Wetlands demand catchment-scale thinking & active community participation, say experts

Wetlands are not just ecosystems but living cultural landscapes shaped by centuries of human knowledge, practice, and stewardship, experts stressed on Monday at a public event in Delhi to mark World Wetlands Day 2026.

World Wetlands Day is observed annually on 2 February to commemorate the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, the principal international treaty guiding wetland conservation and wise use.

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Delivering the keynote address at the event organised by Wetlands International South Asia, the chief guest, Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati, Head, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – India, underlined the deep cultural and civilisational connections between people and wetlands.

“Wetlands are civilisations in water. They are inseparable from culture, livelihoods, food systems, and human wellbeing,” Dr. Pisupati said.

“Traditional knowledge is not folklore; it is applied, experience-based science that has evolved through generations. Respectful integration of this knowledge with modern science is essential if we are serious about conserving wetlands in a changing climate.”

The event featured a panel discussion on “Strengthening wetlands regulation and governance in India”, bringing together leading experts including Dr. Asad Rahmani, Dr. Ajit Pattnaik, and Dr. P N Vasanti, Prof C K Varshney and was chaired by Dr. Siddharth Kaul, President, Wetlands International South Asia.

Addressing the gathering, Prof C K Varshney stressed that conservation efforts must move beyond symbolic recognition of meaningful action on the ground.

“Ramsar designation or legal notification should be the beginning of conservation, not the end,” he said.

“India’s wetlands will only survive if governance is strengthened, enforcement is improved, and traditional knowledge is treated as a core asset rather than an afterthought. Wetlands demand catchment-scale thinking and active community participation.”