Understanding Ramsar Sites in India (2019)

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty focused on the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits, including water purification, flood control, and support for diverse wildlife. Countries that are signatories to the convention commit to working towards the wise use of all their wetlands and designating suitable wetlands for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance, known as Ramsar Sites.

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention and has been actively involved in identifying and protecting its wetlands. The number of sites listed under the Ramsar Convention from India has increased over the years as more important wetlands are identified and nominated for inclusion.

Number of Ramsar Sites in India as of 2019

As of the end of the year 2019, India had a specific number of sites recognized as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is important to refer to official records or reliable sources to get the accurate count for a specific year.

Based on the status up to December 2019, the total number of Ramsar sites listed from India was 42. This figure represents the cumulative number of wetlands that had been designated as Ramsar sites in India by that point in time.

Importance of Ramsar Designation for Indian Wetlands

Listing a wetland as a Ramsar site brings it international recognition and highlights its ecological importance. This designation encourages national efforts for conservation and wise use of the site. It also facilitates international cooperation on wetland issues, including research, management, and funding.

• Recognition of global ecological significance.
• Commitment to conservation and wise use.
• Potential for international collaboration.
• Focus on sustainable management practices.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Ramsar Sites in India (2019)

Additional Information: Understanding Wetlands and Ramsar Convention

Wetlands are areas where water is the primary controller of the environment and the associated plant and animal life. They include swamps, marshes, bogs, fens, rivers, lakes, deltas, floodplains, flooded forests, paddy fields, estuaries, coastal areas, mangroves, coral reefs and marine areas less than six metres at low tide, as well as human-made wetlands such as waste-water treatment ponds and reservoirs.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and entering into force in 1975, the Ramsar Convention is the oldest modern global intergovernmental environmental agreement. It provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Criteria for Identifying Ramsar Sites

A wetland can be designated as a Ramsar Site if it meets at least one of nine criteria listed in the Convention. These criteria relate to the ecological importance of the site, either because it supports a significant proportion of specific wetland species, or is critical at a particular stage of their life cycles, or because it plays a significant role in the ecological functioning of a particular water basin.

Why Wetland Conservation Matters

Wetlands provide indispensable ecosystem services:

• Water supply and purification.
• Flood and erosion control.
• Groundwater recharge.
• Climate change mitigation (carbon sequestration).
• Habitat for biodiversity, including migratory birds and endangered species.
• Support for human activities like fisheries, agriculture, and tourism.