Wetlands attach special importance in our day to day life. Early civilization began at the shore of rivers and oceans. Until recently, wetlands were considered as wastelands therefore carrying a negative image and received inadequate attention despite its significant biological as well as sociocultural values. For many, wetlands just meant to be water and fish. But now there is a shift in the understanding and perception on wetlands. Today, there is a growing realization that wetlands have a greater role in shaping the ecological process and regulating the earth’s climatic conditions. They provide various services to humankind. Wetlands have now proven to be the most productive ecosystem on earth. Therefore, the slogan for this year 2010 World Wetland Day has been aptly framed “Caring for Wetlands – An answer to Climate Change.” Conservation begins with a human conscience, whether it is for environment or for resolving the issues of climate change. Similarly, for wetland conservation, active participation of the communities is a must, and the active participation will happen only when the communities are aware of its values and concerns. Therefore, a wider public awareness is a prerequisite to sensitize them towards the importance of conservation and wise use of wetlands. It is also essential for the stakeholders to be aware of the tangible as well as intangible benefits and contributions of wetlands. In this connection,the attempt towards preparing a “Simsar Varnamla” towards educating a wide spectrum of audience is timely and praiseworthy. Wetlands mean the surface of the earth that is seasonally or partially covered with
water. Generally, the Nepali term for wetlands, “Simsar”, means fields with perennial source of water including swampy paddy fields, water logged areas and ponds. The Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as : “areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”. The 2003 National Wetland Policy of Nepal denotes wetlands as swampy areas with flowing or stagnant fresh or salt water that are natural or man-made, or permanent or temporary. They include marshy lands,riverine floodplains, lakes, ponds, water storage areas and agricultural lands.
#Wetlands #WorldWetlandDay #WetlandConservation
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Publisher:
CSUWN, GEF, UNDP
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(2010
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Type / Script:
Publication
in English
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Keywords:
ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, ECOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS, WATER QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, DRINKING WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, DROUGHT CONTROL, FLOOD CONTROL, LANDSCAPE PROTECTION, PLANT PROTECTION, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, HUMAN ENVIRONMENT, WETLANDS, LAND FORMS AND ECOSYSTEMS, LANDFORMS, SURFACE WATERS, ECOSYSTEMS
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Thematic Group:
UNDP
:
Social and Institutional Developoment
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Thesaurus:
03.03.00
- Environment
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Reference Link:
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