Ramsar Sites in India Importance

Ramsar Sites in India are internationally recognized wetlands that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, and supporting livelihoods. These wetlands help regulate climate, sustain water resources, and provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

Montreux Record in India

The Montreux Record is a register maintained under the Ramsar Convention that lists wetlands facing ecological threats due to human activities, pollution, or natural changes. Inclusion in this record highlights Ramsar Sites that require urgent conservation attention and restoration measures.

What is the Montreux Record?

• It is a list of Ramsar Sites where ecological changes have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur.
• Maintained as part of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands to monitor vulnerable wetlands.
• Helps governments and conservation agencies prioritize restoration and management efforts.
• Encourages international cooperation and technical support for wetland protection.
• Aims to prevent further degradation and restore ecological balance.

Threats to Ramsar Wetlands in India

Ramsar wetlands in India are under increasing pressure due to rapid urbanization, climate change, and unsustainable human activities. These threats are degrading wetland ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, water security, and the livelihoods dependent on them.

Government Initiatives for Wetland Conservation

The Government of India has launched several policies, schemes, and legal frameworks to conserve wetlands and ensure sustainable management of Ramsar Sites. These initiatives focus on biodiversity protection, pollution control, and community participation in wetland conservation.

• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) –
  A central scheme that focuses on conservation and restoration of lakes and wetlands across India through funding, scientific management, and monitoring.
• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 –
  Provides a legal framework for protection, prohibits harmful activities like encroachment, pollution, and construction near wetlands.
• National Wetland Committee (NWC) –
  Established to advise the government on wetland conservation policies and oversee implementation of conservation measures.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Programme –
  Protects coastal wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries while promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
• Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023) –
  Aims to promote conservation of Ramsar Sites through eco-tourism, community participation, and sustainable livelihood generation.
• National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) –
  Supports conservation of wetland ecosystems and protection of endangered species.
• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) –
  Focuses on restoration and expansion of mangrove wetlands for coastal protection and livelihood support.
• State Wetland Authorities –
  Each state establishes dedicated bodies responsible for identification, conservation, and management of wetlands.
• Community Participation Programs –
  Encourages involvement of local communities, NGOs, and stakeholders in wetland conservation and awareness campaigns.
• Use of Remote Sensing and GIS Monitoring –
  Government uses satellite technology for mapping, monitoring, and protecting wetland ecosystems.

UPSC CSE PYQs on Ramsar Sites in India

Q. Consider the following statements: [2021]
1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendation of Ramsar Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer [C] 3 only

Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? [2014]
(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
Answer: (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference

Q. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? [2014]
1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only

Q. Consider the following pairs [2014]
Wetlands : Confluence of rivers

1. Harike Wetlands : Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National Park : Confluence of Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake : Confluence of Musi and Krishna
   Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 only

Q. The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of [2014]
(a) biosphere reserves
(b) botanical gardens
(c) national parks
(d) wildlife sanctuaries
Answer: (a) biosphere reserves

Q. Which one of the following is not a site for the in-situ method of conservation of Flora? [2011]
[A] Botanical Garden

[B] Wildlife Sanctuary

[C] National Park

[D] Biosphere Reserve

Answer: A

The “Red Data Books’’ published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural resources (IUCN) contain lists of ? [2011]

1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3    (b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3    (d) 3 only

Answer (b) 2 only

Q. India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes as to how we should maintain these sites in the context of the Convention. [2010]
(A) Keep all the sites completely inaccessible to man so that they will not be exploited
(B) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and permit tourism and recreation only
(C) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach for a period without any exploitation, with specific criteria and specific period for each site, and then allow sustainable use of them by future generations.
(D)Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use

Answer (D) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)