Kathmandu -  World Wetland Day, a slogan with "Protecting wetlands for our common future" says that it is an urgent call to action to protect the globe. US EPA defines wetlands as the areas that covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including the growing season. Wetlands, often referred to as the “kidneys of the landscape,” play a critical role in filtering and absorbing chemical and biological pollutants from water sources. However, these crucial ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate. According to the Global Wetland Outlook (Ramsar Convention, 2021), nearly 35% of the world's wetlands have vanished since 1970, which presents a loss occurring three times faster than global forest decline. In Nepal alone, wetlands cover approximately 5% of the total land area (WWF Nepal), yet many are under severe threat due to human encroachment, pollution, and climate change. 

Wetlands as Nature’s Climate Guardians 

Beyond their role in water purification, wetlands function as powerful carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change by storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Peatlands, a type of wetland, hold twice as much carbon as all the world's forests combined (Ramsar Convention, 2022). However, when wetlands are degraded through drainage, urbanization, or industrial activity, they release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2023) has warned that the continued destruction of wetlands could reduce global carbon storage capacity and intensify extreme weather events. The loss of wetland ecosystems not only accelerates climate change but also threatens the livelihoods of millions who depend on these habitats for water security, agriculture, and disaster resilience. 

The Link Between Wetlands and Climate Resilience 

Wetlands play a critical role in water security and climate resilience by regulating floods, replenishing groundwater, and sustaining biodiversity. Their ability to function as carbon sinks depends significantly on precipitation levels and temperature variations. Studies suggest that rainfall and hydrological balance are essential in maintaining wetland ecosystems (Salimi et al., 2021; Destal et al., 2012). However, shifting climate patterns such as prolonged droughts or excessive flooding are disrupting this delicate balance, weakening wetlands' ability to store carbon and regulate water cycles. 

The Ramsar Convention 

Recognizing the urgent need for wetland conservation, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, established in 1971, has been working to protect these ecosystems worldwide. As of 2024, over 2,400 wetlands covering more than 250 million hectares have been designated as Ramsar sites. 

On World Wetlands Day 2024, the Secretary General of Ramsar, Musonda Mumba, emphasized that stronger policy frameworks, community involvement, and scientific research are key to ensuring wetland sustainability. She highlighted that climate smart wetland management and investments in nature based solutions can help mitigate climate change while supporting biodiversity and local economies. 

Wetland Conservation Efforts in Nepal 

As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1988, Nepal has designated ten Ramsar sites, spanning the lowlands, mid-hills, and Himalayas. These wetlands support diverse flora and fauna, serve as important stopover sites for migratory birds, and provide crucial ecosystem services such as flood control and groundwater recharge. 

Despite these efforts, Nepal's wetlands face rising threats from human encroachment, pollution, and climate change. In response, Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, recently announced new initiatives, including: 

• Strengthening community-based wetland management programs
• Enhancing eco-friendly tourism to generate conservation funds
• Implementing stricter pollution control regulations near wetland areas
• Expanding wetland restoration projects in degraded regions 

These measures align with Ramsar’s Global Wetland Restoration Initiative, which aims to restore 50% of degraded wetlands worldwide by 2030 (Ramsar Convention, 2024). 

Conclusion

The conservation of wetlands is not an option, but a necessity. Their role in sustaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting human livelihoods underscores the urgent need for immediate global action. Governments, environmental organizations, and individuals must work together to halt wetland degradation and invest in sustainable management practices. 

By recognizing the immense value of wetlands, we can take meaningful steps toward combating climate change and securing a sustainable future for all. Wetlands are not just a part of our environment; they are essential for our survival. 

Aastika Bhujel