core sector communique

‘Forests for Water and Wetland’- Slogan for World Wetland Day

The World Wetland day will be celebrated tomorrow. The 2nd February marks the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Capsian Sea. Tomorrow it is a special day as it is celebrating 40th anniversary of Ramsar convention. This year’s slogan is ‘Forests for Water and Wetlands’. This will allow us to look at a larger picture in our lives including forested wetlands and the special benefits they bring in our lives, the role of forests and the role of forests in how our wetlands function.

Mangroves, peatswamp forests, fresh water swamp forests help us to manage our fresh water and provide us with many other services across the globe including vital roles in carbon storage. Despite their utility, they are often under threat from development, from drainage and conversion. To look after forests does matter as they bring fresh water to humans. The health of our wetlands is linked to the health of forests in our catchment areas.

Government agencies, non-governmental organizations and people at large involve in activities to raise awareness about this. The main function of the World Wetland Day of the Ministry will be celebrated at Bharatpur Sanctuary, Rajasthan tomorrow.