Islamabad, Feb 2: Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, has called for immediate and intensified efforts to safeguard wetlands, emphasizing their crucial role in environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
In her message on World Wetland Day, observed under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” Alam underscored the essential function wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance, supporting diverse species, and mitigating climate change impacts. She urged both global and national stakeholders to enhance efforts in conserving these vital ecosystems.
Recognizing the importance of wetlands, Pakistan has designated 19 wetlands of international significance under the Ramsar Convention, including Keenjhar Lake, Rann of Kutch, and Haleji Lake. These sites support a rich variety of wildlife and serve as a crucial habitat for approximately 2 million migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe.
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Despite contributing only 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is ranked as the 5th most climate-vulnerable country, facing increasing risks from extreme weather events, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures all of which threaten the country’s wetland resources.
Alam highlighted that climate change is exacerbating wetland degradation across Pakistan. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise are causing wetlands to shrink, disrupting fragile ecosystems and increasing the risk of flooding and biodiversity loss.
She emphasized that wetlands act as natural flood buffers and carbon sinks, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, thus playing a crucial role in combating global warming. The Pakistani government remains committed to strengthening environmental policies, promoting sustainable water management, and engaging local communities to protect wetlands for future generations.
“Pakistan has shown resilience in the face of climate change, and our government is taking decisive steps to address environmental degradation. Wetlands, especially in regions like the Indus Delta, are essential for ecological balance and supporting local livelihoods,” Alam stated.
She called upon all segments of society including government bodies, private sector, civil society, and individuals to actively engage in conservation efforts by reducing pollution, expanding green spaces, and raising awareness on wetland preservation.
“As we observe World Wetland Day, we must commit to taking action not just today, but every day, to safeguard our wetlands and the countless species that rely on them,” she stressed. “By working together, we can protect these precious ecosystems and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.”