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Home / IAS Preparation / Kole Wetland

Kole Wetland: Ramsar Site of Kerala Facing Pink Bloom Threat | UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Oct 21, 2024
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The Kole Wetland is just such a wetland ecosystem that comprises a unique eco-habitat within the districts of Thrissur and Malappuram in Kerala, India. This happens to be one of the largest and most productive wetlands within the state of Kerala, covering approximately 13,632 hectares. The Kole Wetland has supported agriculture, especially paddy cultivation, as a natural irrigation system during the dry months and a flood control mechanism during the wet monsoons. Such wetlands are defined as Ramsar sites, that is, they are classified under the Ramsar Convention that recognizes them for their importance to biodiversity and especially in the conservation of migratory birds. Wetlands like Kole Wetland help in the ground-water levels, serve as carbon sinks, and help to provide a habitat for various species of flora and fauna.

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Syllabus

General Studies - III

Topics for Prelims

Ramsar sites,Wetlands, Important Bird Areas, CITES, National Parks, Wildlife sanctuaries

Topics for Mains

Impact on Biodiversity, Environment, Government legislations

Ecological and Agricultural Value of Kole Wetland

Kole Wetland is mainly used for paddy cultivation. The natural irrigation characteristics of this wetland are put to use by farmers to cultivate rice. The name "Kole" pertains to the act of reclaiming land from seasonal floods, an expression of agricultural reclamation unique to Kerala. Apart from supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers, this wetland is also very instrumental in food security in the state. This wetland acts as a reservoir for flood water during the monsoon season, thereby preventing damage to the agricultural areas and settlements within the area.

Biodiversity of Kole Wetland

The wetland hosts a diversity of plant and animal species, including some endangered bird species and migratory birds. It serves as a habitat to some Indian Darter, Purple Heron, and waterfowl species. The rich biodiversity includes a long list of fish, r, and amphibians that are crammed into this wetland, and thus it is critical in Kerala's approaches to conservation efforts.

Conservation Challenges in Kole Wetland

Despite the ecological and agricultural importance that the Kole Wetland holds, it faces several challenges about its conservation like encroachment, pollution, and changes in land use patterns. There is rapid urbanization and industrialization in the surrounding areas that has resulted in habitat degradation and a decline in the wetland biodiversity. The government and other environmental organizations are taking actions to conserve and protect the Kole Wetland which include doing advocacy on sustainable agricultural practices and becoming stricter in the implementation of environmental regulations.

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Kole Wetland and Ramsar Convention

The declaration of Kole Wetland to be a Ramsar site enhances its international importance as a wetland system. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at wetland conservation and use toward sustaining wetlands worldwide. By declaring Kole Wetland into the Ramsar Convention, there will be global attention and support towards its conservation and calls for preserving such life systems for future generations.

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Important Wetlands in India

Apart from the Kole Wetland, a number of other important wetlands in India have also been chosen to be Ramsar sites. These include some like Chilika Lake in Odisha, Sundarbans Wetlands in West Bengal, and the Vembanad-Kol Wetland in Kerala. The wetlands are rendering a range of ecological services, such as water purification, checking floods, conserving biodiversity, and supporting massive livelihoods in fishing, agriculture, and tourism for millions.

Conclusion

The Kole Wetland is very important, not only to the state of Kerala in maintaining agriculture productivity, but also globally in biodiversity conservation. It's a Ramsar site, which underscores its importance, but it poses great challenges that need attention and sustainable management as a matter of urgency. As with other wetlands, this one in India has been playing a serious balancing act between ecological, economic, and social needs of the region. Preservation becomes a matter of national interest and global value.

Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Ecological significance: Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration.
  • Policy Framework: The National Wetland Conservation Programme was established in 1987 to protect and conserve wetlands in India.
  • Objectives: These include restoration, management, public awareness, and community involvement in wetland conservation.
  • Challenges: Implementation challenges include funding, data inadequacies, and coordination among various agencies.
  • Funding: The central government funds the NWCP, although supplementary state and other sources are often necessary.
  • Importance: Wetlands are vital for ecosystem services, supporting biodiversity, and local livelihoods.
  • Other initiatives: The government has introduced several regulations and plans like the Wetlands Rules, NPCA, and National Biodiversity Action Plan to protect wetlands.

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Kole Wetland UPSC FAQs

Challenges include limited funding, lack of comprehensive data, coordination issues among different government agencies, and problems like encroachment and pollution.

It is primarily funded by the central government, which often covers 100% of the project costs, though additional funds from states and other sources are sometimes required.

Wetlands are important for biodiversity, water purification, flood control, carbon sequestration, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

These rules regulate activities within wetlands to prevent their degradation and promote sustainable use.

Wetlands absorb excess rainwater, which helps mitigate the impacts of flooding and storm surges.

The National Wetland Conservation Programme is an initiative by the Indian government to protect and conserve the country's wetlands, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in 1987.

The main objectives are the assessment and identification of wetlands, restoration and management, research and monitoring, community participation, and promoting environmental awareness.
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