Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: A Global Framework for Conservation
The Ramsar Convention, officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, is an intergovernmental treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Signed in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971, it is the first modern global treaty focused on the protection of a specific ecosystem. The convention came into force on December 21, 1975, and has since become a cornerstone of international environmental policy.
Objectives and Principles
The Ramsar Convention operates on three main pillars:
Wise Use: Promoting sustainable use of all wetlands to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Designation of Ramsar Sites: Identifying and managing wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar List.
International Cooperation: Facilitating collaboration among nations for managing transboundary wetlands and shared resources.
Wetlands and Their Importance
Wetlands are ecosystems such as marshes, peatlands, lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas that play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, water purification, flood control, and climate regulation. They are defined broadly under the convention to include areas with water that is static or flowing, fresh or saline, including marine areas with depths not exceeding six meters at low tide.
Key Features of the Convention
Global Reach: As of 2025, 172 countries are contracting parties to the convention. Together, they have designated 2,531 Ramsar Sites covering over 2.6 million square kilometers.
Site Selection Criteria: Wetlands are chosen based on their ecological significance in terms of biodiversity, hydrology, and cultural importance.
Conference of the Parties (COP): Representatives meet every three years to adopt policies and resolutions to strengthen implementation. The most recent COP15 was held in Montreal in 2022.
Achievements and Challenges
The Ramsar Convention has significantly expanded its scope since its inception. Initially focused on waterfowl habitats, it now encompasses all aspects of wetland conservation. It has played a critical role in raising awareness about wetland degradation and promoting restoration efforts globally. However, challenges such as institutional drift and insufficient enforcement mechanisms remain barriers to achieving its full potential.
Here is a list of some major Ramsar Sites around the world, along with their respective countries and notable features:
| Country | Ramsar Site | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kakadu National Park | UNESCO World Heritage site, diverse ecosystems including wetlands, floodplains, and mangroves. | |
| Sundarbans | Largest mangrove forest in the world, home to the Bengal tiger and rich biodiversity. | |
| Pantanal | One of the world’s largest tropical wetland areas, known for its biodiversity and seasonal flooding. | |
| Bay of Fundy | Notable for the highest tides in the world, rich marine life and migratory birds. | |
| Llanquihue Wetlands | Important for migratory birds, unique freshwater ecosystems. | |
| Lake Burullus | Coastal lagoon with significant fishery resources and bird habitats. | |
| Chilika Lake | Largest coastal lagoon in India, supports diverse wildlife including migratory birds and dolphins. | |
| Hoor al-Azim | Unique wetland ecosystem with rich biodiversity, important for migratory birds. | |
| Valli di Comacchio | Important for migratory birds, traditional fisheries, and salt marshes. | |
| Kushiro Shitsugen | Largest wetland area in Japan, home to rare species like the Japanese crane. | |
| Lake Nakuru | Known for its flamingo populations and diverse birdlife, surrounded by national park. | |
| Tasek Bera | Largest freshwater swamp in Peninsular Malaysia, rich in biodiversity. | |
| Niger River Delta | Supports diverse aquatic life, vital for local communities. | |
| St. Lucia Estuary | UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its biodiversity including hippos and crocodiles. | |
| The Wash | Important for migratory birds, supports a variety of habitats including salt marshes and mudflats. |
Ramsar Sites in India
India has designated a total of 89 Ramsar Sites as of February 2025. These sites are recognized for their international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Below is a state-wise list of these Ramsar Sites:
| State/UT | Ramsar Sites |
|---|---|
| Kolleru Lake | |
| Deepor Beel | |
| Kabartal Wetland, Nagi Bird Sanctuary, Nakti Bird Sanctuary | |
| Nalsarovar, Wadhvana Wetland, Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary | |
| Nanda Lake | |
| Sultanpur National Park, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary | |
| Pong Dam Lake, Chandertal Wetland, Renuka Wetland | |
| Wular Lake, Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Hokera Wetland, Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve | |
| Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve | |
| Asthamudi Wetland, Sasthamkotta Lake, VembanadKol Wetland | |
| Tso Kar Wetland Complex, Tsomoriri Lake | |
| Bhoj Wetlands, Sirpur Wetland, Sakhya Sagar, Yashwant Sagar, Tawa Reservoir | |
| Nandur Madhameshwar, Lonar Lake, Thane Creek | |
| Loktak Lake | |
| Pala Wetland | |
| Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Satkosia Gorge, Tampara Lake, Hirakud Reservoir, Ansupa Lake | |
| Harike Lake, Kanjli Lake, Ropar Lake, Beas Conservation Reserve, Keshopur – Miani Community Reserve, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary | |
| Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Sambhar Lake | |
| Khecheopalri Wetland (newly added) | |
| Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pichavaram Mangrove, Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Vembannur Wetland Complex, Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary, Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (newly added), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (newly added) | |
| Rudrasagar Lake | |
| Upper Ganga River, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, Saman Bird Sanctuary, Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Sur Sarovar, Haiderpur Wetland, Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary | |
| Asan Conservation Reserve | |
| East Calcutta Wetlands, Sunderbans Wetland (largest Ramsar site in India) |
