Action needed to safeguard wetlands: Romina Khurshid

February 03, 2025 (MLN): Immediate and intensified efforts are essential to protect wetlands, which are vital for environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation, as emphasized by Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change.

In her message on World Wetland Day, observed under the theme "Wetlands and Water," she highlighted the critical role wetlands play in ensuring sustainability, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change impacts.

Romina called for enhanced global and national efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.

World Wetland Day, observed on February 2, was established by the United Nations to commemorate the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.

As part of Pakistan’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention, the country has designated 19 wetlands of international importance, including the famous Keenjhar Lake, Rann of Kutch, and Haleji Lake.

These wetlands support a wide variety of wildlife, particularly around 2 million migratory birds from countries in Central Asia, Siberia, and northern parts of Europe.

PM's aide stated that although the country contributes only 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, has been ranked as the 5th most climate-vulnerable nation.

This stark disparity highlights the country's heightened risk to the effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures.

These challenges pose significant threats to the population and economy, while also placing additional pressure on its wetland resources, according to the press release.

She stated that climate change has exacerbated the challenges faced by wetlands in Pakistan.

Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing sea levels are causing wetlands to shrink disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems.

She emphasized that wetlands act as natural buffers against floods and function as carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide which helps mitigating the effects of global warming.

Romina Khurshid Alam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting these vital ecosystems by strengthening environmental policies and promoting sustainable water management.

She also emphasized the importance of working closely with local communities to ensure that wetlands are preserved for future generations.

She further mentioned that Pakistan has shown resilience in the face of climate change, and our government is continuously taking steps to address environmental degradation.

Wetlands, especially in regions like the Indus Delta, play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting livelihoods, she said. 

To enhance awareness about the importance of wetlands, Alam called on all segments of society including government, private, civil society, and individuals to engage actively in conservation green initiatives.

This involves reducing pollution, expanding green spaces, and educating local communities about the benefits of preserving healthy wetland ecosystems.

As we observe World Wetland Day, it is essential that we commit taking action not just today but every day to safeguard the wetlands and the countless species that depend on them, she noted.

By collaborating, we can preserve these precious resources and build a sustainable future of environment, she added.

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