Why in News?
- India’s resolution titled “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands” was formally adopted at the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
- The COP15 summit was held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
What is India’s Resolution on the Wise Use of Wetlands?
- Based on UN Framework:
- Builds upon UN Environment Assembly Resolution 6/8 on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles’ (2024).
- Encourages a whole-of-society approach for wetland conservation.
Alignment with Global Instruments:
- Aligns with Resolution XIV.8 (COP14) which introduced the new CEPA approach—Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness.
- Supports the 10-Year Framework on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) adopted at the Rio+20 Conference (2012).
Sustainability Integration:
- Urges voluntary integration of sustainable lifestyle strategies into national and local wetland plans, programmes, and investments.
- Draws from India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched at COP26 in Glasgow, promoting pro-planet behavior.
Behavioural Change Focus:
- Promotes conscious consumption, waste reduction, and actions to minimise environmental degradation through citizen participation.
Outcomes of Ramsar COP15
Victoria Falls Declaration:
- Emphasised the need for political commitment, increased resource mobilisation, and investment in sustainable wetland management.
Adoption of 13 Resolutions:
- Strengthening flyway conservation for migratory birds.
- Establishment of the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership.
- Protection of threatened species such as river dolphins.
Wetland Restoration Resolution:
- Urges parties to develop national policies for restoring degraded freshwater ecosystems.
Improved Site Designation Criteria:
- Refined criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance, based on IUCN Red List data and expert input from IUCN Specialist Groups.
Recognition of Indigenous Knowledge:
- Acknowledged the critical role of local communities and indigenous knowledge in effective wetland stewardship.
- 5th Ramsar Strategic Plan Adopted:
- Includes 4 strategic goals and 18 targets.
- Implementation and progress to be overseen by the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP).
Conclusion:
- India’s resolution positions the country as a global thought leader in sustainable wetland management, while COP15 outcomes highlight the importance of collaborative action, traditional wisdom, and behavioral change for the future of wetlands worldwide.