World Wetlands Day: Ministry vows wetlands’ restoration to reduce flood risks

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting and restoring wetlands as cost-effective, nature-based solutions. In a statement issued on Sunday, in connection with World Wetlands Day 2026 being observed on Monday (today), the ministry said this day is observed globally every year on 2 February each year.

“Nature and climate are two sides of the same coin. Healthy wetlands store carbon, regulate water flows, recharge groundwater and reduce flood risks. Protecting wetlands means protecting people, livelihoods and the economy,” said Mohammad Saleem Shaikh, the ministry’s Spokesperson, said in the statement.

“What is worrying is that wetlands are still widely seen as wastelands. This perception is outdated and dangerous,” Shaikh added.

He said wetlands are increasingly being integrated into Pakistan’s climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction planning as frontline nature-based solutions.

The ministry said it is implementing multiple policy measures aligned with national and international commitments, including the National Climate Change Policy, National Adaptation Plan, Protected Areas Initiative, Living Indus Initiative, Recharge Pakistan Programme, and Pakistan’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention.

Key actions include wetland mapping, legal protection of Ramsar sites, removal of encroachments, improved water governance, pollution control and incorporating wetlands into flood management strategies, the statement added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026