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