Context:

India has recently added four more wetlands to the Ramsar Convention list, bringing the total number of internationally recognized wetlands in the country to 89. This milestone, announced ahead of World Wetlands Day, highlights India's commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable environmental practices.

Newly Designated Ramsar Sites

The four newly designated Ramsar sites are:

·        Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

·        Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

·        Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim

·        Udhwa Lake Jharkhand

With these additions, Tamil Nadu now holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in India (20), while Sikkim and Jharkhand have joined the list for the first time.

India’s Position in Global Wetland Conservation

Globally, 2,529 wetlands are designated under the Ramsar Convention. India ranks third in the world with 89 Ramsar sites, following the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144).

Over the past decade, India's Ramsar site count has surged from 26 to 89, with 47 sites added in just the last three years, reflecting a strong commitment to wetland conservation.

Significance of Wetlands

Wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide critical services such as:

·        Biodiversity Conservation: Supporting diverse plant and animal species

·        Flood Control: Absorbing excess rainwater and reducing flood risks

·        Water Supply: Acting as natural reservoirs

·        Carbon Sequestration: Helping combat climate change

·        Sustainable Livelihoods: Providing food, raw materials, and employment

By maintaining these ecosystems, wetlands contribute to environmental balance and human well-being.

The Ramsar Convention and India's Commitment

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty created for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. It is an international agreement to conserve wetlands and ensure their sustainable use. India is one of the 172 member countries of this convention and is making continuous efforts to protect its wetlands.

Conclusion:

India’s expanding Ramsar wetland count reflects its dedication to ecological sustainability. The recent additions underscore the importance of ongoing conservation initiatives, ensuring the protection of these critical ecosystems for future generations.