.