RAMSAR SITES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) joined hands with State/UT Wetland Authorities to organize wetlands cleaning at various Amrit Dharohar sites, which are Ramsar sites across the country.

Ramsar Sites in India

• India's Ramsar Sites, globally recognized as vital wetlands, have experienced remarkable growth.
• The nation takes pride in its 75 Ramsar Sites, encompassing a vast expanse of 13,26,677 hectares.
• This expansion aligns with India's 75th year of Independence, signifying a pivotal milestone in wetland conservation.
• India's commitment to the Ramsar Convention dates back to February 1, 1982, when it became a signatory to the treaty.

Ramsar Sites

• About: It is also known as Wetlands of International Importance, are areas designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
• Established: in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran
• It is an international treaty with the primary goal of conserving and wisely using wetlands.
• World’s First Site: Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974
• Largest area under Ramsar: Bolivia
• World Wetlands Day: The 2nd of February each year.