In a stunning triumph for environmental action, India’s resolution to promote sustainable lifestyles for wetland conservation was adopted with overwhelming support at the 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP15) to the Ramsar Convention in Zimbabwe. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the landmark decision, which saw 172 contracting parties, six international organizations, and numerous observers rally behind India’s vision.
The resolution, passed during Wednesday’s plenary session, underscores the power of individual and societal choices in protecting wetlands. It commits nations to fostering eco-conscious lifestyles tailored to their unique contexts, marking a bold step toward a “whole of society” approach to conservation.
India’s proposal, titled “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands,” calls for voluntary actions to weave sustainable practices into wetland management plans, programs, and investments. It emphasizes creating supportive conditions, boosting public-private partnerships, and launching education campaigns to ensure wetlands are used wisely.
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Speaking at the high-level segment on July 24, Yadav championed sustainable lifestyles as a catalyst for pro-planet behavior. “Wetlands are central to our national biodiversity strategy, wildlife action plans, and efforts in water management, urban development, and climate resilience,” he said, urging global support for the resolution. He rooted India’s approach in the ancient principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), a value echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Yadav highlighted India’s Save Wetland Campaign, which has mobilized over two million volunteers, mapped 1.7 lakh wetlands, and demarcated boundaries for one lakh wetlands. This grassroots movement showcases how collective action can drive conservation success.
Sustainable lifestyles, as defined in the resolution, involve choices that minimize environmental harm, conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote equitable socio-economic growth. These practices also enhance health, security, and social bonds, improving quality of life. India’s Mission LiFE, a global movement for environmental action, has been a cornerstone of this push, inspiring communities to act collectively.
Building on the Sixth UN Environment Assembly’s Resolution 6/8, the Ramsar resolution recognizes the transformative potential of behavioral shifts toward sustainability. It urges nations to foster evidence-based policies, strengthen collaborations, and raise awareness to empower citizens to make informed, planet-friendly choices.
The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is a global treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India, a signatory since 1982, continues to lead the charge in protecting these vital ecosystems.
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