ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wetland ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining environmental sustainability for present and future generations. These ecosystems provide diverse functions that are essential for the well-being of local communities. From an economic perspective, wetlands hold significant value, encompassing both use and non-use aspects. The utilization of wetlands is associated with a wide range of direct and indirect benefits. Direct benefits include tangible uses such as food production, tourism, and water supply, while indirect benefits encompass vital services like flood mitigation and groundwater replenishment. Additionally, wetlands support a rich biodiversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species, further enhancing their ecological importance.
However, wetlands face numerous challenges on a global scale. These challenges include the reduction of wetland areas, pollution resulting from industrialization, and a lack of awareness among local populations regarding the value of wetlands, ultimately contributing to their degradation. In the specific context of Basai Wetland located in Gurugram, there is a dearth of research on the economic valuation of this wetland, thus providing a compelling motivation for its investigation.
