Ramsar Convention


The Long term objective of Ramsar Convention is to conserve and sustainably use wetlands worldwide, recognizing their ecological, social, and economic importance. Countries that are party to the convention identify and designate Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), and develop policies and action plans for their conservation and wise use.

What does Ramsar Convention Exactly define?

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in Iran in 1971, it is an intergovernmental treaty which plans to provide and promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It came into force on 1975 and protocols were adopted by 1982. At present there are 170 countries that are members of this agreement and more 2400 sites that are recognised as Wetlands of International Importance.

The period when this treaty was in its initial phase and was being developed, there was a lot of climate and environmental awareness campaigns that had started. It was realised that wetlands play a very crucial role in the environment with their rich flora and fauna, globally they cover 6% i.e., 2.5 million square kilometres of the total landmass of the planet but more than 40% of life is dependent on their survival.

Aim of the Treaty

It is the only international agreement that prevents the signatory nations from irresponsibly exploiting their natural resources for personal gain. It is concerned with the wetlands, which are the most threatened group of habitats. Shallow open waters - lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastal fringes - and any land that is covered or saturated by water on a regular or intermittent basis - marshes, bogs, swamps, flood plains, and so on - are examples.

Need of the Convention

Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, but they are also one of the most threatened. They are often drained or filled for agricultural or urban development, or degraded by pollution or other human activities, which led to a significant loss of wetland habitats and biodiversity worldwide.

Mechanisms Introduced

  • Designation of Wetlands of International Importance − Countries that are party to the convention are encouraged to identify wetlands within their territory that meet certain criteria for biodiversity or other values, and to designate them as Wetlands of International Importance (also known as Ramsar Sites). These sites are recognized as important for the conservation of wetland biodiversity and are afforded special protection.

  • National Wetland Policies and Action Plans − The convention encourages countries to develop national policies and action plans for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. These plans should identify priority areas for wetland conservation, set targets for their management, and outline the measures needed to achieve these targets.

  • International Cooperation − The convention encourages countries to cooperate with each other in the conservation and wise use of wetlands, particularly those that cross international boundaries. This can include sharing information and expertise, developing joint management plans, and coordinating research and monitoring.

Ramsar Convention and India

India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has designated 42 wetlands as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) under the convention.

The first Ramsar Site in India was the Chilika Lake in Odisha, which was designated in 1981. Since then, India has designated a range of wetlands as Ramsar Sites, including lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, and high-altitude wetlands.

The Ramsar Sites in India include iconic wetlands such as the Sunderbans in West Bengal, Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, and the Loktak Lake in Manipur. These wetlands are important for a range of ecological, cultural, and economic reasons. For example, the Sunderbans is home to the world's largest mangrove forest and supports a unique ecosystem with a wide range of plant and animal species. The Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and provides important habitat for several endangered species of birds and fish, as well as supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

The convention recognizes the importance of involving local communities and indigenous peoples in wetland conservation and management, which is crucial for the long-term sustainability of wetland ecosystems.

Steps taken by Indian Government

Countries that are members of the Convention need to implements certain measure to protect and conserve their wetlands, following the measure introduced by Indian government −

  • Development of National Wetland Conservation and Management Program to conserve and manage wetlands across the country.

  • Formation of State Wetland Authorities to oversee the management of wetlands at state level.

  • Launch of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems to restore and conserve wetlands, rivers and lakes in the country.

  • Establishment of the National Institute of Wetland Research and Training (NIWRT) to promote research and capacity building in wetland conservation and management.

  • Involvement of local communities and stakeholders in the conservation and management of wetlands to ensure their sustainable use and long-term protection.

  • Implementation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 to regulate activities in and around wetlands and protect them from degradation.

Conclusion

India has also developed a National Wetland Conservation and Management Program, which aims to conserve and manage wetlands across the country. The program includes a range of measures such as mapping and monitoring of wetlands, promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and raising awareness about the importance of wetlands.

However, wetlands in India continue to face significant threats from human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Climate change is also exacerbating the challenges faced by wetlands in India, such as changing rainfall patterns and sea-level rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a Ramsar Site?

Ans. A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention as a Wetland of International Importance. These sites are recognized as critical for the conservation of wetland biodiversity and are afforded special protection.

Q2. What is the process for designating a Ramsar Site?

Ans. The process for designating a Ramsar Site involves identifying a wetland that meets the Ramsar criteria for biodiversity or other values, and submitting a nomination to the Ramsar Secretariat. The nomination should include information on the ecological, social, and economic importance of the wetland, as well as its management and conservation need. Once a site is designated as a Ramsar Site, the country must commit to the conservation and wise use of the wetland, and report on its status and management every three years.

Q3. What are the benefits of participating in the Ramsar Convention?

Ans. Participating in the Ramsar Convention provides several benefits, including access to international funding and technical assistance for wetland conservation and management, sharing of knowledge and best practices with other countries, and increased recognition of the ecological, social, and economic value of wetlands. Additionally, designation of wetlands as Ramsar Sites can lead to increased tourism and economic opportunities for local communities.

Updated on: 04-Apr-2023

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