Latest news with #COP15
Hindustan Times
35 minutes ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Countries adopt India's wetland use resolution at Ramsar Cop15
Countries party to the Ramsar convention have adopted India's resolution on 'Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the wise use of Wetlands' at Ramsar COP15 in Zimbabwe on Wednesday, union environment minister Bhupender Yadav has said. Countries adopt India's wetland use resolution at Ramsar Cop15 'Taking the message of PM Shri @narendramodiji on #MissionLiFE forward, India's Resolution on 'Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the wise use of Wetlands' has been adopted at Ramsar CoP15 in Zimbabwe today. The maiden resolution of India received overwhelming support from Contracting Parties and International Organization Partners. 172 Countries and 6 International Organization Partners have thus joined hands in adopting the ethos of Mission LiFE in the conservation of their Wetlands,' he wrote on X. On July 24, Yadav who was heading the Indian delegation at COP15 said in his address that India has 91 Ramsar Sites (1.36 million ha), which is the largest network in Asia and third largest globally. 'Over the past decade, we have expanded this network by 250 percent. For the first time, two Indian cities—Udaipur and Indore—have been accredited as Wetland Cities, showing our commitment to urban wetlands,' he said during his intervention on 'Strengthening Policy and Legal Frameworks by Mainstreaming Wetlands Conservation' at the High Level Ministerial Segment of COP15. The Ramsar COP15 brings together 172 Contracting Parties, International Organisation Partners, scientific institutions, civil society, and community representatives to agree on work programme and budgetary arrangements for the next triennium and consider guidance on a range of ongoing and emerging environmental issues. Last year, the environment ministry released 'Wetland Wise Use' --an implementation framework. Despite the centrality of the wise-use concept, vagueness remains in the meaning of the wise use term and its application in wetland management, the document acknowledged. The wetland wise use concept focuses on ecological character; ecosystem approach and sustainable development. Ecosystem components and processes enable the wetland to provide ecosystem services. For example, wetland fisheries are supported by the ability of the ecosystem to serve as habitats for fish and human enterprise in terms of boats, nets, indigenous knowledge related to fishing, etc or support a diverse bird population. Wise use also recognises that management of wetlands should be decentralised. It also states that management should consider the views, values, and interests of local communities and other indigenous people, identifying them as essential stakeholders. The wetlands shall be conserved and managed in accordance with the principle of 'wise use' as determined by the Wetlands Authority, the wetland rules state adding that a number of activities are prohibited in notified wetlands including: conversion for non-wetland uses including encroachment of any kind; setting up of any industry and expansion of existing industries; disposal of construction and demolition waste; poaching; discharge of effluents among others. In 2017 when the rules replaced 2010 wetland rules several concerns were raised by environmentalists and legal experts who found that the new rules were a much diluted version that would make protection of wetlands even more difficult. While the 2010 guidelines clearly categorised what is completely restricted and what is regulated, the new rules used vague terminologies such as 'wise use' of wetlands raising ambiguity about what activities are permitted and they delegated much of the responsibility of identification and notification of wetlands to the states and UTs.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
India's resolution of promoting sustainable lifestyles for the wise use of wetlands adopted at a global forum
NEW DELHI: In a global recognition to India's concept of Mission LiFE (lifestyle for environment), the country's resolution on 'Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the wise use of Wetlands' was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on Wednesday. 'The maiden resolution of India received overwhelming support from contracting parties and international organisation partners,' Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav posted on X. The resolution received support from all the 172 Ramsar Convention member countries, six International organisations, and other observers. The international convention on wetlands, adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across all member countries. 'By adopting this resolution, the Parties (member countries) have endorsed the important role individual and societal choices play in wetlands conservation, and work towards a pro-planet lifestyle, within their national circumstances and contexts. This resolution is also an important step towards 'whole of society' approach needed for addressing wetlands conservation in the contemporary world,' said a statement from the environment ministry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo The resolution brought to COP15 by India on 'Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands' urges voluntary action for considering the integration of sustainable lifestyles-based interventions in wetland management plans, programmes and investments at all levels. It also calls for creating enabling conditions, including fostering public and private collaboration, pursuing education at all levels and awareness-raising initiatives to enhance the wise use of wetlands. During his address at the high-level segment of the COP15 on July 24, Yadav highlighted the importance of sustainable lifestyles in creating a pro-planet behaviour, and invited all countries to support the adoption of the resolution. The concept of sustainable lifestyles, as promoted by India, are 'ways of living, social behaviors and choices' that minimise environmental degradation (by conserving resources and reducing waste generation); and support equitable socio-economic development by being conscious of impacts of lifestyle choices across all strata of society and generations, and embracing environmentally conscious consumption. Introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th session of the UN climate conference (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, the 'Mission LiFE' is being pitched as a global mass movement to encourage individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. India has already proactively embedded 'Mission LiFE' in its national efforts for wetlands conservation. 'The 'Mission Sahbhagita' and 'Save Wetlands' campaign have witnessed over 2 million citizens as volunteers, enabling the mapping of more than 170,000 wetlands and clear boundary demarcation of nearly 120,000 wetlands in the last three years,' said the ministry.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
India showcases its wetland conservation model at COP15, cites its achievements
NEW DELHI: India has showcased the country's wetland conservation model at the ongoing 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, highlighting how it has rejuvenated over 68,827 small wetlands with people's participation and technological interventions, including use of advanced GIS-based mapping, under dedicated schemes in just one year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ' Mission Sahbhagita ', launched in 2022, to promote an 'all of society' approach to wetlands conservation and the 'Amrit Sarovar' scheme, launched to rejuvenate and develop 50,000 small wetlands (75 wetlands in each district), got special mention during the country's presentation. It was highlighted that 68,827 wetlands were rejuvenated and developed within one year. Financing for the exercise happened in convergence with ongoing schemes. It was shared that mapping of wetlands using advanced satellite imaging techniques, covering wetlands of up to 0.1 hectare, and physical boundary delineation are being done for inventory targeted conservation and management. At the conference, India last week invited all countries to mainstream sustainable lifestyles into their policies and practices for effective management of wetlands and their conservation. Articulating India's stand and highlighting the country's contribution to global wetlands conservation, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the country has 91 Ramsar Sites (spread over 1.36 million hectares). This is the largest network in Asia and the third largest globally. He said, 'Over the past decade, we have expanded this network by 250%. For the first time, two Indian cities -- Udaipur and Indore -- have been accredited as wetland cities, showing our commitment to urban wetlands'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A presentation was made at COP15 by the principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden of Haryana, Vivek Saxena, with special focus on Sultanpur National Park (Gurgaon) and Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary (Jhajjar), both internationally designated Ramsar sites in the state, which exemplify ecosystem-based and community-led wetland conservation. The international convention on wetlands, adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across 172-member countries, including India.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
India showcases its wetland conservation model at COP15, cites its achievements
NEW DELHI: India has showcased the country's wetland conservation model at the ongoing 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, highlighting how it has rejuvenated over 68,827 small wetlands with people's participation and technological interventions, including use of advanced GIS-based mapping, under dedicated schemes in just one year. The ' Mission Sahbhagita ', launched in 2022, to promote an 'all of society' approach to wetlands conservation and the 'Amrit Sarovar' scheme, launched to rejuvenate and develop 50,000 small wetlands (75 wetlands in each district), got special mention during the country's presentation. It was highlighted that 68,827 wetlands were rejuvenated and developed within one year. Financing for the exercise happened in convergence with ongoing schemes. It was shared that mapping of wetlands using advanced satellite imaging techniques, covering wetlands of up to 0.1 hectare, and physical boundary delineation are being done for inventory targeted conservation and management. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo At the conference, India last week invited all countries to mainstream sustainable lifestyles into their policies and practices for effective management of wetlands and their conservation. Articulating India's stand and highlighting the country's contribution to global wetlands conservation, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the country has 91 Ramsar Sites (spread over 1.36 million hectares). This is the largest network in Asia and the third largest globally. He said, 'Over the past decade, we have expanded this network by 250%. For the first time, two Indian cities -- Udaipur and Indore -- have been accredited as wetland cities, showing our commitment to urban wetlands'. Live Events A presentation was made at COP15 by the principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden of Haryana, Vivek Saxena, with special focus on Sultanpur National Park (Gurgaon) and Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary (Jhajjar), both internationally designated Ramsar sites in the state, which exemplify ecosystem-based and community-led wetland conservation. The international convention on wetlands, adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across 172-member countries, including India.
Observer
3 days ago
- General
- Observer
Oman gains Ramsar accreditation for Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve
MUSCAT, JULY 27 In a new environmental achievement, the Sultanate of Oman has received official accreditation from the Ramsar Convention for the inclusion of the Wetland Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate on the list of Wetlands of International importance. This marks the third Omani site to be included in this prestigious list, following the Al Qurm Nature Reserve (2013) and Al Ansab Wetlands (2020). This achievement was announced on the sidelines of the 15th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP15), held under the theme 'Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future' in Zimbabwe, which continues until July 31. This official international recognition represents a culmination of Oman's efforts in biodiversity conservation and its commitment to implementing international environmental standards for protecting fragile ecosystems. It also highlights the reserve's status as one of the most important ecological sites at both regional and global levels. Ramsar Sites and the List of Wetlands of International Importance come under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, 1971), where each contracting party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. There are over 2,000 'Ramsar Sites' on the territories of over 160 Contracting Parties across the world. The Ramsar describes this environmentally significant place: 'The site lies within Al Wusta Wetlands Reserve and covers about 80 per cent of the reserve's area. It features coastal waters with rare marine vegetation, alkaline lakes and marshes, coral and bivalve reefs, mangroves, and 'sabkha', which are intertidal flats with mineral deposits formed by seawater evaporation.' Located in the Wilayat of Mahout, the wetlands were declared a reserve by a Royal Decree in 2014. According to the report, the Barr Al Hikman peninsula occupies the largest area of the site and has a coastline of about 160 km. It consists of coastal and inland plains of salt, mud flats, and some saltwater lakes of unique natural and geological importance overlooking the west coast of Masirah Island.
