About
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, successfully organised a National Online Workshop titled “50 Years of the Ramsar Convention: Wetland Conservation in Global & Indian Contexts” on 2 February 2026, marking World Wetlands Day. The event also celebrated a historic environmental milestone with the recognition of Kopra Jalasay as Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar Site.
Significance of the Workshop
- Commemorated 50 years of the Ramsar Convention (1971–2021+)
- Highlighted the global and Indian perspectives on wetland conservation
- Marked Chhattisgarh’s entry into the global Ramsar network
- Created a platform for law, science, policy, and governance dialogue
Key Highlights and Expert Insights
Opening Address
- Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU Raipur, emphasized the enduring relevance of wetlands.
- He stated that World Wetlands Day and the Ramsar designation are not symbolic acts but a reaffirmation that:
- Wetlands are vital for ecological balance
- They support human livelihoods
- They are essential for a sustainable future
Keynote Address
- Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director, Wetlands International – South Asia, delivered the keynote.
- Key points from his address:
- India’s four-decade journey under the Ramsar framework
- Expansion of Ramsar sites and regulatory progress
- Persistent challenges such as:
- Poor governance
- Ecological degradation
- Unscientific development projects
- Strong critique of cosmetic “beautification” of wetlands instead of ecological restoration
- He called for:
- A National Mission on Wetlands
- Better research–policy integration
- Increased financing and capacity building
- Inclusion of wetland education in academic curricula
Legal and Governance Perspective
- Mr. Pratik Verma, Legal Advisor, Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority, discussed:
- Ramsar Convention as a cornerstone of international environmental law
- Growing role of Indian courts in wetland protection
- Importance of World Wetlands Day in public awareness and policy action
- He stressed the need for stronger institutional commitment to protect fragile wetland ecosystems.
Organisers and Collaborations
The workshop was:
- Conceived and organized by:
- Dr. Debmita Mondal, Head, Centre for Law & Sciences, HNLU
- Co-organized by:
- Dr. Rana Navneet Roy, Head, Centre for Environmental Laws, HNLU
- In collaboration with:
- Wetlands International – South Asia
- Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority
- Chhattisgarh State Biodiversity Board
- Anchored by:
- Ms. Himanshi Thakur, LL.M. student, HNLU
Participation and Impact
- Over 80 participants from across India
- Active involvement of:
- Faculty members
- Researchers
- Students of HNLU
- Encouraged interdisciplinary engagement between law, environment, and governance
Conclusion and Way Forward
The workshop concluded with a collective call to:
- Transform the spirit of the Ramsar Convention into real-world outcomes
- Ensure:
- Healthier wetlands
- Climate-resilient communities
- Informed and engaged citizens
- Sustainable development
- Position Chhattisgarh as an emerging contributor to India’s wetland conservation journey
