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
