BY ASAVARI KULKARNI
Goa is all set to host the national conference of all the Ramsar heads at the International Centre, Dona Paula, on February 3, 2023, to pass on a strong message for the conservation of wetlands.
The Ramsar Convention provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
On February 4, Goa will launch the Save Wetlands Campaign at the hands of Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change at Nanda lake, which is Goa's first Ramsar site.
The event is being organised to mark World Wetland Day, which is globally celebrated today, February 2.
The conference at the ICG in Dona Paula is being held at a crucial juncture when Goa is embroiled in the Mhadei water-sharing dispute with Karnataka.
Wetlands help in replenishing the groundwater table and sustain a wide range of biodiversity making them very important for the sustenance of lives and livelihoods.
Nearly 5.8 per cent of Goa's total area is covered by wetlands, as reported by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in their basic document on Wetland Identification.
Keeping in mind the significant role of these wetlands and various threats posed by human activities, wetland conservation and management rules were formulated in 2017.
Under these rules, each state was duty-bound to constitute an authority to identify and take necessary action to conserve and manage wetlands in their respective jurisdictions.
Accordingly, a wetland authority was constituted in Goa for identifying, framing regulations and conserving wetlands. Till November 17, 2022, Goa State Wetland Authority has notified 8 waterbodies as wetlands, out of which one is a Ramsar site (Nanda Lake).
These 8 wetlands cover an area of around 3.93 lakh square metres. Bondvol Lake at Calapur (Santa Cruz) in Tiswadi taluka was the first wetland to be notified under these rules.
Presently, a detailed management plan is being worked out for all these wetlands. The other wetlands in the state are Cottombi, Xeldem and Nanda Lake in Quepem taluka; Pilerne and Dashi lakes in Bardez taluka; Toyyar Lake in Tiswadi taluka and Sarzora Lake in Salcete taluka.
Besides the eight wetlands, 17 lakes have been cleared for draft notification and are open for public consultation. Efforts are being made to make them part of community projects to involve the general public to save them for future generations.
These wetlands are an abode of biodiversity, including 1200 plants and 18000 animal species, many of which are rare, endangered or of high-conservation value, nationally or globally.
Wetlands act as stopovers for several migratory bird species for resting and breeding during their journey of miles to avoid the harsh winters of the temperate region. Goa, too, is home to several migratory birds.
In recent years wetlands are facing the threat of being destroyed due to overexploitation, ignorance and pollution.
Over the years, wetlands have helped sustain agricultural practices across Goa. They also provide a range of plants, animals and minerals for human use.