India Sets Up its First Wetland Conservation Centre in Chennai

Chennai: India, on the occasion of Wetland Conservation Day on Tuesday, set up its first dedicated centre for conservation of wetlands, which occupy around 4.6 per cent of the country’s landmass. Named ‘Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management’ (CWCM), the specialised institution is a part of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

CWCM – A knowledge hub for wetland researchers, policymakers & users

Speaking at the launch, Union Minister Babul Supriyo said: “The dedicated Centre (CWCM) which is launched today would address specific research needs and knowledge gaps and will aid in the application of integrated approaches for conservation, management and wise use of the wetlands.”

The wetland conservation centre would assist the national and regional governments in designing and implementing policy and regulatory frameworks, management planning and targeted research for conservation of wetlands in the country. It would act as a knowledge hub for wetland researchers, policymakers, managers and users.

India has 42 Ramsar sites

Wetlands are one of the most important freshwater sources. They also provide various ecological services. India is extremely rich in terms of wetland diversity and is one of the few countries in the world to have a wetland inventory system, wherein remote sensing techniques have been used to map the wetlands. There are 42 sites in the country that have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar sites. The CWCM will help in building with relevant national and international agencies for the conservation and management of wetlands.

Source: Timesnownews