Wetlands International

India is facing a massive loss of its wetlands. Around 30% of natural marshlands have disappeared due to urbanisation, pollution, illegal construction, and encroachment. On that note, the conservation of these regions is a significant concern for future IAS officers.

Latest Update: In August 2021, two sites each from Gujarat and Haryana have been added to the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Therefore, let’s take a look at one such organisation involved with the preservation of wetlands, Wetlands International, as per the course of study for the UPSC Exam.

History of Wetlands International

Wetlands International has been formed out of several organisations. The timeline is as follows:

• The International Wildfowl Inquiry, focussing on the conservation of waterbirds, was founded in 1937. Later, authorities changed this organisation’s name to International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau. Moreover, the scope of the organisation widened to conserving wetlands instead of just water birds.
• In 1991, two more organisations joined the International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau in their endeavours. These organisations are the Asian Wetland Bureau and the Wetlands for the Americas.
• In 1996, these three organisations merged to form Wetlands International.
• The headquarters of this organisation is in the Netherlands.

About Wetlands International

It is a global not-for-profit organisation. Its major mission is the conservation and restoration of marshlands. Wetlands International conserves rivers, lakes, marshes, and other forms of water bodies.

The organisation has several offices globally and is engaged in collecting and building knowledge, so that they can advocate for better policies.

• Vision: Wetlands International’s vision is to build a world which treasures marshlands for their beauty, biodiversity and the resources they provide.
• Mission: Wetlands International has a mission to mobilise society in its aim to keep safe and restore wetlands.
• Core Values: Wetlands International maintains the following core values:
  • Globally relevant work
  • Usage of science to carry forward the work
  • Work is carried out through partnerships and over a wide range of sectors
  • Wetlands International respects traditional values, knowledge, human rights and gender equality
  • Moreover, Wetlands International is committed to working transparently

Also, read:

Work of Wetlands International in India

Wetlands International has estimated the following loss of marshlands in India.

Key Areas of Work Internationally

Some key works of Wetlands International are in the following regions:

• Peatlands of Indonesia
• China’s Ruoergai marshes
• Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego
• Mali’s Inner Niger Delta

Wetlands International works through field projects, research and partnerships. A wide variety of specialists and volunteers are also involved in its work.

Having a detailed idea about these activities is important to prepare well for the IAS exam. Individuals should pay attention to all available information on wetlands of international and national importance. They can also choose to seek expert guidance to crack competitive exams.