Ramsar Wetland Sites of India

Ramsar Wetland Site of India: Ramsar sites are important for climate and wildlife conservation, and protect unique species. These sites have different types of climate, life practices, and biodiversity resources. There are many Ramsar sites in India which are of special importance. In this article you will sites We will understand the facts related to it in depth.

Ramsar Wetland Site of India

Ramsar sites in India are sites of special importance and are of international importance. These sites are approved and protected by the Government of India under the section of international importance. Ramsar sites are important for climate and wildlife conservation, and protect unique species.

One of the Ramsar wetland sites of India is Chilka Lake located in the state of Orissa. This lake is the largest freshwater receiving lake in India and is also called 'Chilka Lake Empire'. It is a large saline lake that is separated from the sea and by dams. The area around Chilika Lake is a major center of wildlife conservation and various species of birds, marine cultures, and other natural resources are conserved here. There are many bird sanctuaries near Chilka Lake which are known for their variety of stimuli.

What is Ramsar Wetland Site?

• Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and associated plant and animal life. They occur where the water table is at or near the land surface, or where the land is covered with water.
• The Ramsar Convention's definition for wetlands includes: “Marshes, fens, peatlands or areas of water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with stagnant or flowing water, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of sea water depth. Which, at low tide, does not exceed six metres.
• Fish ponds, rice fields and salt ponds are man-made wetlands.

Latest update on Ramsar Wetland sites of India

Recently the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that on the eve of World Wetlands Day 2024, India has designated five wetlands as Ramsar sites, increasing the number from the current 75 to 80.

• Three of these sites, the Aksamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, the Aghanashini Estuary and the Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve Forest, are located in the forest, while two, the Karevetti Bird Conservation Reserve and the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, are located in the forest.
• The highest number of Ramsar sites (16 sites) are in TAG, followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).

What is Ramsar Convention?

It is an intergovernmental treaty, which was adopted on February 2, 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. In India, it was implemented on February 1, 1982, under which wetlands of international importance were declared as Ramsar sites.

The mission of the Convention is “to conserve and wisely use all wetlands, through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution to achieving sustainable development throughout the world.”

World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day (WWD) is observed every year on 2 February. This day has been chosen because the Ramsar Convention was established on 2 February 1971, which is known for giving approval to conserve aquatic natural sites of international importance. The theme of World Wetlands Day-2024 is 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing' which underlines the important role of wetlands in improving our lives. It highlights how wetlands provide flood protection, clean water and biodiversity, which are essential for the health and prosperity of mankind.

List of Ramsar Wetland Sites of India

A Ramsar site is a wetland site that has international recognition under the Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands. It is an international treaty established by UNESCO for the conservation and sustainable use of Ramsar sites. It is effective since 1975. The Ramsar Convention is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was held in 1971. Ramsar site designation assists in the conservation and management of wetlands as well as the rational use of their resources.

Features of Ramsar sites in India

The Ramsar Convention believes in preventing the universal loss of wetlands and conserving them through judicious use and administration of those that remain. Behind all this are international cooperation, policy-making, capacity building and technology transfer.

• The inclusion of the Ramsar site in the list symbolizes the government's assurance of taking necessary steps to maintain its environmental nature;
• There are nine criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance, particularly those that provide waterfowl habitat.

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