Resilience in wetland conservation: A review on comparative study of high-altitude and low-altitude wetlands in India

India is home to a wide variety of natural and manmade wetlands. They are of utmost significance, providing multiple functions, including ecosystem services, which are essential for sustaining local communities. India has undertaken several efforts to conserve, protect, manage, and restore its wetlands. However, owing to anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors, India’s natural wetlands are under severe environmental stress and are declining steadily. This study undertakes a comparative assessment of the high-altitude and low-altitude wetlands of India, elucidating the similarities and differences they face in terms of threats and management challenges. Characterized by cold, dry alpine climate and extreme temperature variations, high-altitude wetlands are mostly comprised of Himalayan lakes situated 3,000 m above mean sea level. They are sensitive to climate change, possess unique biodiversity, and serve as water regulators of major Himalayan rivers. Low-altitude wetlands are typically located 1000 m below mean sea level and are found in the floodplains of major river systems, coasts, and in arid and semi-arid regions. These densely populated regions support the livelihoods of millions of people. Drawing lessons from this comparative study, the paper further emphasizes the relevance of an integrated social resilience perspective, suggesting the need to move beyond the nature-society divide. It aims to inform policy guidelines for efficient wetland management, arguing that conservation, which prioritises preservation, protection, and restoration alone, fails to achieve the objectives. A social resilience perspective recognizing the interconnectedness of nature and society, and their adaptive capacities can strengthen institutions managing natural resources. This approach ensures sustainability, representing the way forward.