India's resolution on promoting sustainable lifestyles for the wise use of wetlands has been adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This resolution signifies global recognition of India's concept of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The resolution received support from all 172 Ramsar Convention member countries, six international organizations, and other observers.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav expressed his gratitude on X, noting the overwhelming support for India's resolution. The international convention on wetlands, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across member countries.

The adoption of this resolution indicates that member countries acknowledge the significant role of individual and societal choices in wetlands conservation and are committed to working towards a pro-planet lifestyle within their national contexts. The Ministry of Environment stated that this resolution is an important step towards a 'whole of society' approach for addressing wetlands conservation in today's world.

India's resolution urges voluntary action to integrate sustainable lifestyles-based interventions in wetland management plans, programs, and investments at all levels. It also emphasizes creating enabling conditions by fostering public and private collaboration and pursuing education and awareness-raising initiatives to enhance the wise use of wetlands.

During his address at the high-level segment of COP15 on July 24, 2025, Yadav stressed the importance of integrating sustainable lifestyles into national policies for the wise use of wetlands. He highlighted India's people-led conservation efforts and achievements on the global stage. He also noted that wetlands are an essential part of India's environmental strategy, integrated into national biodiversity strategy, national wildlife action plan, and initiatives related to water resources, urban development, and climate change.

Yadav conveyed India's message of 'Oneness with Nature' and integrating sustainable lifestyles for effective wetland management. He emphasized that India's conservation approach is rooted in its civilizational values and the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), as consistently emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He believes that meaningful conservation can only be achieved by uniting stakeholders at all levels, and India's “Save Wetlands” campaign has successfully mobilized public participation on a massive scale.

India has been actively involved in wetland conservation, as demonstrated by its 91 Ramsar Sites, the highest number in Asia and the third-highest globally. Over the past decade, India has expanded this network by 250%. For the first time, two Indian cities, Udaipur and Indore, have been accredited as wetland cities, showcasing India's commitment to urban wetlands.

India has showcased its wetland conservation model at COP15, highlighting the rejuvenation of over 68,827 small wetlands through public participation and technological interventions, including advanced GIS-based mapping, under dedicated schemes in just one year. 'Mission Sahbhagita', launched in 2022 to promote an “all of society” approach to wetlands conservation, and the 'Amrit Sarovar' scheme, launched to rejuvenate and develop 50,000 small wetlands, were also highlighted.

India's 'Mission Sahbhagita' has mobilized over 2 million citizens in wetland conservation activities, supporting the ground-truthing of over 170,000 wetlands and the boundary demarcation of nearly 100,000 wetlands across the country. The country is also mapping wetlands using advanced satellite imaging techniques, covering wetlands of up to 0.1 hectares, and conducting physical boundary delineation for inventory-targeted conservation and management.

India's commitment to wetland conservation is also reflected in the Articles 48A and 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which entrust the responsibility of protecting the environment, forests, and wildlife to both the state and citizens. Through initiatives like the Prime Minister's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and Mission LiFE, India has integrated sustainable lifestyles and community participation into environmental policy.