Environment and Ecology — Wetlands: Ramsar Convention and India
1. Wetlands — Overview
Context: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or remains close to the surface for all or part of the year, including the growing season.
Classification of Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)
- Natural: Oases, estuaries, deltas, mangroves, coastal areas, coral reefs.
- Human-made: Fishponds, rice paddies, reservoirs.
2. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Context: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. This date is observed annually as World Wetlands Day.
India and the Ramsar Convention (UPSC 2014)
- Ratified: February 1982
- Contracting Parties: 172 countries, protecting over 2,466 sites (~255.9 million hectares)
Key Objectives
- Designation of 'Wetlands of International Importance'
- International Cooperation: Managing transboundary wetlands & shared species
- Wise Use Principle: Ensuring sustainable use & conservation for ecological and community benefits
Montreux Record
- If a wetland of international importance is brought under the Montreux Record, changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference. (UPSC 2014)
- Only two wetlands are registered under Montreux Record from India:
- Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
- Chilika Lake was earlier a part of the Montreux Record but was later removed.
Key Points:
- Ramsar Convention signed: February 2, 1971
- India ratified: 1982
- Montreux Record: Loktak Lake & Keoladeo National Park
- Chilika Lake was removed from Montreux Record
3. Ramsar Sites in India
- Total Ramsar Sites in India (as of February 2025): 89 Ramsar Sites (covering over 13 lakh hectares)
- Till December 2024: India had 85 Ramsar Sites
New Ramsar Sites Added (February 2, 2025)
- Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)
- Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)
State with Most Ramsar Sites
- Tamil Nadu: 20 Sites
India's Global Position
- Highest in Asia
- 3rd Globally (after the UK — 176, and Mexico — 144)
Total Wetlands in India
- 1,301 (including 89 Ramsar Wetlands & 114 Significant Wetlands)
Key Statistics:
- 89 Ramsar Sites in India (as of February 2025)
- Tamil Nadu: 20 Sites — Highest
- India: Highest in Asia, 3rd Globally (after UK and Mexico)
- 1,301 total wetlands in India
4. Summary: Ramsar Convention and India at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ramsar Convention Signed | February 2, 1971 (Ramsar, Iran) |
| World Wetlands Day | February 2 |
| India Ratified | February 1982 |
| Contracting Parties | 172 countries |
| Ramsar Sites (Feb 2025) | 89 (covering 13 lakh+ hectares) |
| State with Most Ramsar Sites | Tamil Nadu (20 sites) |
| India's Global Position | Highest in Asia; 3rd Globally |
| Montreux Record (India) | Loktak Lake & Keoladeo National Park |
| Removed from Montreux Record | Chilika Lake |
| Total Wetlands in India | 1,301 (including 89 Ramsar & 114 Significant) |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Ramsar Convention (1971): Signed February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran — observed as World Wetlands Day
- India ratified: February 1982 (UPSC 2014)
- Montreux Record: Wetlands with ecological changes due to human interference — Loktak Lake & Keoladeo National Park (UPSC 2014)
- Ramsar Sites (Feb 2025): 89 sites; Tamil Nadu — 20 sites (highest)
- India's Position: Highest in Asia; 3rd Globally (after UK — 176, Mexico — 144)
- New sites (Feb 2025): Sakkarakottai BS, Therthangal BS (TN); Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim); Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)
- Total Wetlands: 1,301 (including 89 Ramsar & 114 Significant)
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Wetlands — Ramsar Convention)
Q1. The Ramsar Convention was signed in which year?
Correct Answer: C. The Ramsar Convention was signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. This date is observed annually as World Wetlands Day.
Q2. India ratified the Ramsar Convention in which year?
Correct Answer: C. India ratified the Ramsar Convention in February 1982. (UPSC 2014)
Q3. How many Ramsar Sites are there in India as of February 2025?
Correct Answer: C. As of February 2025, there are 89 Ramsar Sites in India, covering over 13 lakh hectares.
Q4. Which state has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India?
Correct Answer: C. Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India with 20 sites.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a Ramsar Site in India?
Correct Answer: C. Sundarbans National Park is NOT a Ramsar Site. Sundarbans Wetland is a Ramsar Site (not the National Park). Loktak Lake, Keoladeo National Park, and Chilika Lake are all Ramsar Sites.
Q6. The Montreux Record under the Ramsar Convention applies to wetlands where:
Correct Answer: B. The Montreux Record is for wetlands where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of human interference. (UPSC 2014)
Q7. Which wetlands from India are listed on the Montreux Record?
Correct Answer: C. Only two wetlands are registered under the Montreux Record from India — Loktak Lake and Keoladeo National Park. Chilika Lake was earlier part of it but was later removed.
Q8. Which wetland was removed from the Montreux Record?
Correct Answer: C. Chilika Lake was earlier a part of the Montreux Record but was later removed.
Q9. What is India's global position in terms of number of Ramsar Sites?
Correct Answer: C. India is 3rd globally in terms of number of Ramsar Sites, after the UK (176) and Mexico (144). India is also the highest in Asia.
Q10. Which of the following are the four new Ramsar Sites added on February 2, 2025?
Correct Answer: A. The four new Ramsar Sites added on February 2, 2025 are: Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand).