World wetlands day
Wetlands are natural lungs of our ecosystem. They serve great purpose for the world. Kashmir is lucky enough to be bestowed with scores of wetlands .
World Wetlands Day occurs annually on February 2nd, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971. Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet,
Wetlands have tremendous significance.Wetlands form an significant part of our ecosystem. Wetlands can decrease flooding , remove pollutants from water , recharge groundwater, protect shorelines, provide habitat for wildlife , and perform other various important functions.
As a matter of fact, the beautiful Valley of Kashmir is bestowed with large number of impressive wetlands like HAIGAM RAKH, MIRGUND WETLAND, SHALBUG WETLAND. Close to the city of Srinagar and on Srinagar – Narbal stretch of the National Highway, we find the ancient and famous wetland of Kashmir Hokersar wetland, which is the favourite spot of several migratory birds .
Scores of wetlands across length and breadth of Kashmir over the past three decades have faced destruction,mainly due to human encroachment. Many studies published from time to time on condition of our wetlands have laid the facts bare . This has been caused of major concern .
We need to take pledge across world to save our wetlands.Ramsar Conventions, 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since the beginning of the last century. In most regions across the world, wetlands continue to decline compromising the benefits that wetlands provide to people. According to the Global Wetland Outlook, we lose wetlands three times faster than natural forests. Therefore, the conservation of wetlands is a vital task of humanity, which can help achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.