World Wetlands Day: Experts share top tips, and sites to visit around Mumbai

From protecting biodiversity to reducing climate warming and maintaining a stable ecosystem the role of wetlands in the functioning of the planet is often sidelined The United Nations Environment Programme UNEP signed the Convention of Wetlands on February 2 1971 and has since marked the day as World Wetlands DayHowever according to the UNEP the world has seen a 35 per cent decrease in wetland spaces in the last 50 years We speak to citybased conservationists and environmentalists on ways to protect these biodiversity havensSpreading the wordKedar Gore director The Corbett FoundationWetlands not only attract rare birds but also purify water While Thane Creek has been declared a flamingo conservation site there are other areas that need recognition The younger generation should spread awareness on social media through pictures If they spot migratory birds or see trash being dumped in these wetlands highlighting it on social media will help Start the conversation around wetlands preservation in your everyday life A huge vote bank will help policymakers to take steps towards reserving them Urban development and planning should become more ecologically conservativeWhere to visit Uran mudflats Navi MumbaiBirdwatcherrsquos heavenBivash Pandav director Bombay Natural History Society BNHSWetlands in Navi Mumbai are great bird watching sites These areas attract several migratory bird species including the flamingos Most birds migrating to Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary use these wetlands as roosting sites during high tide in the creek Authorities should maintain the natural flow of water do not obstruct thewater flowing in and out of these wetlands If these places get redeveloped it will hamper the rare wildlife that flies into Mumbai for six months These birds are a sight that citizens of Mumbai must be proud aboutWhere to visit Panje wetland near Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust NRI NonResidential Indian Complex wetlands and DPS Delhi Public School wetlands in Navi Mumbai Mankhurd saltpansNeed a citizenrsquos movement BN Kumar director NatConnect Foundation Navi MumbaiDespite some big decisions by the government there is slow movement on the ground There needs to be a greater involvement of people Environment protection must be made part of election manifestos Voters need to demand greater commitment fromtheir representatives Keep an eye out for constructions in the neighbourhood and be aware of changes Public awareness is vitalWhere to visit TS Chanakya Maritime University in Seawoods Navi Mumbai Bhandup Pumping StationPromote value addition Samarth Parab chief nature education officer wildlife Maharashtra State Forest DepartmentWetlands play a major role in the urban ecosystem and are also effective value additions to the lives of citizens These wetlands are carbon sinks that absorb atmospheric carbon and help coolthe atmosphere The greatest threat to wetlands is from garbage dumping Steps need to be taken to prevent waste being dumped at these locations There is a need to focus on these wetlands as more than just recreational spaces When they are aware of the true value people will protect them as a resourceWhere to visit Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre Airoli coastalmarinebiodiversitycentreon Facebook Nature Information Centre at Sanjay Gandhi National Park BorivaliSystemise education on conservationManas Manjrekar deputy director research and capacity building Mangrove FoundationIn an urban ecosystem the wetlands are the main outlet for excess storm water They act as sponges They are also a key biodiversity hub Awareness regarding wetland conservation is improving but needs to increase further The government is taking all measures through social media and clean up drives to raise awareness among the people There are more citizengovernment partnerships where individual citizens can commit and participate in the upkeep of these spaces Focus towards researchprogrammes that build information and conservation management can be strengthened Where to visit Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre Airoli NRI Complex Wetlands Navi MumbaiEducating the youthOver 25 schools will participate in a weekend event that will feature a childrenrsquos play about the importance of wetlands preservation The following panel discussion will have representatives from NGOs and Dr Rahul Khot a scientist from BNHSON February 4 9 am onwardsAT Delhi Public School Navi MumbaiCall 9867020985Free