Science City celebrated World Wetlands Day
The Gujarat Science City, working under the aegis of Department of Science & Technology, Govt of Gujarat, is celebrating the World Wetlands Day on 2nd February 2006 on the theme 'Wetlands and Water - Supporting Life, Sustaining Livelihoods'. The celebration aims to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
The World Wetlands Day is being celebrated since 1997 every year on 2nd February worldwide to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. The Ramsar Convention provides a framework for international cooperation in the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands.
Wetlands cover between 748 and 778 million hectares around the world and are home to countless species of plants and animals, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate species. However, 50% of wetlands have been lost over the past fifty years alone through drainage, pollution, irrigation, war, and climate change.
Gujarat has more than 1,000 wetlands of which nearly 440 are coastal and around 390 are inland, including several small and big reservoirs. The state has remarkable bio-diversity and therefore provides a rich habitat for a fascinating variety of birds. There are seven wetlands in Gujarat accorded the status of 'Wetlands of National Importance' bringing them at par with reserves like Chilka lake in Orissa. These includes: Nalsarovar (Ahmedabad), Little Rann, Greater Rann, Pariyej (Anand), Wadhwana (Vadodara), Thol (Mehsana) and Khijadia (Jamnagar).
Wetlands are among the least protected ecosystems in developing countries, and India is particularly vulnerable to their degradation and loss. There are thousands of lakes, ponds, marshes, lagoons, estuaries, backwaters and mangrove swamps that are vital to the country's water needs, food production and biodiversity, but our environmental policy has largely failed to acknowledge their contribution.
The Science City organizes an illustrative poster exhibition on "Exploring Wetlands of Gujarat", screening of video films and slide shows on the above theme. School students are encouraged to participate in the sit and draw and quiz competition on the above theme to be held on this day between 12.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs (5' 16 years age group). There is no registration fee; however, participants are requested to register their names before 1st February 2006.
Gujarat Science City is taking a bold step by bringing awareness and sensitizing the visitors about our rich biodiversity and appreciation of state's genetic resources and environment and inspires commitment to preserve its existence. The Science City is now showing an IMAX 3D movie "Galapagos" that depicts the living laboratory of evolution. In addition, the visitors may explore the marvel of science in the Hall of Science, learn all about energy in the Energy Education Park, explore new imagination in Children's Activity Corner and spare the evening at the grand Musical Fountain inside the Science City campus.
All are cordially invited to attend the programme.
S. D. Vora, IFS
Executive Director
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