Ramsar Convention

06-Jun-2025

Ramsar Convention

Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

Rajasthan’s Udaipur and Phalodi sites have been designated as Ramsar Sites, recognizing them as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

New Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan

Khichan Wetland (Phalodi, Northern Thar Desert)
- Includes Ratri Nadi and Vijaysagar Talab with riparian and scrub habitats.
- Hosts large wintering flocks of Demoiselle Cranes (Anthropoides virgo).
Menar Wetland Complex (Udaipur)
- A freshwater monsoon wetland formed by Braham, Dhand, and Kheroda Talabs.
- Home to endangered white-rumped and long-billed vultures.
- Rich in biodiversity with 70+ plant species and Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus).

Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to promote wetland conservation and wise use through global cooperation.
Wetlands include lakes, rivers, aquifers, marshes, mangroves, coral reefs, and even man-made sites like fish ponds and rice fields.
It came into force on December 21, 1975, and now has nearly 172 member countries, highlighting its global importance.

In India and the Ramsar Convention

India joined the convention in 1982.
Total Ramsar Sites in India: 91

Important Key Facts

Largest Ramsar Site: Sunderbans, West Bengal
Smallest Ramsar Site: Vembannur Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
State with the maximum number of Ramsar Sites: Tamil Nadu (14)
Wetlands in Montreux Record:
- Keoladeo National Park: Rajasthan
- Loktak Lake: Manipur

Preparation Through MCQ

Q. Which of the following statements regarding Ramsar Sites in India is correct?

(1) Vembannur Wetland Complex is the largest Ramsar site in India.
(2) Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites.
(3) Sunderbans is listed under the Montreux Record.
(4) Loktak Lake is located in Rajasthan.

Answer: (2) Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites.