NEWS – The Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, increasing the total to 89.

NEW SITES

• Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
  • Located near the Gulf of Mannar.
  • Important breeding ground for waterbirds.
  • Key stop-over point for migratory birds.
• Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):
  • Crucial for breeding and foraging of waterbirds.
  • Plays a vital role in climate regulation and groundwater recharge.
• Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand):
  • First Ramsar site in Jharkhand.
  • Important for biodiversity and water resources.
• Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim):
  • Sacred lake with religious and cultural significance.
  • Surrounded by lush forests.

RAMSAR CONVENTION

• International treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• Established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
• Recognizes wetlands of international importance.
• Criteria: Sites must meet at least one of nine criteria related to biodiversity and ecological significance.

Significance of Ramsar Designation:

• International recognition of the ecological importance of the site.
• Increased protection under the guidelines of the Ramsar Convention.
• Enhanced conservation efforts and sustainable management.
• Promotes international cooperation for wetland conservation.

What are Wetlands?

• Ecosystems saturated with water, either seasonally or permanently.
• Examples:
  • Mangroves, marshes, rivers, lakes, deltas, floodplains, rice fields, coral reefs.
• Importance:
  • High biodiversity.
  • Water purification.
  • Flood control.
  • Climate change mitigation.
  • Support human life.