5 more Indian wetlands added to Ramsar list

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1. On the occasion of World Wetlands Day (WWD), 2024 (2 feb), India has added 5 more wetlands to its list of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance), increasing the total to 80.

• The theme of WWD-2024 is ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’.

1. 3 of these sites located in Karnataka:

1. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve
2. Aghanashini Estuary
3. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve.

2. 2 of these sites located in Tamil Nadu:

1. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
2. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest.

2. With the addition of these 5 wetlands to List of Wetlands of International Importance, the total area covered under Ramsar sites is now 1.33 million ha which is an increase of 5,523.87 ha from existing area (of 1.327 million ha).
3. Tamil Nadu have maximum number of Ramsar Sites (16 sites) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).

Ramsar Convention:

1. An intergovernmental treaty, adopted on 2nd February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar, focused on the conservation of wetlands.
2. India joined the convention in 1982.
3. World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd, highlighting the importance of wetlands for humanity and nature.

New Ramsar Sites Details

1. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Karnataka: An ancient irrigation tank, important for bird conservation.
2. Aghanashini Estuary, Karnataka: A vital estuary with diverse ecosystem services including flood mitigation and biodiversity.
3. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Karnataka: A man-made wetland important for several bird species.
4. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu: Utilized for agriculture, it is home to many bird species.
5. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu: Contains tropical rainforests critical for endangered bird species.

Conservation Efforts

1. Global Level: Montreux Record and World Wetlands Day.
2. National Level: Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017; National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA); Amrit Dharohar Scheme; National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP).

Ramsar Convention Key Facts

1. Largest Ramsar Site in the World: Pantanal, South America.
2. Montreux Record identifies Ramsar sites needing urgent conservation.
3. Wetlands include diverse ecosystems like rivers, marshes, and lakes.

India's Ramsar Sites

1. Came into force in 1982 in India, now totaling 80 sites.
2. Largest Ramsar Site in India: Sunderbans, West Bengal; Smallest: Vembannur Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu.
3. Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar Sites.
4. The Montreux Record in India includes Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake.

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