Side event details

In August 2022, India achieved a significant milestone on eve of her 75th year of independence by designating 75 wetlands as Ramsar Sites. The network of Indian Ramsar Sites at present covers 1.33 million ha, largest in Asia. India has a diverse wetland regime ranging from high-altitude lakes of the Himalayas, floodplains and marshes of Gangetic–Brahmaputra alluvial plains, saline flats of Great Indian Desert, tank studded Deccan Peninsula to mangroves and coral reefs areas bordering the country’s coastline. India ratified the Convention in 1982 by designating Keoladeo National Park and Chilika as first two sites on the Ramsar List. Since 2014, the government has accorded a significant policy push for meeting commitments under the Ramsar Convention. Since 1986, a dedicated national wetlands programme (known as National Programme for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems) is being implemented for supporting State Governments in formulating and implementing integrated management plans. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 provide the regulatory architecture for wetlands. Wetland Authorities have been constituted within States and Union Territories as nodal policy-making and regulatory institutions for wetlands. A system of wetland health cards enables periodic tracking of condition of wetlands. Wetland Mitras have been constituted as informal stakeholder networks to support embedding wetlands conservation in local development plans. A network of knowledge partners has been established to address knowledge and capacity needs at various levels.

These programmatic elements conform to the‘Sahbhagita’ blueprint which is an ‘all-of-society’ and ‘all-of-government’ approach for wetlands conservation. The side event aims at showcasing India’s efforts for wetlands conservation and implementation of the Ramsar Convention. 

The session will begin with overarching presentation showcasing India’s journey in wetlands conservation, lessons learnt and best practices.

An interactive panel discussion with wetland managers and representatives from State Wetland Authorities will aim at highlighting the ways in which Ramsar Convention commitments are being delivered on-ground. The side event will conclude with a moderated discussion on various policy, programming and regulatory dimensions of wetlands conservation in India. This side event will be an opportunity for Contracting Parties to gain insights into delivering Wetlands Conservation for People and Nature.