Wetlands – their conservation and sustainable use

Conservation of wetlands has not yet received the importance that it deserves. As a result they disappear at an alarming rate in most parts of the country leading to acute water scarcity. The State of  Kerala alone has lost 6,05,486 ha of wetlands during 2004 to 2011 and 5,66,000 ha of paddy lands since 1975, making a total of 11,71,486 ha. This is mainly because , the economic potentials of wetlands are not fully realized and harnessed for the benefit of the people. This is possible without compromising the biodiversity values of wetlands. This was demonstrated in the Kole wetlands of Veliamkod Panchath by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board when it was lead by the Chairman, SAF. SAF proposes to continue on this.