Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, has called for urgent action to protect the world’s wetlands, highlighting their role in preserving the environment, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change. Her message coincided with World Wetland Day, observed under the theme “wetlands and water.”

According to a statement by the Press Information Department, Romina Khurshid emphasized the necessity of global and national efforts to safeguard these vital ecosystems. The United Nations designated February 2 as World Wetland Day to mark the Ramsar Convention’s adoption on Wetlands in 1971. As part of its commitment to the convention, Pakistan has recognized 19 wetlands of international importance, including Keenjhar Lake, Rann of Kutch, and Haleji Lake, which host around 2 million migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and northern Europe.

The Prime Minister’s aide remarked that although Pakistan contributes only 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, it ranks as the 5th most climate-vulnerable nation. This disparity underscores the country’s heightened risk from climate change effects such as extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures, which threaten its population and economy while putting additional stress on wetland resources.

Romina noted that climate change has worsened the challenges faced by wetlands in Pakistan. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing sea levels are shrinking wetlands, disrupting their delicate balance. Wetlands act as natural buffers against floods and function as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating global warming effects.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting these ecosystems by strengthening environmental policies, promoting sustainable water management, and collaborating with local communities to preserve wetlands for future generations. “Pakistan has shown resilience in the face of climate change, and our government is continuously taking steps to address environmental degradation,” she said.

To raise awareness about wetlands’ importance, she urged all societal segments, including government, private sector, civil society, and individuals, to engage actively in conservation initiatives. This involves reducing pollution, expanding green spaces, and educating communities about the benefits of healthy wetland ecosystems. She concluded, “By collaborating, we can preserve these precious resources and build a sustainable future for the environment.”