Wetlands are disappearing more rapidly than any other ecosystem; since 1970, wetlands loss, there has been a loss of 22%, which means an average of 0.52% each year. This translates to half a billion football fields.
Why Are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands cover approximately 6% of the surface of the planet, and contribute to more than 7.5% of the Global GDP through clean water, flood mitigation, food security and carbon wreckage.
What Are We Facing?
If previous trends continue, by 2050 an estimated 20% of remaining wetlands could be lost and an estimated $39 trillion worth of benefits disappear. Wetlands in Africa are among the most degraded.
What About India?
India has 91 Ramsar sites;1737 wetlands of which 91 Ramsar sites were designated and the two first wetlands are Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park; Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan became designated in 2025.
How to Stop This Process? – wetlands loss
The report urges valuing wetlands in the decision-making process for better understanding of the role of wetlands in the water cycle, investing and restoring wetlands.
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