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The anthropogenic destruction of wetlands: exploring the need for a legal framework against Wetcide
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DOI：10.1139/er-2025-0111.png)
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Abstract
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Wetlands are essential ecosystems offering ecological, social, and economic benefits, but they face severe threats from human activities, resulting in substantial loss and degradation. This study examined human-induced wetland destruction across India's 85 Ramsar sites, with two primary objectives: (1) to review wetland loss and identify key drivers, including urbanization, agriculture, and industrial development; and (2) to review the ecological consequences, such as biodiversity decline and disruption of ecosystem services like water quality and habitat integrity. Using a systematic literature review, the study introduced the novel term Wetcide, defined as the intentional or negligent destruction of wetlands through human actions such as encroachment, pollution, and mismanagement. Modelled after Ecocide, a concept under consideration for legal recognition by the International Criminal Court, Wetcide emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge and address human threats to wetlands. By formally defining the term, the study highlighted its potential to foster interdisciplinary research and guide global conservation policies. The findings underscore the link between human activities and ecological health, advocating sustainable practices and strong legal frameworks to mitigate wetland loss and safeguard their critical functions for future generations. This research contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 6, 11, 13, 15, and 16, by addressing water ecosystems, climate resilience, sustainable urbanization, biodiversity conservation, and institutional capacity building.
Keywords:
wetlands
Ramsar sites
ecological degradation
anthropogenic destruction
Wetcide
SDGs
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5.1
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100
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3.5K
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