Latest Update on Ramsar Sites in India

1: Introduction to Ramsar Sites in India

- In recent news, the total number of Ramsar Site in India has soared to 80, up from 75. This comes as India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced the addition of five new wetlands to the Ramsar sites list, on the eve of World Wetlands Day, 2024.

- Among these new Ramsar sites, three are in Karnataka, namely the Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, the Aghanashini Estuary, and the Magadi Kere Conversation Reserve. The remaining two, which are the Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and the Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, are located in Tamil Nadu.

- Tamil Nadu continues to occupy the pole position with the maximum number of Ramsar Sites (16 sites), and Uttar Pradesh trails with 10 sites.

2: The Ramsar Convention

- The Ramsar Convention, named after the city in Iran where it was adopted on February 2, 1971, is an international pact concerning wetlands of global importance. In India, it kicked in on February 1, 1982. Under this agreement, internationally significant wetlands are designated as Ramsar Sites.

- World Wetlands Day, celebrated around the world and marking the adoption of the historic agreement, takes place on February 2 every year. The theme for World Wetland Day, 2024 revolves around 'Wetlands and Human Wellbeing' to highlight the crucial role of wetlands in improving human lives.

3: Key Characteristics of the Latest Ramsar Sites

- The newly declared Ramsar sites have unique features that contribute significantly to the environment and biodiversity conservation.

- The Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve is an ancient, man-made irrigation reservoir that serves as an important habitat for bird species.

- The Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve is another man-made wetland created for water storage and irrigation and supports a number of vulnerable and near-threatened bird species.

- The Aghanashini Estuary, situated where the Aghanashini River merges with the Arabian Sea, offers a range of vital ecosystem services and supports a diverse range of livelihoods.

- Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, home to nearly 198 bird species, provides water for agricultural use.

- The Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, a tropical rainforest located at the upper sections of Tamil Nadu, is home to several globally endangered and vulnerable bird species.

4: Noteworthy Initiatives for Wetland Conservation

- On a global level, the Montreux Record and the celebration of World Wetlands Day are significant initiatives to conserve wetlands.

- At the national level, India has rolled out the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme, and the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP), started in 1985.

In summary, these recent additions to the list of Ramsar Sites underline India's commitment to conserving crucial wetland ecosystems, which play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting livelihoods. Aspirants for government exams should keep track of such developments to boost their current affairs knowledge.