India Marks World Wetlands Day 2026, Emphasising Community, Culture and Conservation

Highlighting India’s conservation journey, Shri Yadav said the country has placed communities and cultural heritage at the centre of its wetland conservation strategy.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav on Monday underscored the vital role of wetlands in sustaining not only ecosystems, but also communities, culture and livelihoods, as India marked World Wetlands Day 2026. In a message shared on social media platform ‘X’, the Minister said that “water is life and wetlands are the lifelines of the planet.”

Highlighting India’s conservation journey, Shri Yadav said the country has placed communities and cultural heritage at the centre of its wetland conservation strategy. He noted that under the environmentally conscious leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s network of Ramsar sites has expanded from 26 in 2014 to 98 today, reflecting a strong national commitment to wetland protection.

National Event at Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

To commemorate World Wetlands Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organised a national event at the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on the global theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” The programme focused on the ecological importance of wetlands and the role of traditional knowledge systems and local communities in their conservation and sustainable use.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh said wetlands are not merely water resources, but are deeply embedded in people’s social, cultural and religious lives. He observed that wetlands have traditionally served as community spaces where people, including children, gathered and interacted, strengthening social bonds.

Youth Participation and People’s Movement

Shri Singh expressed satisfaction over the growing involvement of the younger generation in wetland conservation efforts. He emphasised that environmental protection cannot rely solely on rules and regulations, and stressed that conservation must evolve into a people’s movement driven by awareness, participation and collective responsibility.

Earlier, in a post on ‘X’, the Minister highlighted the ecological and cultural importance of the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh—one of India’s 98 Ramsar sites. He noted that the wetland supports numerous native and migratory bird species and holds deep cultural and personal significance for surrounding communities.

A video teaser on the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary was also launched during the event, offering a visual glimpse into its delicate ecological balance and the interconnected web of life it sustains.

Urban Wetland Restoration and Community Engagement

Speaking at the event, Delhi Environment Minister Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa said wetlands play a crucial role in daily life but have suffered due to rapid urbanisation, encroachments and anthropogenic pressures. He said the Delhi government has set a target to restore the capital’s water bodies within the next two years.

Secretary (EFCC) Shri Tanmay Kumar highlighted that environmental protection is not possible without active community participation. He said initiatives such as Wetland Mitras have played a significant role in wetland conservation, positively impacting local environments, culture and livelihoods. Referring to the rise in Ramsar sites since 2014, Shri Kumar said it reflects growing public awareness and recognition of community-led conservation.

Exhibitions, Awards and Cultural Documentation

The event began with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing institutions and organisations working in the fields of wetlands, biodiversity and environmental conservation. States were also felicitated for the newly designated Ramsar sites.

During the programme, the Ministry released a publication titled Cultural Wonders of Ramsar Sites, documenting the lesser-known cultural dimensions of Ramsar wetlands and their role in preserving intangible cultural heritage.

Swachhata Pakhwada 2025 Awards were presented to the National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi, the Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, and the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, recognising their exemplary performance during Swachhata Pakhwada 2025.

The Ministers also interacted with Wetland Mitras and school children to promote awareness and encourage public participation. The event concluded with a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, reinforcing the message of environmental stewardship.

India’s Leadership in Wetland Conservation

World Wetlands Day is observed annually on 2 February, marking the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. India became a signatory to the convention on 1 February 1982 and now leads Asia with 98 wetlands of international importance, reaffirming its leadership role in global wetland conservation.