Environment & Ecology: Wetlands & Ramsar Sites

Wetlands are “kidneys of the landscape” that filter water and provide critical habitat. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for their conservation, signed in 1971.

The Montreux Record

• Definition: A register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred.
• Indian Sites: Currently, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are under this record.
• Chilika Lake: Was once part of the record but was removed after successful restoration.

Wetland Functions & Facts

• Carbon Sequestration: Peatlands and mangroves store vast amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
• World Wetlands Day: Observed annually on February 2nd to mark the date of the adoption of the Convention.
• India’s Network: India has a large network of Ramsar sites, with Tamil Nadu holding the highest number of sites in the country.

Question for you: Which is the largest Ramsar site in India, known for its extensive mangrove ecosystem and Royal Bengal Tigers?

Let us know your answer on our social media! 👇

Telegram Facebook