Topic: Wetland ecosystem -meaning, types, significance
Q5. “Wetlands are ecological regulators rather than mere biodiversity repositories.” Examine this assertion. Discuss how wetland degradation undermines climate resilience and livelihood security in India. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
Increasing frequency of floods, cyclones and livelihood distress has highlighted how wetland degradation weakens India’s climate resilience, making wetlands a governance and sustainability concern rather than only a conservation issue.Key Demand of the question
The question demands an examination of wetlands as ecological regulators beyond biodiversity conservation and an analysis of how their degradation undermines climate resilience and livelihood security in India.Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Briefly contextualise wetlands as natural ecological infrastructure essential for climate regulation, water security and socio-economic stability.Body
- Wetlands as ecological regulators: Indicate their role in regulating hydrology, climate processes, carbon storage and water quality, establishing why they function as ecological regulators rather than mere biodiversity repositories.
- Impact of wetland degradation on climate resilience: Suggest how loss of wetlands increases vulnerability to floods, droughts, cyclones and climate extremes.
- Impact of wetland degradation on livelihoods: Indicate how degradation affects fisheries, agriculture, grazing and coastal livelihoods, leading to economic insecurity and migration.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising the need to integrate wetland conservation into climate adaptation and development planning to safeguard resilience and livelihoods.
