A Review on Wetlands – Threats, Conservation, Strategies and Policies

Abstract

Globally 64% of the wetlands have disappeared since 1970 and the loss is higher in Asia, about 5000 km2 annually due to agriculture, dam construction and other uses. In India, the loss is about 38% with the disappearance rate of 2-3% per year. Further dependence on these wetlands leads to either extinction or threatened the species including 21% of bird species, 37% of mammal species and 20% fresh water fish species. Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water level. According to Ramsar convention the wetlands are classified as three types via., coastal/ marine wetlands, inland wetlands and human made wetlands. Worldwide, the freshwater wetland ecosystems are among the mostly heavily used, depended upon and exploited ecosystems for sustainability and well-being. The main causes of wetland loss have been classified into two types namely acute and chronic wetland loss. This loss in wetland area results in adverse impact on the key functions performed by wetlands. Hence, we have to conserve these wetlands by implementing effective legal framework and management strategies. In this context Ramsar convention is an important International Treaty for the Conservation and Sustainable use of Wetlands which was signed at a city of Iran (Ramsar) in 1971. There are currently over 2,400 Ramsar sites on the territories of 171 Ramsar Contracting Parties across the world. They cover over 2.5 million square kilometers, an area larger than Mexico.