Wetland ecosystem services are of paramount importance: Parimal Suklabaidya

GUWAHATI: "Conserving the goods and services of wetlands and sustainably intensifying the wetland ecosystem services are of paramount importance for poverty alleviation as well as food and livelihood security for marginal poor segment of the society." This was stated by Minister for Environment and Forest, Fisheries and Excise, Parimal Suklabaidya while inaugurating the Regional Stakeholders' Meet and Consultative Workshop on 'Assessing the price of wetland ecosystem services' at the Assam Agricultural University campus on Saturday.

On the eve of World Environment Day, SAFE in association with Progyan Foundation for Research and Innovation (PFRI) organised the Multistakeholders' Workshop for engendering a platform in sync with the prevalent policy and schemes of Mission Amrit Sarovar for maximising the benefits of stakeholders through multifaceted convergence.

Speaking as chief guest, Minister Suklabaidya said the overall mission is very much aligned with the Prime Minister's 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' for preservation and restoration of wetlands and sustainable use of their resources by maintaining their ecosystem services.

"In the milieu of the climate crisis, the wetlands can be a boon to mankind and the importance and significance of the wetland ecosystem services have been equitably highlighted in the recent state programme, 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' launched in Assam by Prime Minister. We would like to carry forward the essence of this scheme by reviving and rejuvenating the existing water bodies through multipurpose usage for water supply, irrigation, fisheries, and recreational activities," Suklabaidya quipped.

He exuded the optimism that the workshop would go a long way in building regional preparedness in north east part of the country by developing capacities in scientific, economic and socio-political planning approaches on the pricing of ecosystems.

Delivering the keynote address, Senior Scientist, South Asian Forum for Environment, Dr. Malancha Dey said the significance of ecosystem services (ESs) in global policy has been evident in Paris Agreement, emerging REDD+ and initiatives like Aichi Targets, and SDGs. "FAO (2019) reported that lack of ecosystem services valuation has led to over-exploitation of resources and poorly informed decisions in countries of Asia Pacific. In the climate milieu, a fundamental plea for plural values of ESs will be imperative. SAFE has extensively worked over the wetlands in eastern and north-eastern parts and has an edge over others, having worked at the community-ecosystem interface," he said, adding that SAFE has successfully worked on the Deepor Beel Ramsar site and in Majuli river island to facilitate adaptive learning over time and space.

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