Islamabad,
February 01, 2019 (PPI-OT): Pakistan is a signatory to the Convention on
Wetlands also known as Ramsar Convention. It is an intergovernmental treaty
which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation
for the conservation and wise use of wetland and their resources. Under Ramsar
Convention, Pakistan has so far designated 19 wetlands as Ramsar Sites of
International significance. Wetland includes lakes, rivers, deltas, estuaries,
swamps, peat lands, coral reefs mangroves and other coastal areas.
These
are among the most diverse and productive ecosystem supporting rich
biodiversity and providing valuable products and services to human beings. 2nd
February is celebrated as Word Wetland Day. It marks the date of adoption of
Ramsar Convention on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. Theme of World Wetland
Day 2019 is “Wetland and Climate Change. “ Due to human activities, global
climate is changing faster than any previous century. As a result, temperature
are rising, oceans are warming, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising.
The
frequency of disasters worldwide has more than doubled in just 35 years and 90
percent of these disasters are water related. Extreme weather events are
predicted to be on the rise. Wetland play a significant role in mitigating
impact of climate change. Wetland act as a sinks of carbon, which is one of the
major contributors of global warming. Wetland acts as natural buffer to absorb
the shock of natural disasters and protect the communities. Due to its geographical
location and terrain, Pakistan is among top ten countries affected by climate
change.
To
mitigate impacts of climate change we should conserve and restore our wetlands.
The Ministry of Climate Change is Working to harmonise the potential of floods
for groundwater recharge, pollution control and poverty alleviation. In this
connection a Recharge Pakistan Project is being considered for implementation.
Besides, plantation and regeneration of forest cover in mangroves zones and
other appropriate areas near wetlands is planned. Through these efforts,
Pakistan reiterates its commitment to international community and the Ramsar
Convention.
For more information, contact:
Principal Information Officer,
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +92-51-9252323, +92-51-9252324
Fax: +92-51-9252325, +92-51-9252326
Email: piopid@gmail.com
Website: www.pid.gov.pk