An economic imperative

Beyond holding immense environmental significance, wetlands, as diverse ecosystems, play a crucial economic role, contributing billions to local and national economies

Wetlands, often hailed as the Earth's vital organs, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Using the Ramsar definition, wetlands include any inland, coastal, or marine waterbody, still or flowing, fresh or saline, permanent or temporary, to a depth of 6 m at low tide. Going beyond their ecological significance, wetlands function as natural capital, making substantial contributions to local and national economies through a myriad of ecosystem services. Their ability to cleanse water, regulate floods, sequester carbon, and sustain fisheries establishes them as essential contributors to environmental health.

Frequently overshadowed by development and misconstrued as desolate landscapes, India's wetlands whisper a hidden tale of immense economic value. These diverse ecosystems, encompassing marshlands, swamps, bogs, and estuaries, are far from passive landscapes; they function as the unacknowledged pillars of the national economy, contributing billions annually through a multitude of invaluable services. Conserving these "green goldmines" is not just an environmental imperative, but a critical step towards unlocking a sustainable future for generations to come.

Wetland Ecosystem Services (WESS) encompass a variety of goods and services derived from wetlands, contributing directly and indirectly to human well-being.

The depletion and degradation of wetlands result in a decline in both the quantity and quality of WESS. According to the Ramsar Strategic Plan 20092015, a significant driving force behind the ongoing deterioration and loss of wetlands is the insufficient information regarding the economic value of WESS. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the values, encompassing both costs and benefits, associated with wetland resources to ensure the prudent utilization of wetlands.