Karachi: President Asif Ali Zardari marked World Wetlands Day by emphasizing Pakistan's dedication to the conservation and sustainable management of its wetlands. He highlighted the country's commitment to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which Pakistan joined in 1971.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari underscored the significance of the 2026 theme, "Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage," noting that wetlands are vital cultural landscapes shaped by local communities over centuries. He emphasized that these ecosystems provide crucial benefits, including flood reduction, coastal protection, and livelihood support, while also contributing to climate resilience and ecological balance.

President Zardari pointed out the challenges facing Pakistan's diverse wetlands, which include riverine floodplains, alpine and glacial lakes, and coastal mangrove ecosystems. These areas are under pressure from climate-related impacts such as erratic monsoons, glacial melt variability, and shrinking flood buffers. In particular, Sindh faces significant challenges due to wetland degradation, historical water stress, and sea-level rise, affecting vital ecosystems like the Indus Delta.

The president also stressed the importance of wetlands in supporting local communities by providing essential resources such as fish, grazing land, and natural flood protection. He warned that degradation of these areas could lead to economic and environmental hardships for millions of Pakistanis.

Highlighting the role of wetlands as cost-effective climate solutions, President Zardari called for sustainable management practices that integrate indigenous and community knowledge. He also addressed concerns over transboundary water cooperation, particularly with India, urging adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty to ensure regional water security and prevent the use of water as a coercive tool.

In conclusion, President Zardari called on citizens, especially the youth and policymakers, to prioritize the protection and sustainable management of wetlands, framing it as an essential aspect of national resilience and a matter of climate justice.