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Wetland conservation: Issues and application
Socioeconomic Issues
Socio-economic values of wetlands for prioritisation of biological conservation sites are a very important aspect. The location of these wetlands, their nearest town or city, its biogeographic region, its present legal conservation status, and major use of the wetland to the local population are important inputs for conservation values.
Technological Advancements
The Inland Wetland inventory for the entire country requires to be carried out by making use of available data and also by fresh data generation using data on remote sensing. Remote sensing data has proved to be economic means for inventory, monitoring and management of wetlands. Satellite Data in association with geographical information system provide cost and time effective tool for mapping and formulation of conservation and management plans. Using Remote sensing data the spatial mapping is done and biologically important parameters are attached to it using GIS. Thus, by using digital remote sensing data it will be possible to map, analyse data and attain information at any scale for all wetlands, according to the management and conservation requirements. For reconnaissance survey satellite data of 20m resolution is very effective while for larger scale studies use of planned Cartosat data will be a better option.
In order to test this approach and formulate a viable programme of wetland inventors, a nationwide project has been initiated. This includes digital image processing of satellite data to identify the type of wetlands, turbidity levels and presence and absence of aquatic vegetation in various districts through out the country. The database of the work carried out by SAC has been used to create a digital inventory of wetlands using GIS. Using this database of centroid locations of wetlands, district and statewise wetland coverages were generated (figure: 1). Associated attribute data were also attached to these coverages. Keeping in view the gigantic amount of data customized graphical user interfaces (GUI) were developed to automize the process of coverage generation. These coverages and inputs of local individuals and institutions were used to select wetlands for fieldwork for their biological and conservational values. Database of the distribution of fauna and floral assemblages of the selected wetlands will also be converted into coverages (eg. figure: 2) for spatial depiction and related attributes attached to them using GIS. These inputs will be attached to the digitally processed remote sensing data for further analysis. Thus, all the information will be readily available at all scales to assign conservation value to the wetlands. The importance of the wetlands will depend on whether it is a good, rare and unique wetland type, its socio economic and cultural value, importance of the threatened and endemic species of plants and animals found in these wetlands. They also depend on the importance of the wetland in maintaining the genetic or ecological diversity of the area, whether the site is of crucial value to certain plants or animal species at a critical stage of their life history and the importance of it regarding the resident and migrating waterfowl populations. Such an effort requires first hand insights into problems and prospects using the modern spatial technology tools.
In order to achieve viable wetland conservation in the country a great deal of effort has to go in systematizing the inventories at desired spatial and temporal scales. Substantial extent of synergy can be established between various institutions and organizations involved in natural resource management, conservation and organisation involved in research and development. A permanent wetland monitoring authority analogous to forest monitoring organisations should be set up. A highly decentralised hierarchy of organisations built around using the voluntary effort of various NGO’s and individuals should be encouraged. Towards achieving this, appropriate models of use of spatial technology must be implemented.
Acknowledgements
Financial support from UNDP, New Delhi and support of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also due to Dr. M.L.Manchanda, Head, RRSSC-D and Shri S.Adiga, Director, NNRMS, Dept. of Space, for RRSSC facilities.
References
- Anonymous,1990b. Wetlands of India: A directory. Ministry of Environment & Forests, NewDelhi. 150p.
- Gopal,B. & Krishnamurthy,K. 1992. Wetlands of south Asia. In:Wigham,D.F.,Dykyjova, D.Hejny,S.(Eds) Wetlands of the World.I.Inventory, Ecology and management. Handbook of Vegetation science 15(2):345-416. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
- Rodgers, W.A.; Panwar, H.S.. 2 Planning A Wildlife Protected Area Network In India. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. 1988.
- Scott,D.A. 1989, IUCN “A Directory of Asian
Wetlands”
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