They warned that upstream diversion of water courses also put an extra pressure on the poverty situation and livelihood here besides creating economic, social and environmental stresses.

"The government should take urgent steps to protect wetlands, which is the most precious natural resource of the country, for huge biological diversity," said Dr Mohammad Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) at a seminar titled "Wetlands for Poverty Alleviation and Livelihood."

The World Water Forum of Journalists (WWFJ) and Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) organised the seminar to mark the World Wetlands Day at FEJB conference room in the city.

Presided over by WWFJ Secretary General and FEJB Chairman Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, CARDMA president Hasna J Moudud, Bangladesh Television Director General AKM Hanif, Hasib M Irfanullah of IUCN and News Today city editor Badiul Alam among others addressed the seminar.

"In Bangladesh, wetlands, which are immense resource of biological diversity, have been turning to wastelands by encroachments and unsustainable use," Professor Mujib Rahman warned.

Hasna Moudud said that the wetlands, which work as a life support system for the people of the country and it's nature, must be protected.