Why in the News?
Delegates from 172 countries convened in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, for the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Highlights of Ramsar COP15
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About the Ramsar Convention:
- Adopted on: 2 February 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
- Objective: Conserve and ensure the wise use of wetlands globally.
- Key Functions:
- Identify wetlands of international importance.
- Promote sustainable management practices.
- Foster international cooperation in wetland conservation.
- Governing Body:
- Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) meets every 3 years.
- Reviews implementation, adopts site designations, budgets, and policy actions.
- Includes member + non-member states, IGOs, and NGOs as observers.
Criteria for Ramsar Site Designation:
A wetland must meet at least one of the following 9 criteria:
- Unique or rare wetland type.
- Habitat for endangered, vulnerable, or endemic species.
- Crucial for migratory waterbirds.
- High ecological, hydrological, or biodiversity value.
- Supports ecosystem services (e.g., flood control, water purification).
- Provides cultural or spiritual value.
- Serves sustainable community livelihoods.
- Holds scientific or educational importance.
- Requires global cooperation due to threats.
India and the Ramsar Convention:
- Joined on: 1 February 1982.
- First Ramsar Site: Chilika Lake (Odisha), 1981.
- As of July 2025:
- Total sites: 91
- Total area: ~13.58 lakh hectares
- % of India’s wetland area under Ramsar: ~10%
- Top States: Tamil Nadu: 20 sites (highest); Uttar Pradesh: 10 sites
- Note: India has never chaired a Ramsar COP session.
Global Snapshot and Other Facts:
- Total Members: 171 countries.
- Leading Countries:
- United Kingdom: 175 sites (most)
- Mexico: 142 sites
- Bolivia: Largest area (~1.48 lakh sq. km under protection)
- World Wetlands Day: Celebrated on 2 February annually.
- Montreux Record: Register for Ramsar sites under serious threat needing urgent conservation.
| [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India. 2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention. 3. These Rules also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority. Which of the statements given above is / are correct? Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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