Ramsar Convention: Safeguarding Wetlands Globally
- vidyarthee2021
- Apr 28
- 2 min read
India has surpassed China in the number of Ramsar sites, with 89 recognized wetlands, compared to China’s 82. This milestone highlights India’s growing commitment to wetland conservation under the global framework provided by the Ramsar Convention.
About the Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation.
Key Details:
Adopted: 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar
Came into Force: 1975
India’s Ratification: 1982
Membership: Nearly 90% of UN member states are now Contracting Parties
Purpose and Importance
Provides a framework for wetland conservation and sustainable use
Focuses on maintaining the ecological character of wetlands
Supports actions to protect wetlands' role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and livelihood support
Criteria for Wetland Designation
A site must meet at least one of nine ecological criteria, such as:
Regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds
Hosting vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species
Representing a rare or unique natural wetland type
Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
GS Paper 3: Environment – Wetland Conservation
Prelims: Location of Ramsar Sites, Important Environmental Treaties
Mains: Issues related to Conservation, Environmental Governance
UPSC Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements regarding the Ramsar Convention:
It is legally binding on its member countries to designate wetlands of international importance.
India ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
A wetland must fulfill at least five of the nine ecological criteria to be designated as a Ramsar site.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect – The Convention encourages designation and wise use but does not legally force countries to designate wetlands.
Statement 2 is correct – India ratified the Convention in 1982.
Statement 3 is incorrect – A wetland needs to meet at least one of the nine criteria, not five.
UPSC Mains Question
Discuss the significance of the Ramsar Convention in the conservation of wetlands globally. How has India's approach evolved to strengthen its commitment under the Convention? (GS Paper - 3)
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