New assessment highlights role of Wetlands in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

New assessment highlights role of Wetlands in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP)

Posted 22 Oct 2024

2 min read

The assessment done by 35 per cent ltd (commissioned by Wetlands International) highlights the role of wetlands in NBSAP submitted after COP15.

  • The assessment was conducted following COP15 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
    • It encouraged countries  to revise their NBSAPs in line with Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
  • The report calls for establishing clear, measurable goals for wetland restoration and protection, which to support regional and global ecological health 

Key findings of the Assessment:-

  • Inclusion of Wetlands: 83% of NBSAPs mention wetlands, inland waters, or freshwater in their targets.71% of NBSAPs in Asia explicitly mention them.
  • Mentioning of various types of wetlands such as mangroves, rivers, lakes and peatlands in national strategies indicate rising importance of wetlands in environmental targets.
  • Underrepresentation of Significant Areas: E.g.  Amazon River Basin and Hudson Bay Lowland are rarely mentioned in national targets

Role of Wetlands in Biodiversity Conservation

  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands cover only 6% of Earth's surface but support ~40% of global biodiversity.
  • Nutrient Cycling: Plant diversity aids in nutrient cycling and water purification, enhancing water quality and supporting diverse life.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands store carbon in plant biomass and sediments, helping mitigate climate change, flood control etc
  • Tags :
  • Biodiversity
  • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
  • Wetlands
Watch News Today