RAMSAR CONVENTION ON WETLANDS
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Why in News?
India’s resolution to the Ramsar Contracting Parties on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’, adopted at Ramsar CoP15 in ZimbabweAbout RAMSAR CoP 15:
- The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands concluded in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls Declaration: It underscores the need for political commitment, increased resource mobilisation, and investment in wetland management.
- Adoption of 13 Resolutions: The parties agreed to enhance flyway conservation for migratory birds, launch the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership, and safeguard species such as river dolphins.
- 5thRamsar Strategic Plan: Parties adopted the 5th Strategic Plan with 4 goals and 18 targets. The STRP (Scientific and Technical Review Panel) will monitor progress.
- Goal 1: Address and reverse wetland loss and degradation.
- Goal 2: Achieve the wise use of Wetlands through policy planning and inclusive participation.
- Goal 3: Conserve and Manage Wetlands of International Importance effectively.
- Goal 4: Enhance implementation of the Convention through scientific cooperation, capacity building, and raising money
India’s Resolution on the Wise Use of Wetlands
- India’s resolution on “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands” was successfully adopted on receiving support from all 172 countries at Ramsar COP15
- This resolution aligns with the ethos of India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative, which was introduced by the Indian Prime Minister at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021.
- The Resolution builds upon Resolution 6/8 on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles’ adopted at the Sixth UN Environment Assembly in March 2024.
Ramsar Convention:
- The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) is the only global environmental treaty dedicated to wetlands.
- The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971and came into force in 1975.
- Almost 90% of UN member states have acceded to become “Contracting Parties”.
- India became a partyto the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982.
RAMSAR Sites in India:
- At present, India has a total of 91 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia (recently added: Khichan and Menar, both in Rajasthan)
State / UT
No. of Sites
Ramsar Sites
Andhra Pradesh
1
Kolleru Lake
Assam
1
Deepor Beel
Bihar
3
Kanwar Lake, Nagi Bird Sanctuary, Nakti Lake
Goa
1
Nanda Lake
Gujarat
4
Khijadiya, Nalsarovar, Thol Lake, Wadhvana Wetland
Haryana
2
Sultanpur National Park, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Himachal Pradesh
3
Chandra Taal, Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Renuka Lake
Jammu & Kashmir
5
Hokersar Wetland, Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Shallabugh Wetland, Mansar-Surinsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Wular Lake
Jharkhand
1
Udhwa Lake
Karnataka
4
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve
Kerala
3
Ashtamudi Wetland, Sasthamkotta Lake, Vembanad-Kol Wetland
Ladakh
2
Tso Kar, Tsomoriri Lake
Madhya Pradesh
5
Bhoj Wetland, Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Lake, Yashwant Sagar, Tawa Reservoir
Maharashtra
3
Lonar Lake, Nandur Madhameshwar, Thane Creek
Manipur
1
Loktak Lake
Mizoram
1
Pala Wetland
Odisha
6
Ansupa Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Chilika Lake, Hirakud Reservoir, Satkosia Gorge, Tampara Lake
Punjab
6
Beas Conservation Reserve, Harike Wetland, Kanjli Wetland, Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Ropar Wetland
Rajasthan
4
Keoladeo National Park, Sambhar Lake, Khichan, Menar
Sikkim
1
Khecheopalri Wetland
Tamil Nadu
20
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Pallikarnai Marsh Reserve Forest, Pichavaram Mangrove, Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Vadavur Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Vembannur Wetland Complex, Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Tripura
1
Rudrasagar Lake
Uttar Pradesh
10
Bakhira Sanctuary, Haiderpur Wetland, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, Saman Bird Sanctuary, Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Sur Sarovar, Upper Ganga River
Uttarakhand
1
Asan Barrage
West Bengal
2
East Kolkata Wetlands, Sundarban Wetland
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