0
Introduction
The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It came into force in 1975. The primary aim of the convention is the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, regional, and national actions and international cooperation.
The day of its adoption, 2 February, is celebrated annually as World Wetlands Day.
Objectives
The Ramsar Convention seeks to:
•Conserve wetlands as ecosystems essential for biodiversity, water purification, flood control, and climate regulation.
•Promote the “wise use” of wetlands, meaning sustainable utilization that maintains their ecological character.
•Foster international cooperation in wetland conservation and management, especially for transboundary wetlands and migratory species.
Key Features
1.Definition of Wetlands:
The convention defines wetlands broadly, including areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water—natural or artificial, permanent or temporary—with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt, including areas of marine water up to six meters in depth.
2.Three Pillars of the Convention:
•Wise Use: Maintain ecological character through sustainable practices.
•List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites): Nations nominate wetlands meeting specific criteria.
•International Cooperation: For shared wetlands and migratory species.
3.Ramsar List (Ramsar Sites):
Each contracting party designates at least one wetland for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance, commonly called Ramsar Sites.
4.Montreux Record:
It is a register of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human interference. It helps prioritize conservation action.
5.Administration:
•Secretariat: Located in Gland, Switzerland, administered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
•Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP): The main decision-making body.
•Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP): Provides expert guidance.
Ramsar Convention and India
•India signed the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
•Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
•As of 2025, India has 80 Ramsar Sites, the highest number in Asia, covering around 13.3 lakh hectares.
•The first Ramsar sites in India were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), both designated in 1981.
Examples of Important Ramsar Sites in India
•Chilika Lake (Odisha): Largest brackish water lagoon; supports Irrawaddy dolphins.
•Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan): UNESCO World Heritage Site and important bird habitat.
•Loktak Lake (Manipur): Known for floating ‘phumdis’; home to Sangai deer.
•Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal): Largest mangrove ecosystem.
•Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan): Largest inland saltwater lake.
•Ropar Wetland (Punjab): Man-made freshwater and biodiversity hotspot.
Significance
•Wetlands are crucial for ecological balance, groundwater recharge, flood mitigation, and livelihood support.
•Ramsar provides international recognition and conservation support for these sites.
•Encourages community participation and awareness for sustainable wetland use.
•Contributes to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration and adaptation measures.
Challenges
•Encroachment and land-use change reducing wetland area.
•Pollution from agriculture, industries, and urban waste.
•Unsustainable tourism and infrastructure development.
•Climate change impacts, leading to altered hydrological regimes.
•Weak enforcement of conservation policies and inadequate monitoring.
Indian Initiatives
•National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): Merged scheme for conservation of wetlands and lakes.
•Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Provides legal framework for wetland protection.
•National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA): Mapping and data collection by ISRO.
•Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023): Promotes eco-tourism and sustainable livelihood in Ramsar sites.
Conclusion
The Ramsar Convention remains the cornerstone of global wetland conservation efforts. For India, with its rich diversity of wetlands, effective implementation of Ramsar principles is vital for ecological sustainability, water security, and community welfare. Strengthening governance, scientific monitoring, and local participation can ensure that wetlands continue to thrive as lifelines of biodiversity and human well-being.
In summary:
•Adopted: 1971 (Ramsar, Iran)
•Came into Force: 1975
•India Joined: 1982
•Global Sites: 2500+
- •India’s Ramsar Sites (2025): 92
