What is Ramsar sites?
Ramsar sites, also known as Ramsar Wetlands or Ramsar Convention sites, are areas designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The convention is an international treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using wetlands worldwide. It was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and has been ratified by over 170 countries.
Ramsar sites are specific wetland areas that are recognized for their ecological importance, especially for their role in supporting biodiversity, providing habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, and offering vital ecosystem services. These sites can include marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, peatlands, and coastal areas.
The designation of a site as a Ramsar site signifies a commitment to its protection and wise use. Ramsar sites are expected to be managed in a way that ensures the conservation of the wetland ecosystem and the sustainable utilization of its resources. This includes maintaining water quality, preserving habitats, preventing pollution, and promoting community involvement in conservation efforts.
The Ramsar Convention provides a framework for international cooperation on wetland conservation and promotes the wise use of wetlands around the world. As of now, there are over 2,400 Ramsar sites covering a total area of more than 250 million hectares worldwide. These sites play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, supporting migratory species, mitigating climate change impacts, and providing livelihoods for local communities.
Ramsar sites in india
India has several Ramsar sites that are recognized for their ecological significance. Here are some of the Ramsar sites in India:
1.Chilika Lake, Odisha: Located on the east coast of India, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. It provides habitat for a diverse range of bird species and supports a rich aquatic ecosystem.
2.Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, this park is a renowned bird sanctuary in Rajasthan. It is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including the critically endangered Siberian Crane.
3.Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal: The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest that spans across India and Bangladesh. It is the largest contiguous mangrove ecosystem in the world and serves as a critical habitat for the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.
4.Loktak Lake, Manipur: Located in the state of Manipur, Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. It is known for its floating phumdis (vegetation-covered islands) and is home to several endemic and migratory bird species.
5.Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha: Situated in Odisha, the Bhitarkanika Mangroves are a complex network of mangrove forests and wetlands. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Saltwater Crocodile.
6.Deepor Beel, Assam: Deepor Beel is a freshwater lake located near Guwahati in Assam. It is an important habitat for resident and migratory bird species and is recognized for its biodiversity and conservation value.
7.Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir: Wular Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India and is situated in the Kashmir Valley. It supports a wide range of waterfowl and serves as an important fishery and source of livelihood for local communities.
These are just a few examples of the Ramsar sites in India. Each site plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, supporting wildlife.