- The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands sets forth principles for the conservation and responsible utilization of all wetlands through cooperation at the local, national, and international levels, aiming to foster sustainable development worldwide.
- Uniquely, the Ramsar Convention is the sole global environmental agreement dedicated to a specific habitat.
- Originating in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, the convention officially came into effect in 1975.
- Annually, on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day is observed. As of now, 172 nations are contracting parties to this significant convention.
- The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands provides the following definition for wetlands: an expanse of marsh, fen, or peatland, whether it occurs naturally or is created artificially, and may exist in a temporary or permanent state.
- Encompassing areas with fresh, brackish, or saltwater, this definition further specifies that in marine environments, the depth of water at low tide should not exceed six meters in height.
The Ramsar Convention advocates for the identification of wetlands that play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity or exhibit characteristics of being representative, rare, or unique. These significant sites are then enlisted in the Convention’s List of Wetlands of International Importance and are officially termed Ramsar sites upon meeting the inclusion criteria.
When a country designates a wetland as a Ramsar site, it commits to establishing and overseeing a management framework aimed at safeguarding the wetland and ensuring its judicious utilization. Wetlands can attain recognition as wetlands of international importance based on their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological significance.
RAMSAR CONVENTION
- The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is the initial contemporary global intergovernmental environmental treaty, originating as a response to concerns about the escalating loss and deterioration of migratory waterbird habitats during the 1960s.
- Unlike being a part of the United Nations system of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), Ramsar closely collaborates with other MEAs, actively participating in the “biodiversity-related cluster” of treaties and agreements.
- When a country becomes a Contracting Party to the Convention, it commits to designating at least one site for inclusion in the prestigious Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
- This designation not only signifies international recognition but also demonstrates the government’s dedication to taking essential measures to preserve the ecological character of the designated site.
- To fulfill its objectives, the Convention collaborates with a diverse global network of partners, including global conventions, agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations, and prominent private companies.
- Noteworthy Ramsar sites include the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, recognized as the world’s first site in 1974.
- Additionally, the largest sites such as Rio Negro in Brazil (120,000 square kilometers), Ngiri-Tumba-Maindombe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Queen Maud Gulf in Canada each cover more than 60,000 square kilometers.
- The United Kingdom leads in the number of designated sites (175), closely followed by Mexico (142).
- Bolivia stands out for having the most extensive area under Convention protection, covering 148,000 square kilometers, with Canada, Chad, Congo, and the Russian Federation each designating over 100,000 square kilometers.
- The Convention plays a vital role in addressing the global challenges faced by wetlands and fostering international cooperation for their conservation.
The Ramsar Convention, with its mission focused on “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation,” operates under three foundational pillars:
- Wise Use:
- The emphasis is on ensuring the prudent utilization of all wetlands through national land-use planning, appropriate policies and legislation, management actions, and public education.
- List of Wetlands of International Importance:
- Countries are encouraged to designate suitable wetlands under the Ramsar List. This facilitates efficient administration and recognition of those wetlands deemed of international importance.
- International Cooperation:
- The convention encourages global collaboration on common species, shared wetland systems, and transboundary wetlands. This international cooperation is vital for addressing challenges that span borders.
STRUCTURE
- Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP):
- Comprising nations that have ratified the treaty, the COP oversees the convention. It assesses progress, establishes priorities, assigns work schedules, can modify the convention, and collaborates with other international organizations and agreements.
- Standing Committee:
- This intersessional executive body represents the COP between its triennial meetings, implementing decisions made by the COP. Members are chosen at each COP summit for three-year terms.
- Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP):
- Providing advice on scientific and technical matters, the STRP assists the COP, Standing Committee, and Ramsar Secretariat.
- Secretariat:
- Based in Gland, Switzerland, at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) headquarters, the Secretariat handles day-to-day coordination of convention activities.
Criteria for Identification of Wetlands:
For a wetland to be identified and included in the Ramsar List, it must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Contains an example of a natural or nearly natural wetland that is representative, uncommon, or special.
- Supports threatened natural communities or species that are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.
- Provides habitat for populations of plant and/or animal species vital to preserving the ecological variety of a certain biogeographic region.
- Nourishes plant and/or animal species during a crucial period of their life cycles or offers shelter in dangerous situations.
- Sustains 20,000 or more aquatic birds regularly.
- Regularly sustains 1% of the individuals in a population of one or more water bird species.
- Supports a large percentage of native fish subspecies.
- Is a crucial spawning ground, nursery, food supply, and/or migration route for fish.
- Is a valuable supply of food and water, providing opportunities for recreation.
These criteria ensure that designated wetlands are of international importance and contribute significantly to ecological diversity and global environmental sustainability.
MONTREUX RECORD
The Montreux Record, established in 1996 during the Conference of the Contracting Parties in Brisbane, serves as an addendum to the Montreux Record Operating Guidelines. This record functions as a crucial database within the Ramsar Convention framework.
- Purpose and Origin:
- Created as an extension of the Montreux Record Operating Guidelines, the Montreux Record serves as a database highlighting wetland sites from the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
- Database of Changes:
- The Montreux Record specifically focuses on wetland sites that have undergone, are currently undergoing, or are anticipated to experience alterations in ecological character. These changes may result from technological advancements, pollution, or other forms of human involvement.
- Convention’s Main Tool:
- As an integral component of the Ramsar List, the Montreux Record is a primary tool employed by the Ramsar Convention. It plays a crucial role in monitoring and addressing ecological changes in designated wetland sites.
- Ongoing Updates:
- The Montreux Record is regularly updated to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This process helps maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive record of wetland sites facing challenges to their ecological character.
- Inducted Wetland Sites:
- Notable wetland sites, such as Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan and Loktak Lake in Manipur, were included in the Montreux Record in 1990 and 1993, respectively. Their induction signifies the recognition of changes in ecological character, highlighting the importance of addressing and mitigating these challenges.
The Montreux Record, as an essential tool of the Ramsar Convention, plays a vital role in the ongoing efforts to monitor, assess, and take action to address ecological changes in designated wetland sites globally.
FAQs – Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
1-What is the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands?
The Ramsar Convention is a global intergovernmental treaty established in 1971, dedicated to conserving and responsibly using wetlands. It addresses the challenges faced by wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation, contributing to sustainable development globally.
2-When did the Ramsar Convention come into effect?
The Ramsar Convention officially came into effect in 1975, following its adoption in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.
3-What is the significance of World Wetlands Day?
World Wetlands Day, observed annually on February 2nd, raises awareness about wetland importance and advocates for their conservation. It aligns with the Ramsar Convention’s mission.
4-How many nations are part of the Ramsar Convention?
Currently, 172 nations are contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention, showcasing widespread international commitment to wetland conservation.
5-How does the Ramsar Convention define wetlands?
Wetlands, according to the Ramsar Convention, are expanses of marsh, fen, or peatland, whether natural or artificial, temporary or permanent. They can include areas with fresh, brackish, or saltwater, with specific depth criteria in marine environments.
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