Protecting wetlands for future generations: A comprehensive approach to the water-climate-society nexus in South Asia

Abstract

Wetlands are vital components of the Water-Climate-Society (WCS) Nexus, providing essential hydrological functions, regulating climate variability, and supporting millions of people. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate change threaten their sustainability. This study examines the interconnections between water availability, climate variability, and societal dependencies across 89 Ramsar wetlands in six South Asian countries using an integrated geospatial and statistical approach. The study integrated analysis of high-resolution land use data, ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020) for temperature and precipitation trends, and systematic assessment of ecosystem services and threats based on Ramsar site descriptions. By analyzing climate trends, land-use patterns (2020), and population dynamics (2020), we assess the linkages between climate-driven wetland changes and human pressures. Results indicate that 89.3 % of wetlands exhibit rising temperatures, with precipitation trends showing spatial variability, affecting wetland hydrology and ecosystem stability. Simultaneously, over 79 % of wetlands provide essential provisioning and regulating services, yet 73 % face degradation from biological resource use, and 58.4 % are impacted by urban expansion. Population analysis reveals a striking contrast, from sparsely inhabited wetlands to peri-urban sites supporting over 2.5 million people, intensifying resource conflicts over water access and wetland conservation. The expansion of croplands into wetland buffer zones further exacerbates competition for water resources, disrupting the delicate balance between ecological integrity and human needs. This study highlights that climate-induced changes in water availability directly influence wetland ecosystem resilience and societal well-being, emphasizing the need for integrated wetland management within the WCS framework. We recommend climate-adaptive policies, sustainable land-use regulations, and stakeholder-driven conservation initiatives to enhance the resilience of wetlands. © 2024