World Wetlands Day 2024 – Learn how tree plantation can protect wetland biodiversity

January 31, 2024 Riya Shalgar Lifestyle 0

World Wetlands Day, on February 2

Pradip Shah, the co-founder of Grow-Trees.com, highlights how trees help to nourish eco-sensitive zones

World Wetlands Day, observed annually on February 2, globally highlights the essential role wetlands play for both people and the planet. The day also commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. In India, nearly 5% of the land, encompassing over 15.26 million hectares, constitutes wetlands, including those declared as Ramsar sites, protected under stringent convention guidelines. During the 75th Independence Day celebrations in 2022, India incorporated 11 additional wetlands into the Ramsar sites list, taking the total to 75 Ramsar sites, covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares in the country.

On World Wetlands Day, environmental expert and co-founder of the social enterprise Grow-Trees.com, Pradip Shah, highlights the significance of strategic tree plantation efforts to safeguard these distinct ecosystems.

Augmented ecological balance

The presence of aquatic vegetation sets wetlands apart from other conservative areas. The trees within this system play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance through multifaceted interactions with the environment. They contribute significantly to preserving water quality by effectively filtering out nutrients and sediments. However, to ensure the success of tree planting initiatives in these sensitive ecosystems, meticulous ecological assessment, selection of native tree species, and understanding of wetland types are crucial. When executed strategically, nourishing wetlands through tree plantation helps foster a more resilient and balanced ecosystem over time.

Prevention of soil erosion

Wetlands permanently saturated with water and dominated by trees are known as swamps. In India, some of the most common wetland trees found in these swamps include Mangroves and related varieties like Sundari trees (Heritiera fomes). Trees like Mangroves, for example, offer natural infrastructure, protecting nearby populated areas by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events. The dense roots of these trees also play a crucial role in binding and building soils.

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Improved water quality

Wetlands serve as natural water purifiers. The trees and flora within them filter sediment and absorb various pollutants from surface waters. Studies have also demonstrated the efficiency of wetland systems in removing even organic compounds like pesticides and pharmaceutical residues, which pollute water bodies. In human-made wetland systems, this cleansing function improves the quality of groundwater supplies. Hence, strengthening wetlands with additional plantations can further enhance their sediment trapping and chemical detoxification capabilities.

Healthier habitats

The wetlands in our country are home to vast faunal diversity, from the Marsh Mongoose in Salt Lake swamps to various species of reptiles, birds, and fishes. The wetland environment is teeming with life, and enhancing it with more plants and trees will protect this biodiversity and provide a habitat for fauna. Healthy vegetation is also crucial for maintaining these habitats’ strength, attracting many migratory birds every year.

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Community engagement

Ensuring local participation is essential to establish ecologically balanced utilisation of available land and water resources. Engaging wetland users in planting trees and fostering nurturing practices can promote social responsibility and awareness about wetland preservation. Each wetland, whether marshy, swampy, estuarine, or human-made, harbours unique flora and fauna. Therefore, wetland users must understand these specificities. Conservation efforts like tree planting can bring humans closer to this ecosystem.

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Grow-Trees.com has planted  a whopping 150,000 trees in the Mayurbhanj district in OdishaA massive plantation project is restoring the native environment of Black Tigers, one tree at a time National Tourism Day (January 25) is also an occasion to recognise the impact of afforestation on India’s growing tourism sector In 2022, the Ministry of Tourism formulated a national strategy for sustainable tourism, pinpointing seven key areas crucial for inclusive, carbon-neutral, and resource-efficient tourism. Among these strategic pillars, biodiversity protection takes centre stage, highlighting the importance of planting more trees and conserving existing green cover. On National Tourism Day, Pradip Shah, environmentalist and co-founder of Grow-Trees.com explores how tree plantation not only aligns with the national strategy but also plays a vital role in preserving the ecological balance of our tourist destinations. Promotes sustainable tourism There is a growing trend to focus on eco-tourism while visiting hill stations and verdant, eco-sensitive regions where trekking and similar activities are allowed. The tourism department and tour operators also bear the responsibility to safeguard natural resources and ensure that the wilderness remains as enjoyable in the future as it is now. Planting more trees and enhancing the green cover in such areas can ensure that the benefits of a healthy environment are extended to the next generation. Planting and preserving trees enhance the basic tenets of responsible tourism. Mitigates the effects of mass tourism The rich biodiversity of forested zones and wildlife sanctuaries is increasingly drawing a large number of visitors. However, the surge in mass tourism to these areas also brings forth major challenges, including excessive land use, pollution, fodder extraction and heightened human-wildlife conflicts. Environmental organisations are actively addressing these issues. Recognising the strong connection between tree planting and ecological health, Grow-Trees.com has launched projects like 'Trees for Ecotourism™️' in the forest region of Gnathang near Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim. The primary goal of such projects is to improve forest health while alleviating the adverse impacts of mass tourism. Fights Climate Change In its 2023 report, 'A Healthy Forest for Healthy People,' the UN emphasises that sustainable forest management and the prudent use of resources are pivotal in the battle against climate change. Trees help us to combat climate change mainly due to their natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. In cognisance of this fact, Grow-Trees.com has planted more than 19 Million trees nationwide and in Africa. Once fully grown, these trees will absorb 380 Million kg of CO2, annually showcasing the crucial impact of trees in addressing climate change. Mitigating the effects of global warming also contributes to creating an ecologically balanced environment, which is of utmost importance for the growth of the tourism sector. Enhances scenic beauty With an endless variety of species, trees offer an aesthetic and calming green cover to urban zones. Some of the most famous and tourist friendly cities in the world are known for their gardens, tree-lined avenues and public parks abundant with foliage with diverse green textures and flowers. In the concrete jungles of big cities, they also help to reduce the heat island effect, regulate microclimate, mitigate air pollution and improve hydrology. Green zones in cities make them livable and pleasing not just for the residents but tourists who may be visiting or passing by. Promotes job creation Tree planting projects create multiple job opportunities for local communities. Once completed, such projects need regular monitoring, watering, and preservation, ensuring that the local populations will remain connected to their maintenance. Conserving trees and biodiversity also creates a feeling of ownership among them. This active engagement of local communities is crucial in tourism as it helps in developing a welcoming and hospitable environment and facilitates vibrant cultural exchange for tourists to experience.On National Tourism Day, discover how tree plantation boosts green tourism Reducing your carbon footprint is an important way to help protect the environment Grammy Glam: Doja's Forehead Ink, Dua's PlungeGrammy 2024 Glam: Doja Cat’s Forehead Ink, Dua Lipa’s Plunge Truth Unfolded: World Map Unveils Actual Country and Continent ProportionsTruth Unfolded: World Map Unveils Actual Country and Continent Proportions NASA to launch drought tracking satelliteNASA Confirms Launch Date for Its Massive Moon Rocket Jalen Green And Josh Christopher Leaked viral video onlineJalen Green and Josh Christopher’s leaked video goes viral in the basketball world Essential Steps to Protect Your Business from Fire