Guwahati: On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, Director General, G. Asok Kumar, National Mission for Clean Ganga presided over a webinar today on the theme ‘Connecting Wetlands, Rivers and People: Challenges, Experiences, and Opportunities’.
The webinar was organized jointly by NMCG and World-Wide Fund (WWF). World Wetlands Day is observed every year globally on 2nd February aiming to raise awareness about the vital role the wetlands play for people and the planet. February 2nd also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The two-hour-long session brought together various stakeholders including experts and practitioners to deliberate on why and how wetlands are conserved.
The theme of ‘World Wetlands Day this year is ‘Wetlands Action for People and Nature’, which is a call to take action for the preservation of wetlands.
DG, NMCG G. Asok Kumar expressed his pleasure over the coordinated efforts being undertaken by the associated bodies to help conserve various aquatic systems in the country. The return of flora and fauna of many aquatic species is a clear indication of the success that has been achieved through such efforts. “Wetlands are the most significant aspects of nature, and our mission is not only to conserve the wetlands of the Ganga basin but throughout the country, he added.
He emphasized that people’s participation and awareness are crucial and fundamental to conserve the wetlands and that the holistic approach derived from practical knowledge and experiences could bring positive outcomes as regards to restoration of wetlands.