1. Overview of the Ramsar Convention
- Adoption: Signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
- Governing Body: Administered by UNESCO, though it operates as an independent intergovernmental treaty.
- Purpose: Framework for the conservation and “wise use” of wetlands and their resources through local, national, and international cooperation.
- Scope: As of 2024, there are 171 contracting parties, with over 2,400 Ramsar Sites globally, covering more than 2.5 million sq. km.
2. Key Objectives
- Conservation: Protect wetlands of international importance.
- Wise Use: Ensure sustainable utilization of wetland resources.
- International Cooperation: Promote transboundary collaboration for wetland management.
3. Criteria for Ramsar Site Designation
A wetland must meet at least 1 of 9 criteria, such as:
- Supports 20,000+ waterbirds regularly.
- Harbors vulnerable or endangered species (e.g., Ganges River Dolphin in India’s Sundarban Ramsar Site).
- Represents a significant example of a natural wetland type (e.g., high-altitude wetlands like Tso Kar in Ladakh).
- Supports fish populations critical for regional fisheries.
4. India’s Ramsar Sites
- Ratification: Joined the Convention in 1982; first site declared in 1981 (Chilika Lake, Odisha).
- Current Status: 80 Ramsar Sites (as of 2024), covering 1.33 million hectares.
- State-wise Distribution:
- Tamil Nadu: Leads with 16 sites, including Pallikaranai Marsh (Chennai) and Point Calimere.
- Uttar Pradesh: 10 sites, including Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) and Bakhira Sanctuary.
- Punjab: 6 sites, including Harike Wetland and Keshopur-Miani.
- Notable Additions (2024): Five new sites added, such as Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka) and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).
5. Ecological and Socioeconomic Importance of Wetlands
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to migratory birds (e.g., Siberian cranes), mangroves, and endemic species.
- Ecosystem Services:
- Flood Control: Wetlands like Loktak Lake (Manipur) absorb excess rainfall.
- Carbon Sinks: Peatlands store 30% of global soil carbon.
- Livelihoods: Support fisheries (e.g., Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Kerala) and tourism.
- Cultural Value: Sacred sites like Rudrasagar Lake (Tripura) linked to local traditions.
6. Threats to Wetlands
- Urbanization: Encroachment and pollution (e.g., Bellandur Lake, Bengaluru).
- Agriculture: Over-extraction of water and chemical runoff.
- Climate Change: Altered hydrological cycles and sea-level rise (e.g., threats to Sundarbans).
- Industrialization: Thermal power plants near wetlands like Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh).
7. Conservation Efforts in India
- Legal Framework:
- Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017: Regulates activities within wetlands.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): Funds state-level projects.
- Community Initiatives:
- ‘Mangrove Cell’ in Maharashtra promotes restoration.
- Loktak Lake Patrol Boats combat illegal fishing.
- Global Collaboration: Partnerships with organizations like WWF and Ramsar Secretariat for capacity building.
8. Global Context and India’s Role
- Global Significance: Ramsar Sites cover 13% of the world’s wetland area, critical for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 13, 14, 15).
- India’s Leadership:
- Hosts 80 Ramsar Sites, the highest in South Asia.
- Spearheads regional initiatives like the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership for migratory birds.
- Challenges: Balancing development with wetland conservation; addressing gaps in enforcement and funding.
9. Recent Developments and Future Outlook
- New Additions: India aims to designate 75+ wetlands by 2024–25 as part of its 75th Independence Day commitments.
- Technological Integration: Use of GIS mapping and AI for monitoring wetland health.
- Public Awareness: Campaigns like ‘Save Wetlands, Save Life’ engage citizens in conservation.
Conclusion
The Ramsar Convention underscores the global imperative to protect wetlands—ecosystems vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and human survival. India’s expansion to 80 Ramsar Sites reflects its commitment to ecological stewardship, though challenges like urbanization and climate change demand sustained action. By integrating traditional knowledge, policy innovation, and community participation, India can model wetland conservation for the world, ensuring these “kidneys of the earth” thrive for future generations.