Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Why it Matters?
India showcased its global leadership in wetlands conservation at Ramsar COP15 in Zimbabwe, emphasizing sustainable lifestyles and community-led action.
What You Should Know?
The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
It defines wetlands of international importance, also known as Ramsar sites, based on ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological significance.
Ramsar sites are selected if they support plant/animal species at critical life stages or serve as refuges during adverse conditions.
Wetlands’ ability to support fishes and migratory waterbirds is a key criterion for Ramsar designation.
The Ramsar Convention has 172 signatory countries, each committed to creating wetland reserves and promoting their wise use.
India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
India’s first Ramsar sites were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
India has 91 Ramsar sites, covering 1.36 million hectares, the largest network in Asia, and the third largest globally.
India expanded Ramsar sites by 250% in the past decade.
Indore and Udaipur became the first two Indian cities to be accredited as “Wetland Cities” under the Ramsar Convention.
Global organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) support Ramsar implementation.