Understanding the Ramsar Convention
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, popularly known as the Ramsar Convention, is a cornerstone of global environmental governance. Adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar on February 2, 1971, it officially entered into force in 1975.
This date, February 2nd, is celebrated annually as World Wetlands Day, marking the anniversary of the Convention's adoption and raising awareness about the critical role of wetlands.
It stands as an intergovernmental treaty providing the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and "wise use" of wetlands and their resources. Notably, it is the oldest global environmental treaty dealing with a specific ecosystem type and is unique as it's not formally affiliated with the United Nations system of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), though it collaborates closely with them.
Mission of the Convention
"The conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world."
What Constitutes a Wetland?
Article 1.1 Definition:
"Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres."
Article 2.1 Elaboration:
Wetlands "may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands."
This broad definition encompasses a vast array of wetland types:
Inland Wetlands
- Rivers & Lakes
- Floodplains
- Marshes & Swamps
- Peatlands
- Groundwater-fed systems
Coastal Wetlands
- Estuaries & Deltas
- Tidal flats
- Mangroves & Salt marshes
- Coral reefs (<6m deep)
- Seagrass beds
Human-made Wetlands
- Reservoirs & Fish ponds
- Rice paddies & Salt pans
- Canals
- Wastewater treatment ponds (if criteria met)
The Three Pillars of Ramsar
1. Wise Use of All Wetlands
Parties commit to the wise use of all their wetlands through national planning, policies, legislation, management, and public education.
2. Designation & Management
Designate suitable wetlands for the "List of Wetlands of International Importance" (Ramsar List) and ensure their effective management.
3. International Cooperation
Cooperate on transboundary wetlands, shared systems and species, and development projects affecting wetlands.
What is "Wise Use"?
"The maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development."
Ramsar Sites: Wetlands of International Importance
Criteria for Designation
Wetlands are designated if they meet one or more of nine criteria related to:
- Representative, rare, or unique wetland types.
- Supporting vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species.
- Supporting substantial numbers of waterbirds.
- Important for fish spawning grounds, nurseries, or migration paths.
- Supporting a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies.
- Regularly supporting 20,000 or more waterbirds.
- Regularly supporting 1% of individuals in a population of one waterbird species/subspecies.
Obligations for Ramsar Sites
Contracting Parties are obliged to:
- Formulate and implement planning to promote conservation of listed wetlands.
- Inform the Ramsar Secretariat of any changes (actual or likely) to the ecological character of listed sites due to human interference.
Global & National Significance
Number of Sites:
The number of Ramsar Sites globally and in India changes. As of early 2024:
- Over 2,500 Ramsar Sites globally.
- India had 80 Ramsar Sites (this number increased significantly in recent years; aspirants should verify latest figures).
Illustrative (Not to scale/dynamic):
A JS-driven chart library (e.g., Chart.js) would be required for full interactivity and dynamic data here.
Why Designation Matters:
- Raises national and international profile.
- Provides access to expert advice.
- Opens potential funding opportunities.
- Encourages better site management.
The Montreux Record
A register of wetland sites on the Ramsar List where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to technological developments, pollution, or other human interference. It's maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
Purpose of the Record
To highlight Ramsar Sites in need of priority conservation attention, signaling significant ecological challenges and the need for urgent remedial action. It can help mobilize national and international support for these sites. Sites can be added or removed based on their ecological status.
Indian Sites in the Montreux Record (verify current status)
| Site Name | State | Year Added | Reasons for Inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1990 | Water shortage, unbalanced grazing regime. |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur | 1993 | Deforestation in catchment, water hyacinth infestation, pollution. |
A Success Story: Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake was in the Montreux Record from 1993 to 2002 due to siltation and changes in salinity. It was removed following successful restoration efforts by the Chilika Development Authority, a major achievement in wetland conservation.
Institutional Structure
Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP)
The governing body, meets every three years to review progress, adopt decisions, and set the work program.
Standing Committee
Oversees Convention affairs between COPs.
Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP)
Provides scientific and technical guidance.
Ramsar Secretariat
Administers the day-to-day work of the Convention, hosted by IUCN in Gland, Switzerland.
International Organization Partners (IOPs)
Six global NGOs that provide expert support:
- BirdLife International
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
- Wetlands International
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Ramsar Convention and India
Feb 1, 1982
India became a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention.
Ongoing
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) acts as the nodal ministry for implementation.
~2022
India achieved and surpassed its target of 75 Ramsar sites by the 75th year of Independence, reflecting its rich wetland diversity.
Legal Framework in India
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 provide the domestic legal framework for wetland conservation. This includes identification, notification, management of wetlands, and establishment of State Wetland Authorities, aligning with Ramsar principles.
Significance of the Ramsar Convention
Global Recognition
Significantly raised awareness about the ecological, economic, and cultural values of wetlands.
Conservation Framework
Provides a framework for national action and international cooperation.
Promotes Wise Use
Encourages sustainable use of wetland resources, integrating conservation with human needs.
Catalyst for Action
Designation as a Ramsar Site often leads to improved management and conservation efforts.
International Cooperation Tool
Facilitates collaboration on shared wetlands and migratory species.
Challenges in Wetland Conservation
- Continued wetland loss and degradation due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, infrastructure development, pollution, water diversion, and climate change.
- Lack of awareness about wetland values among policymakers and the public.
- Inadequate enforcement of wetland protection laws.
- Insufficient funding and technical capacity for wetland management.
- Conflicts over water resources and land use.
- Impacts of invasive alien species on wetland ecosystems.
UPSC Exam Relevance
Prelims Focus
- Ramsar Convention basics (year, city, objectives, pillars).
- Definition of wetlands under Ramsar.
- Ramsar Sites (criteria, significance).
- Montreux Record (purpose, Indian sites).
- World Wetlands Day.
- Number of Ramsar Sites in India (latest figures).
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
Mains Focus (GS Paper III - Environment)
- Ecological significance & threats to wetlands in India.
- Key provisions of Ramsar Convention & India's benefits.
- "Wise use" principle with Indian examples.
- Case studies of specific Ramsar sites (Chilika, Loktak, Keoladeo).
- Linkages to water management, river rejuvenation, coastal zone management.
Related Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
UPSC Prelims 2014:
"If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?"
Answer: (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
UPSC Mains 2018, GS Paper III:
"What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India."