The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: A Student Guide

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty aimed at protecting and sustainably using wetlands worldwide. These vital ecosystems support biodiversity and provide freshwater, food, and other resources. The treaty was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, and came into effect in 1975.

Today, 90% of UN member states, spanning all continents, are part of this treaty, known as Contracting Parties. The annual World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd, marking the signing of the convention.

The Mission

The Convention focuses on the “conservation and wise use of all wetlands”, aiming to promote sustainable development through local, national, and international efforts.

Why Are Wetlands Important?

Wetlands are among the richest ecosystems on Earth, providing:

• Essential Services: Clean water, flood control, and climate regulation.
• Biodiversity: Habitat for countless species, including migratory birds.
• Livelihoods: Resources for millions of people worldwide.

Yet, wetlands are under threat from pollution, climate change, and human activities, making their conservation critical.

What Counts as a Wetland?

The Ramsar Convention uses a broad definition of wetlands, including:

• Natural wetlands: Lakes, rivers, swamps, mangroves, coral reefs.
• Man-made wetlands: Fishponds, rice paddies, reservoirs, and salt pans.

The Three Pillars of the Ramsar Convention

Contracting Parties commit to:

1. Wise Use: Ensuring wetlands are used sustainably.
2. Ramsar List: Designating key wetlands as Wetlands of International Importance.
3. International Cooperation: Working together to manage shared wetlands and species.

Ramsar Sites in India 🌏

India has 85 Ramsar Sites (as of November 2024), the highest in South Asia! Tamil Nadu leads with 18 Ramsar Sites.

The latest additions in 2024 include:

• Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
• Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

Fun Facts About Ramsar Sites

• The world’s first Ramsar Site: Cobourg Peninsula, Australia (1974).
• The country with the most Ramsar Sites: United Kingdom (175).
• Largest Ramsar-protected area: Bolivia.
• India’s largest Ramsar Site: Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal).
• India’s oldest Ramsar Site: Chilika Lake (Odisha), designated in 1981.

By understanding and valuing wetlands, we can ensure their protection for future generations. Let’s celebrate these incredible ecosystems and work towards their sustainable use! 🌊💚

Here is the list of all 85 Ramsar Sites in India (as of November 2024) presented in a table format: