Why in the News?

India has added two new wetlands—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both located in Rajasthan—to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. With these additions, India’s total number of Ramsar sites has reached 91.

About the Ramsar Convention:

• It is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• It was established on February 2, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
• The convention focuses on:
  • Identifying and designating wetlands of global importance.
  • Ensuring effective management of these wetlands.
  • Promoting international cooperation for wetland protection.

• India and the Ramsar Convention:

• • India became a signatory in 1982.
  • The first Site in India was Chilika Lake in Odisha, designated in 1981.
  • As of now, India has 91 Ramsar sites, covering around 13.58 lakh hectares.
  • Wetlands listed under Ramsar make up about 10% of India’s total wetland area.
  • Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

9 Criteria for Declaring Ramsar Sites:

A wetland can be declared a Ramsar Site by a signatory country if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. It has unique, rare, or representative wetland types.
2. It supports vulnerable, endangered, or endemic species.
3. It is a habitat for waterfowl, especially during migration.
4. It holds significant ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological features.
5. It supports scientific research and promotes biodiversity conservation.
6. It provides ecosystem services like flood control, water purification, and groundwater recharge.
7. It has cultural, spiritual, or recreational value.
8. It supports sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
9. It faces threats requiring international cooperation for conservation.

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