World Wetlands Day 2025: Theme, Challenges, and Role of the Ramsar Convention + UPSC?.ToString()?? UPSC?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Introduction
World Wetlands Day, celebrated annually on February 2, aims to raise global awareness about the essential role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, human well-being, and cultural heritage. The 2025 theme, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, underscores the importance of safeguarding these fragile ecosystems for future generations.
Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) organized the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site, Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step in wetland conservation efforts. The event, inaugurated by UP CM Yogi Adityanath and MoS (MoEFCC) Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, emphasized the role of wetlands in ecology, tourism, and livelihoods.
Key Highlights of World Wetlands Day 2025
Theme for 2025: ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’.
New Ramsar Sites Added:
Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)
Theerthangal & Sakkarakottai (Tamil Nadu)
Khecheopalri (Sikkim)
Total Ramsar Sites in India: 89.
Top States with Ramsar Sites:
Tamil Nadu (20 sites)
Uttar Pradesh (10 sites)
New Nature-Culture Corridor: The government announced a tourism corridor between Ayodhya and Devi Patan, UP.
Amrit Dharohar Initiative: Launched in June 2023, focusing on species conservation, nature tourism, wetland-based livelihoods, and wetland carbon management.
Parvati Arga Ramsar Site: Significance & Challenges
About: A permanent freshwater wetland consisting of two oxbow lakes—Parvati and Arga—located in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region.
Ecological Importance:
A refuge for critically endangered species like the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and Egyptian vulture.
Migratory birds such as Eurasian coots, mallards, greylag geese, northern pintails, and red-crested pochards visit the site in winter.
Threats:
Invasive species such as the common water hyacinth threaten biodiversity.
Pollution and habitat degradation due to human activity.
Cultural Significance:
Home to the birthplaces of Maharishi Patanjali and Goswami Tulsidas, enhancing its religious and cultural tourism potential.
Government’s Commitment to Wetland Conservation
UP CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted the potential of Parvati Arga and Tikri Forest as eco-tourism hubs.
MoEFCC Minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed India’s commitment to wetland conservation, crediting PM Narendra Modi’s emphasis on preserving wetlands.
Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh announced plans for Parvati Arga’s development under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership and proposed Gonda district as a potential ‘Wetland City’.
Tikri Jungle is being developed into an open safari zone to boost tourism in the Awadh region.
Key Initiatives Launched
Integrated Management Plan of Parvati Arga Ramsar Site: A strategic framework for biodiversity conservation and wetland management.
Factbook of India’s 85 Ramsar Sites: A comprehensive guide on India’s wetland conservation progress.
Amrit Dharohar Video Launch: A call to protect wetlands as crucial ecosystems.
Public Engagement & Collaboration
MoU Signed with Amazon: Supporting women entrepreneurs in Gonda district via Amazon Saheli Programme.
Regional Workshop for Northern States: A collaborative session with 9 states & Union Territories to enhance wetland conservation strategies.
Competitions & Awareness Campaigns:
Painting, Quiz & Nukkad Natak competitions on ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’.
Exhibitions by 25+ exhibitors showcasing wetland conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainability efforts.
International Context: Role of the Ramsar Convention
Established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, the Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
India joined in 1982, actively increasing Ramsar sites from 26 (2014) to 89 (2025).
COP15 (July 2025, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe) will focus on global wetland conservation goals.
Conclusion
The celebration of World Wetlands Day 2025 at Parvati Arga Ramsar Site underscores the growing global and national focus on wetland conservation. With the addition of new Ramsar sites, eco-tourism projects, and conservation initiatives, India is taking significant steps towards preserving its rich wetland biodiversity. As wetlands continue to face threats, proactive policy measures, public participation, and international collaboration will be crucial in ensuring their long-term sustainability.