10. WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2026: Harnessing Traditional Wisdom for Resilience

Celebrated annually on February 2, World Wetlands Day 2026 marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention (1971). This year\'s theme, \'Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,\' emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between local communities and these \'kidneys of the landscape,\' advocating for a transition from mere \'beautification\' to holistic ecological functionality. • Theme and Cultural Synergy: The 2026 theme highlights that wetlands are living cultural landscapes. Examples include Tamil Nadu’s cascading tank systems (Kulams), Kerala’s Keni (shallow wells) in Wayanad, and traditional fishing zones in Srikakulam, all of which demonstrate how indigenous wisdom historically ensured water security and biodiversity. • India’s Expanding Ramsar Network: India’s commitment is reflected in the growth of its Ramsar sites from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026. Notable recent additions include Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat), making India the leader in Asia for recognized wetlands of international importance. • The 40% Vanishing Act: Despite legal frameworks, approximately 40% of India’s wetlands have been lost over three decades due to urbanization, encroachment, and their treatment as \'spare land.\' Even existing sites face Eutrophication—nutrient enrichment from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff that leads to oxygen depletion and biodiversity collapse. • Decentralized Governance Framework: The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 moved management from a central body to State Wetland Authorities (SWAs). This focuses onthe principle of \'Wise Use\'—maintaining ecological character through sustainable practices rather than absolute prohibition. • Climate & Disaster Resilience: Wetlands act as \'Nature-Based Solutions\' for disaster risk reduction. Coastal mangroves and urban floodplains serve as vital buffers against cyclones and sea-level rise, providing a more resilient and cost-effective defense than traditional \'grey\' (concrete) infrastructure. • Integration of Modern Tools: Future conservation relies on aligning science with policy through satellite remote sensing, time-series analytics, and the \'Wetland Health Card\' system to monitor inundation patterns and illegal land conversion in real-time. CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL PROVISIONS • Article 51A(g): It is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, and rivers. • Article 48A (DPSP): The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the country\'s forests and wildlife. • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: The overarching legal umbrella under which the 2017 Wetland Rules are notified. • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): A Centrally Sponsored Scheme that provides 60:40 (Centre:State) funding for the restoration of prioritized wetlands based on Integrated Management Plans. KEY DEFINITIONS • Wise Use: Sustainable utilization of wetlands for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem. • Eutrophication: A process where water bodies receive excess nutrients (nitrates/phosphates), stimulating excessive plant growth (algae) and reducing dissolved oxygen. • Riparian Zone: The interface between land and a river or stream; these act as bio-filters and flood buffers. • Wetland Mitras: A stakeholder platform of local volunteers mobilized under the Amrit Dharohar initiative to promote community-led stewardship. CHALLENGES IN WETLAND MANAGEMENT

CONCLUSION World Wetlands Day 2026 serves as a reminder that the future of India\'s water security lies in the \'societal pact\' between the state and its people. By integrating Traditional Knowledge with modern Remote Sensing and enforcing the Wetland Rules 2017, India can transform its 98 Ramsar sites from \'badges of honor\' into thriving, functional ecosystems that safeguard both the economy and the heritage of the nation. UPSC RELEVANCE • GS Paper III (Environment): Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation; Disaster Management (Role of wetlands). • GS Paper II (Governance): Decentralization of environmental powers to State Authorities; National policies (NPCA). • GS Paper I (Geography): Water bodies and their geographical features; Impact on flora and fauna. • Prelims: Ramsar Convention details (1971/1982); State-wise distribution of sites (Tamil Nadu has the highest); Definitions of \'Wise Use\' and \'Eutrophication\'.