The role which the wetlands play in the protection of our ecosystem is tremendous but the lax attitude of the government in realizing the same is reflected in its policies and legislations. Firstly, the preparation of state-level registries for all existing wetlands is the need of the hour. Secondly, man-made wetlands should be included as well within such registries, given their huge numbers.  Thirdly, wetland conservation cannot be left to the whims and fancies of the state governments without including buy-in from the local communities in the wetland conservation process. Fourthly, the enactment of state-sponsored schemes is the need of the hour since existing central government schemes like National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP),[42] are limited to identification of only important national/ international wetlands and most of the local wetlands, both natural and manmade, get left out. The promotion of public-private partnerships for the preservation of wetlands and the promotion of eco-tourism is another important economic step towards wetland conservation. Finally, so many departments and government agencies have created jurisdictional barriers to wetland conservation. Proper role clarity between departments and inter-departmental coordination is a must here. Conservation and wise use of wetlands through some of the above-mentioned strategies is the way forward to ensure a sustainable future.

#keepwetlands #wetlandsbiodiversitymatters #CIDCObuilderNexus #wetlandsnotwastelands #wetlandsgonefloodson #powerofwetlands

Read more at RGNUL Student Research Review (RSRR): rsrr.in/2019/11/02/legal-responses-to-multiple-challenges-facing-wetland-management/