India Showcases Wetland Conservation Model at COP15 Ramsar Convention in Zimbabwe

India has presented its successful wetland conservation efforts at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The country highlighted the rejuvenation of 68,827 small wetlands in just one year, driven by public participation, GIS-based mapping, and convergence of government schemes.

Key initiatives like 'Mission Sahbhagita' (2022), promoting community-led wetland stewardship, and the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ scheme, targeting the restoration of 50,000 small wetlands, were spotlighted. India's use of advanced satellite imaging and physical boundary mapping was also praised for improving wetland inventory and targeted conservation.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized India’s global leadership, with 91 Ramsar sites spanning 1.36 million hectares-the largest such network in Asia and third globally. He also urged countries to mainstream sustainable lifestyles for effective wetland management.

Two cities, Udaipur and Indore, were recognized as wetland cities, reflecting India's commitment to urban wetland conservation. A presentation by Haryana forest officials showcased Sultanpur National Park and Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary as models of ecosystem-based, community-driven wetland conservation.

India's 91 Ramsar sites covering 1.36 million hectares - the largest network in Asia and third globally - represents substantial commitment to wetland protection at a time when global wetland loss continues to accelerate. The rejuvenation of 68,827 small wetlands in a single year, driven by community participation and GIS-based mapping, demonstrates that ecosystem restoration at scale is achievable with the right coordination architecture.

Wetland ecosystems provide disproportionately high value across biodiversity, water regulation, carbon sequestration and flood-control functions. Mission Sahbhagita's community-led stewardship model and the Amrit Sarovar restoration scheme represent replicable approaches for other jurisdictions facing similar wetland-loss patterns.

For companies with wetland or water-adjacent supply-chain exposure, financial institutions supporting nature-linked investment, and CSR partners active in ecosystem conservation, Cognitud's nature-based solutions, impact assessment and sustainability due diligence teams help clients evaluate wetland-related risks and opportunities, structure conservation-partnership programmes, and prepare disclosures aligned with Ramsar, TNFD and SBTN frameworks that increasingly determine access to nature-linked finance and reputational positioning on biodiversity.