India has recently added 11 more Ramsar sites, internationally significant wetlands, taking the total to 75. Tamil Nadu tops the list with a maximum of 14 Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
Understanding Ramsar Sites
A Ramsar site is a designated wetland that holds international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ this is an intergovernmental environmental treaty established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1971. The convention gets its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was signed in that year.
India has previously recognized 10 new wetlands of international importance. These include Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Vembannur Wetland Complex, Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Satkosia Gorge, Nanda Lake, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, and Sirpur Wetland.
Recent Additions to the Ramsar List
Newly added Ramsar Sites in India are:
1. Tampara Lake in Odisha: A prominent freshwater lake providing a habitat for vulnerable species like Cyprinus carpio, common pochard, and river tern.
2. Hirakud Reservoir in Odisha: The largest earthen dam in Odisha, home to various fish species and known for moderating floods in the Mahanadi delta.
3. Ansupa Lake in Odisha: An oxbow lake formed by River Mahanadi that hosts threatened bird and fish species.
4. Yashwant Sagar in Madhya Pradesh: An Important Bird Area and one of the most significant birding sites in the Malwa region, known for being a stronghold for the vulnerable Sarus Crane.
5. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu: A protected area home to around 50 birds from 30 families.
6. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex in Tamil Nadu: Part of the Suchindrum-Theroor Manakudi Conservation Reserve, one of the most important flyway points for migratory birds in Central Asia.
7. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu: An irrigation tank providing a suitable environment for food, shelter, and breeding ground for migratory birds.
8. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu: A nesting site for several migratory heron species that roost in babul trees.
9. Thane Creek in Maharashtra: Declared as Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, it forms a part of the wetland complex of the Central Asian Flyway of birds.
10. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve in Jammu and Kashmir: A habitat for many resident and migratory bird species, besides providing myriad ecosystem services.
11. Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve in Jammu and Kashmir: Home to more than four lakh resident and migratory birds of at least 21 species.
The Significance of the ‘Montreux Record’ in Wetland Conservation
The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human activities. This implies that the wetland is under significant environmental stress due to pollution, technological developments, or other human interferences, demanding immediate conservation action. The Ramsar Convention, also operating as the framework for the Montreux Record, provides the guidelines for the conservation and wise use of these precious wetlands and their resources.
The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar and came into force in 1975. It plays a vital role in fostering global collaboration for wetland conservation.
Exploring the Concept of ‘Wise Use’ in Wetland Conservation
The Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ is fundamental to wetland conservation. It advocates for maintaining wetlands’ ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development. The conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands are crucial not only for the environment but also for human health and well-being.
Two examples of Ramsar sites from India include the Chilka Lake in Odisha, a hotspot for biodiversity, and the Ropar Wetland in Punjab, known for supporting the livelihoods of local communities while preserving its rich biological diversity.