On World Wetlands Day, naturalists and environmentalists reveal websites to go to in and round Mumbai which might be house to those unheralded pure ecosystems. Plus sensible tips about how one can assist make a distinction
Flamingos at Thane Creek. Pic Courtesy/Mangrove Basis
From defending biodiversity to decreasing local weather warming and sustaining a steady ecosystem, the function of wetlands within the functioning of the planet is commonly sidelined. The United Nations Setting Programme (UNEP) signed the Conference of Wetlands on February 2, 1971, and has since marked the day as World Wetlands Day.
Nonetheless, in accordance with the UNEP, the world has seen a 35 per cent lower in wetland areas within the final 50 years. We converse to city-based conservationists and environmentalists on methods to guard these biodiversity havens.
Spreading the phrase
Kedar Gore, director, The Corbett Basis
Wetlands not solely appeal to uncommon birds, but in addition purify water. Whereas Thane Creek has been declared a flamingo conservation website, there are different areas that want recognition.
. The youthful technology ought to unfold consciousness on social media via footage. In the event that they spot migratory birds or see trash being dumped in these wetlands, highlighting it on social media will assist.
. Begin the dialog round wetlands preservation in your on a regular basis life. An enormous vote financial institution will assist policymakers to take steps in the direction of reserving them.
. City growth and planning ought to turn out to be extra ecologically conservative.
The place to go to: Uran mudflats, Navi Mumbai
Birdwatcher*s heaven
Bivash Pandav, director, Bombay Pure Historical past Society (BNHS)
Wetlands in Navi Mumbai are nice chook watching websites. These areas appeal to a number of migratory chook species together with the flamingos. Most birds migrating to Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary use these wetlands as roosting websites throughout excessive tide within the creek.
. Authorities ought to preserve the pure move of water; don’t impede the
water flowing out and in of those wetlands.
. If these locations get redeveloped, it’ll hamper the uncommon wildlife that flies into Mumbai for six months. These birds are a sight that residents of Mumbai should be proud about.
The place to go to: Panje wetland close to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Belief; NRI (Non-Residential Indian Complicated) wetlands and DPS (Delhi Public Faculty) wetlands in Navi Mumbai; Mankhurd saltpans
Want a citizen*s motion
BN Kumar, director, NatConnect Basis, Navi Mumbai
Regardless of some huge choices by the federal government, there may be sluggish motion on the bottom. There must be a better involvement of individuals.
. Setting safety should be made a part of election manifestos. Voters must demand better dedication from
their representatives.
. Preserve an eye fixed out for constructions within the neighbourhood, and pay attention to modifications.
. Public consciousness is significant.
The place to go to: TS Chanakya Maritime College in Seawoods, Navi Mumbai; Bhandup Pumping Station
Promote worth addition
Samarth Parab, chief nature training officer, wildlife (Maharashtra State Forest Division)
Wetlands play a serious function within the city ecosystem and are additionally efficient worth additions to the lives of residents. These wetlands are carbon sinks that take up atmospheric carbon and assist cool
the ambiance.
. The best risk to wetlands is from rubbish dumping. Steps must be taken to stop waste being dumped at these areas.
. There’s a must deal with these wetlands as extra than simply leisure areas. When they’re conscious of the true worth, folks will defend them as a useful resource.
The place to go to: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli (@coastalmarinebiodiversitycentreon Fb); Nature Info Centre at Sanjay Gandhi Nationwide Park, Borivali
Systemise training on conservation
Manas Manjrekar, deputy director, analysis and capability constructing, Mangrove Basis
In an city ecosystem, the wetlands are the principle outlet for extra storm water. They act as sponges. They’re additionally a key biodiversity hub. Consciousness relating to wetland conservation is enhancing however wants to extend additional. The federal government is taking all measures via social media and clear up drives to boost consciousness among the many folks.
. There are extra citizen-government partnerships the place particular person residents can commit and take part within the maintenance of those areas.
. Focus in the direction of analysis
programmes that construct data and conservation administration might be strengthened.
The place to go to: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli; NRI Complicated Wetlands, Navi Mumbai
Educating the youth
Over 25 colleges will take part in a weekend occasion that may function a kids*s play in regards to the significance of wetlands preservation. The next panel dialogue can have representatives from NGOs and Dr Rahul Khot, a scientist from BNHS.
ON February 4; 9 am onwards
AT Delhi Public Faculty, Navi Mumbai.
Name 9867020985
Free
