Wetlands contribution and linkage to support SDGs, its indicators and targets‐ A critical review

Abstract

This study marks one of the pioneering efforts to compile comprehensive information on Ramsar sites globally. It delves into the significance of wetlands and the designation of Ramsar sites across various countries, incorporating a concise exploration of the utilization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for wetland monitoring and assessment. Additionally, the study conducts a comparative evaluation of Ramsar sites, analyzing their percentage area and overall coverage worldwide. Incorporating a Scientometric analysis utilizing the Scopus database, the study features a co‐occurrence map, thematic map, thematic evolution trend, and country collaboration map. Emphasizing the interconnection between wetlands and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG13 (Climate‐Action), SDG14 (Life Below Water) and SDG15 (Life on Land), the study delves into associated targets and indicators. Targets such as 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6a, 6b of SDG‐6, 12.1, 12.2, 12.4 of SDG‐12, and 13.2, 13.3 of SDG‐13 align with wetland management and conservation. Moreover, it affirms the role of wetlands in supporting targets 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14a‐c of SDG‐14, and 15.1, 15.5, 15.6, 15.7, 15.8, and 15.8 of SDG‐15. Policies, regulations and management plans of different countries relevant for supporting and establishing relationship with SDGs are discussed in details. The study offers a detailed exploration of these targets, elucidating indicator types associated with each SDG target. By doing so, it provides valuable insights for future researchers and policymakers, underlining the indispensable contribution of wetlands to the direct and indirect fulfillment of SDGs 6,12,13,14,15 and 17.

Vegetation discrimination based on chlorophyll prediction in Marshy wetland using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

“…The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar Convention, 1971) is the first worldwide nature protection pact (Matthews, 1993). Wetlands contribute to the SDGs and link to them directly and indirectly; thus, the role of wetlands in supporting targets 14.1,14.2,14.3,14.4,14.5,14.6,15.5,15.6,15.7,15.8,and 15.8 of SDG-15 are important (Mohanty et al, 2024). Despite Ramsar's outstanding accomplishments, the challenges to the health and survival of many of the world's wetlands have not either remained the same or decreased since 1971.…”