It gives me immense pleasure to note that the "World Wetlands Day” is being observed on 2nd February, 2024 in A&N Islands along with the Country and the world on the theme "Wetlands and Human Well being". This theme emphasizes the critical role that wetlands play in ensuring our well-being by providing various ecological and economical services. Celebration of World Wetlands Day helps us to focus our attention to the urgent need to reverse the accelerating loss of wetlands and promote their conservation and restoration.

Wetlands are essential, biodiverse ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and plant and animal life. Wetlands are known as the Earth's kidneys because they function as filters, absorbing pesticides and chemicals and removing harmful waste from water. Wetlands are vital for the survival of human, countless species of plants and animals. Wetlands may be saltwater or freshwater, inland or coastal, natural or human-made, permanent or temporary, static or flowing. Currently, wetlands cover about 6% of the Earth's land surface. It supports tourism, fisheries, agriculture, other economic activities and helps in water purification, flood control, and in climate change mitigation.

Sincere and dedicated efforts and actions are needed to prevent the loss and to restore wetlands for safeguarding the natural treasures for generations to come. Therefore, on this day, I appeal to all the nature loving Citizens of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to join hands and take all concerted initiatives for conserving and restoring the Wetlands for our well being in these enchanting Islands.

Admiral D K Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lieutenant Governor, A & N Islands

& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency