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What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands that have been designated as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, and it aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands around the world.

 

The Convention defines wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres."

 

Why are Ramsar Sites important?

Wetlands provide a wide range of ecosystem services, such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, flood control, and biodiversity conservation. They are also important for human well-being, providing resources such as food, water, and recreation opportunities. However, wetlands are under threat from activities such as drainage, conversion to agriculture or urban development, pollution, and overuse.

 

By designating wetlands as Ramsar Sites, countries commit to conserving and protecting these important ecosystems. Ramsar Sites are expected to be managed in a sustainable way, with the aim of maintaining their ecological character and ensuring that their ecosystem services are available both now and in the future.

 

What are the criteria for Ramsar Site designation?

To be designated as a Ramsar Site, a wetland must meet at least one of nine criteria. These criteria are:

1. A wetland containing a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type;
2. A wetland of international importance for conserving biological diversity;
3. A wetland of international importance for waterfowl habitat;
4. A wetland of international importance for the conservation of threatened species;
5. A wetland of international importance for the conservation of wetland-dependent migratory species;
6. A wetland of international importance for the conservation of globally significant ecological processes;
7. A wetland that is important for maintaining the genetic diversity of a particular ecosystem;
8. A wetland that is important for maintaining the traditional cultural values of a particular community; or
9. A wetland that is important for providing social or economic benefits to local communities.

 

How many Ramsar Sites are there, and where are they located?

As of August 2023, there are 2,471 Ramsar Sites in 171 countries around the world, covering a total area of over 255 million hectares. The sites vary greatly in size, from small ponds to vast river deltas, and they are located in a wide range of ecosystems, from deserts to mountains to tropical rainforests.

 

Some well-known Ramsar Sites include the Pantanal in Brazil, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Sundarbans in Bangladesh and India, and the Everglades in the United States.

 

How many Ramsar Sites in India in 2023?

As of February 2023, there are 54 Ramsar Sites located in India. Here are the top 20 Ramsar Sites in India, along with their location and characteristics:

 

1. Chilika Lake - Located in the state of Odisha, it is the largest brackish water lake in India and home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and sandpipers.
2. Keoladeo National Park - Located in the state of Rajasthan, it is a former hunting reserve that was declared a national park in 1982. The wetland is home to over 370 bird species, including the endangered Siberian crane.
3. Loktak Lake - Located in the state of Manipur, it is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for its phumdis, or floating islands, which are home to the endangered sangai deer.
4. Bhoj Wetland - Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it is a man-made wetland created by the construction of an earthen dam on the Betwa River. The wetland is home to a variety of bird species and is an important breeding ground for the Indian skimmer.
5. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary - Located in the state of Tamil Nadu, it is a coastal wetland that provides a critical habitat for migratory birds, such as flamingos and storks.
6. Pong Dam Lake - Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, it is a man-made wetland created by the construction of a dam on the Beas River. The lake is an important habitat for migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese and common teal.
7. Renuka Wetland - Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, it is a freshwater lake that is surrounded by forests and is an important habitat for aquatic birds, such as the white-throated kingfisher.
8. Sambhar Lake - Located in the state of Rajasthan, it is the largest saltwater lake in India and is home to a variety of bird species, including the greater flamingo.
9. Sur Sarovar - Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, it is a freshwater lake that is surrounded by forests and is home to a variety of bird species, including the black-necked stork.
10. Vembanad-Kol Wetland - Located in the state of Kerala, it is a complex of several lakes, lagoons, and canals that form the largest estuarine system in India. The wetland is an important habitat for a variety of bird species, such as the painted stork and the common spoonbill.
11. Ashtamudi Wetland - Located in the state of Kerala, it is a large estuarine system that is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and animals, including the Asian otter.
12. Deepor Beel - Located in the state of Assam, it is a freshwater lake that is an important habitat for a variety of bird species, including the greater adjutant stork.
13. Harike Wetland - Located in the state of Punjab, it is a man-made wetland created by the construction of a barrage on the Sutlej River. The wetland is an important breeding ground for a variety of bird species, such as the bar-headed goose.
14. Kanjli Wetland - Located in the state of Punjab, it is a man-made wetland created by the construction of a barrage on the Beas River. The wetland is an important breeding ground for a variety of bird species, such as the northern pintail.
15. Kolleru Lake - Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, it is a large freshwater lake that is an important breeding ground for a variety of bird species, such as the spot-billed pelican and the painted stork.
16. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary - Located in the state of Gujarat, it is a seasonal wetland that is an important habitat for a variety of bird species, including the white stork and the spoonbill.
17. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve - Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it is a forested area that includes several important wetlands, such as the Tawa Reservoir and the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.
18. Rudrasagar Lake - Located in the state of Tripura, it is a freshwater lake that is an important habitat for a variety of aquatic plants and animals, including the Indian softshell turtle.
19. Sasthamkotta Lake - Located in the state of Kerala, it is a large freshwater lake that is an important habitat for a variety of bird species, such as the black-crowned night heron.
20. Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve - Located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a high-altitude wetland that is an important habitat for a variety of bird species, such as the bar-headed goose and the black-necked crane.

 

Each Ramsar Site has its own unique characteristics and ecological significance, and they are all important for conserving biodiversity and maintaining the health of our planet's ecosystems.

 

What if a site is listed as Ramsar Site?

If a particular region is designated as a Ramsar site, it means that the area has been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

 

The designation of a Ramsar site brings several benefits and responsibilities to the region. Some of the key benefits of Ramsar site designation include:

 

International recognition and protection: The Ramsar Convention is a globally recognized treaty, and the designation of a Ramsar site brings international recognition and protection to the area.

 

Conservation and management: The designation of a Ramsar site requires the development and implementation of a management plan for the area. This plan outlines the steps that need to be taken to conserve and manage the wetland's ecological values and to ensure its sustainable use.

 

Sustainable development: The Ramsar Convention recognizes the importance of wetlands for local communities and their livelihoods. The designation of a Ramsar site encourages sustainable development practices that support both conservation and the well-being of local communities.

 

Scientific research: Ramsar sites often provide important habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species. The designation of a Ramsar site encourages scientific research to better understand the ecological values and functions of the wetland.

 

In summary, the designation of a region as a Ramsar site brings international recognition and protection to the area, as well as a range of benefits and responsibilities for its conservation and sustainable use.