NEWS – Three new wetlands in India designated as Ramsar sites increasing the Total number of Ramsar sites in India to 85

NEW SITES

– Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

– Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

– Tawa Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh

INDIA’S RAMSAR SITES

– Total Number – 85 Ramsar sites in India

– Area Covered – 13,58,068 hectares

– State-wise Distribution – Tamil Nadu: 18 sites + Uttar Pradesh: 10 sites

– India’s Ramsar wetlands make up around 10% of total wetland area

RAMSAR CONVENTION

– Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971

– India became a signatory in 1982

– Number of Sites by Country

             – United Kingdom: 175

            – Mexico: 142

            – Bolivia: largest area, with 1,48,000 sq. km

– South Asian Countries – India has the most Ramsar sites in the region

Criteria for Ramsar Site Designation

Nine Criteria Defined by Ramsar Convention

    – Supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species

    – Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds

    – Important source of food for fish, spawning ground, nursery, and/or migration path

Significance of Ramsar Site Designation

– Conservation – Centre and States must ensure conservation and protection from encroachment

– Tourism and International Visibility – Acquiring Ramsar label helps with tourism potential and international visibility