Ramsar Convention

Ramsar convention refers to the conservation of wetlands. In this article, you will learn definition, types, list of Ramsar sites in India, etc.

This article will provide key insights for GS Paper-III of Environment and Ecology UPSC IAS Exam.

Table of Content

• What is Ramsar site?
• What is Ramsar convention on wetlands?
• Types of Ramsar convention
• Provisions of Ramsar convention 1971
• Ramsar wetlands in India
• Ramsar sites in India map
• Criteria for Ramsar site
• What is Montreux Record?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ramsar site?

• A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

What is Ramsar convention on wetlands?

• Ramsar convention is an international convention for the preservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
• The Ramsar convention year was 1971.
• The Ramsar convention was held in Ramsar city of Iran.
• The Ramsar convention came into effect in 1975.
  • The Ramsar Convention in India was adopted in 1981.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) looks after the implementation of the Ramsar Convention.
• The secretariat of Ramsar convention is the Ramsar Bureau, located in Gland, Switzerland.
• The Ramsar Convention aims to halt the decline of wetlands and ensure the conservation of the diverse flora, fauna, and ecological processes associated with them.
• The Ramsar listed wetlands receives funds from the Ramsar Small Grants Fund (SGF), established in 1990.
• The world wetlands day Ramsar is celebrated on Feb 2 each year.

Types of Ramsar convention:

• Marine/coastal wetlands: Rocky marine shores, Karst, Estuarine, Lagoon etc.
• Inland wetlands: Marshes, Lakes, alkaline waters etc.
• Human-made wetlands: Aquaculture ponds, Irrigated land, Excavations etc.

Provisions of Ramsar convention 1971:

• The responsibilities of participating nations have to:
  • Identify one or more wetlands to be included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance.
  • Encourage responsible utilization of wetlands, including mangrove ecosystems.
  • Promote wetland conservation through the establishment of nature reserves.
  • Manage and preserve of wetlands, regardless of their listing under the Convention, for the well-being of waterfowl (the only convention).
  • Promote training programs related to wetland research, management, and protection.
  • Collaborate with other nations regarding the implementation of the convention, particularly for transboundary wetlands, shared water systems, shared species, and the development of wetland projects.
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Ramsar wetlands in India:

• Total Ramsar sites in India 2022- 75.
• The recent Ramsar sites in India are– Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary Haryana, Sultanpur National Park Haryana, Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat, and Wadhvana Wetland Gujarat.
• Man made Ramsar sites in India: Thol Lake, Wadhvana Wetland, Bhoj Wetland, Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur wetland, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Koonthankulam biosphere reserve, Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Vaduvur biosphere reserve, Vembannur Wetland Complex.

75 Ramsar sites in India:

Ramsar sites in India map:

Criteria for Ramsar site:

• It possesses a rare or exceptional example of a natural or nearly natural wetland type found within the appropriate biogeographic region.
• It supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
• It sustains populations of plant and/or animal species crucial for preserving the biodiversity of a specific biogeographic region.
• It aids plant and/or animal species at a critical stage of their life cycles or serves as a sanctuary during unfavorable conditions.
• It consistently supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.
• It consistently supports 1% of the individuals in a population of a specific species or subspecies of waterbird.
• It supports a substantial portion of indigenous fish subspecies, species, or families, including at their different life stages, species interactions, and populations that benefits the wetlands, thereby contributing to global biological diversity.
• It serves as an important food source, spawning ground, nursery, and/or migration route that fish stocks, either within the wetland or beyond.
• It consistently supports 1% of the individuals in a population of a specific species or subspecies of non-avian animal species dependent on wetlands.

What is Montreux Record?

• The Montreux Record serves as a registry for wetland locations listed under the Ramsar Convention that have experienced or currently experiencing, or are expected to experience alterations in their ecological attributes due to human activities such as technological advancements, pollution, or other forms of interference.
• It acts as a voluntary tool to draw attention to specific wetlands of global significance that are confronting or can confront challenges in the near future.
• The Montreux Record is an integral component of List of Ramsar wetlands of international importance.
• The Montreux Record was established in 1990 but it was adopted by the Conference of Contracting parties in Brisbane in 1996.

Conclusion

The Ramsar Convention deals with the collective action in safeguarding these crucial wetland ecosystems. The Montreux Record plays a crucial role in raising awareness and addressing the environmental concerns faced by wetlands of international importance.

Ref: Source-1

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)