Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently submitted proposals for Wetland City Accreditation under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands for Indore, Bhopal and Udaipur.

About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA):

• WCA was introduced by the Ramsar Convention after 172 Contracting Parties unanimously agreed to prioritize the conservation and wise utilization of wetlands within their territories.
• It was approved during COP12 held in 2015 as a voluntary accreditation scheme to recognize natural or human-made wetlands in urban and peri-urban environments.
• This would showcase commitment to environmental sustainability and strengthen a positive relationship with these valuable ecosystems.
• The first three Indian cities’ nominations were submitted for WCA based on the proposals received from respective State Wetlands Authorities and Municipal Corporations.
• The wetlands situated in and around these cities are crucial for flood regulation, livelihood opportunities, and recreational and cultural values.
• WCA will generate public awareness about conservation of wetlands and help in the implementation of Amrit Dharohar across the country.

Nominated Indian cities:

1. Indore:

• Founded by the Holkars, Indore is the cleanest city in India and the recipient of India’s Smart City Award 2023 for its best sanitation, water and urban environment.
• Important wetland: Sirpur Lake is a Ramsar Site recognised for water bird congregation and is being developed as a Bird Sanctuary.
• A strong network of more than 200 wetland mitras is engaged in bird conservation and sensitising local community to protect the Sarus Crane.

2.  Bhopal:

• One of the cleanest cities in India that has proposed conservation zones around the wetlands in its draft City Development Plan 2031.
• Important wetland: Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar Site is the city’s lifeline, equipped with the world-class wetlands interpretation centre, Jal Tarang and a Lake Conservation Cell. 
• More than 300 wetland mitras are engaged in wetland management and conservation of vulnerable Sarus Crane.

3. Udaipur:

• The Lake City of Rajasthan is surrounded by five major wetlands that help maintain the microclimate, provide a buffer from extreme events and highlight culture and identity.
• Important Wetlands: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.

Ref: Source