Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur organised a national-level online workshop on the theme “50 Years of the Ramsar Convention: Wetland Conservation in Global and Indian Contexts” on the occasion of World Wetlands Day. The event also marked a significant milestone for the State with the recognition of Kopra Jalasay as the first Ramsar Site of Chhattisgarh.

Delivering the opening address, Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, Hidayatullah National Law University, highlighted the continuing relevance of the Ramsar Convention since its adoption in 1971. He stated that the observance of World Wetlands Day and the designation of Kopra Jalasay as a Ramsar Site was not merely ceremonial, but a reaffirmation of the vital role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting human livelihoods, and ensuring a sustainable future.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director, Wetlands International – South Asia, who outlined India’s four-decade engagement with the Ramsar framework. While acknowledging the country’s progress in expanding the network of Ramsar Sites and strengthening regulatory mechanisms, he also drew attention to persistent governance, ecological, and institutional challenges. Dr. Kumar cautioned against unscientific interventions such as indiscriminate concretisation and cosmetic beautification of wetlands, emphasising the need for a national mission on wetlands, stronger research–policy integration, improved financing, capacity building, and the inclusion of wetlands education in academic curricula.

Speaking on the legal and governance dimensions of wetland conservation, Mr. Pratik Verma, Legal Advisor, Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority under the Forest and Climate Change Department, described the Ramsar Convention as a foundational instrument of international environmental law. He underlined the increasing role of Indian courts in reinforcing wetland protection and stressed the importance of public awareness and institutional commitment in safeguarding wetland ecosystems.

The programme was conceived and organised by Dr. Debmita Mondal, Head, Centre for Law and Sciences, Hidayatullah National Law University, with assistance from Dr. Rana Navneet Roy, Head, Centre for Environmental Laws, in collaboration with Wetlands International – South Asia, the Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority, and the Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board. The event was anchored by Ms. Himanshi Thakur, Master of Laws student of the University.

The workshop witnessed active participation from faculty members, researchers, and students of Hidayatullah National Law University, along with over 80 participants from across the country. The event concluded with a collective call to translate the principles of the Ramsar Convention into measurable outcomes, including healthier wetlands, resilient communities, informed citizens, and sustainable development, while positioning Chhattisgarh as an emerging contributor to India’s wetland conservation efforts.

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RDJ

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