LAHORE – The World Wetland Day would be celebrated on Saturday, with the theme “ Wetland and Climate Change ” Due to human activities, the global climate is changing faster than any previous century.
The day, celebrated every year on February 2, marks the date of adoption of Ramsar Convention on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on Wetlands also known as Ramsar Convention.
It is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetland and their resources.
Under Ramsar Convention, Pakistan has so far designated 19 wetlands as Ramsar Sites of International significance., said a message received from Ministry of Climate Change.
Wetland includes lakes, rivers, deltas, estuaries, swamps, peatlands, coral reefs mangroves, and other coastal areas. These are among the most diverse and productive ecosystem supporting rich biodiversity and providing valuable products and services to human beings.
As a result, the temperature is rising, oceans are warming, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising. The frequency of disasters worldwide has more than doubled in just 35 years and 90 percent of these disasters are water related. Extreme weather events are predicted to be on the rise.
Due to its geographical location and her terrain, Pakistan is among the top ten countries affected by climate change. To mitigate the impacts of climate change we should conserve and restore our wetlands.
The Ministry of Climate Change is Working to harmonise the potential of floods for groundwater recharge, pollution control, and poverty alleviation.
In this connection, a Recharge Pakistan Project is being considered for implementation. Besides, plantation and regeneration of forest cover in mangroves zones and other appropriate areas near wetlands are planned. Through these efforts, Pakistan reiterates its commitment to the international community and the Ramsar Convention.
