Romina Calls for Urgent Action to Safeguard World’s Wetlands

The urgent need to protect the world’s wetlands has been highlighted by the Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam. She stressed the vital role these ecosystems play in maintaining environmental balance, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

In a message commemorating World Wetland Day with the theme “protecting wetlands for our common future,” Romina underscored the necessity of global and national efforts to conserve these critical landscapes. Wetlands are essential for environmental sustainability, supporting an array of plant and animal life while also functioning as natural flood defenses and carbon sinks, alleviating the impact of global warming.

February 2 marks World Wetland Day, an occasion endorsed by the United Nations in recognition of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of 1971. As a part of its obligations under this convention, Pakistan has designated 19 sites as wetlands of international significance. These include areas like Keenjhar Lake, Rann of Kutch, and Haleji Lake, which serve as crucial habitats for approximately 2 million migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Northern Europe.

Despite contributing a mere 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is ranked as the 5th most vulnerable nation to climate change. This alarming status has led to an increased susceptibility to various climatic impacts, including severe weather, floods, droughts, and elevated temperatures, posing significant threats to its populace, economy, and wetland resources.

Romina emphasized the strains that climate change places on wetlands within Pakistan. Rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and rising sea levels are causing these ecosystems to deteriorate, endangering their fragile balance.

In her statement, Romina reiterated the government’s dedication to preserving these vital ecosystems through the enhancement of environmental policies, advancement of sustainable water management, and collaboration with local communities to secure the future of wetlands.

“In the face of climate change, Pakistan has displayed resilience, and our government continues to address environmental degradation. Wetlands, particularly in areas like the Indus Delta, are crucial in sustaining ecological stability and supporting local livelihoods,” she noted.

To bolster public awareness about the importance of wetlands, Romina called on all sectors of society—governmental, private, civic, and individual—to actively participate in conservation initiatives. These efforts include minimizing pollution, expanding green spaces, and educating communities on the advantages of maintaining healthy wetland environments.

“As we observe World Wetland Day, it’s crucial that we commit to ongoing conservation actions beyond this day to protect wetlands and the myriad species that rely on them. Through collaboration, we can preserve these invaluable resources and foster a sustainable environmental future,” she stated.