Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is one of the most significant intergovernmental treaties for environmental conservation. For IAS aspirants, understanding this topic is crucial as it frequently appears in GS Paper III (Environment) and the Prelims examination.

As of March 2026, India has significantly expanded its wetland network, reinforcing its commitment to “wise use” and biodiversity conservation.

Read: RAMSAR Sites

1. What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. It came into force in 1975.

Key Objectives

• Wise Use: Promoting the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
• List of Wetlands of International Importance: Identifying and protecting sites that are critical for global biological diversity.
• International Cooperation: Collaborative management of shared (transboundary) wetland systems.

Three Pillars of the Convention

1. Work towards the wise use of all their wetlands.
2. Designate suitable wetlands for the Ramsar List and ensure their effective management.
3. Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands and shared species.

2. Ramsar COP15: Recent Developments (2025)

The Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) is the policy-making organ of the Convention, meeting every three years.

• COP15 Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
• Dates: July 23–31, 2025.
• Major Outcome: India presented a resolution on “Sustainable Lifestyles for Wetlands”, emphasizing the link between human behavior (inspired by Mission LiFE) and ecosystem health.
• Theme: “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”

Timeline of Recent COPs

UPSC Perspective: Note that India has never hosted a Ramsar COP. However, India remains a lead advocate for wetland conservation in South Asia, currently ranking 1st in Asia by the number of sites.

3. Ramsar Sites in India: 2026 Status

As of March 2026, India has 98 Ramsar Sites, covering approximately 1.38 million hectares. The growth has been monumental, with a ~276% increase in designated sites since 2014.

Latest Additions (January – February 2026)

1. Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh): Located in the Etah district; a critical habitat for migratory birds and the vulnerable Mugger Crocodile.
2. Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat): A seasonal saline wetland in the Kutch district, vital for the Sociable Lapwing (Critically Endangered).

Key Statistical Highlights

• State with Highest Sites: Tamil Nadu (20 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh (11).
• Largest Ramsar Site: Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal) – ~4,230 sq. km.
• Smallest Ramsar Site: Renuka Lake (Himachal Pradesh) and Vembannur Wetland Complex (Tamil Nadu).
• Oldest Sites (1981): Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan).

4. Mission Sahbhagita & Wise Use

Launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Mission Sahbhagita aims to enable a “Whole-of-Society” approach.

• Objective: To promote participatory conservation where local communities lead the management of wetlands.
• Focus: Enhancing livelihoods, water security, and climate resilience through community ownership.
• The “Amrit Dharohar” Scheme: Announced in the Union Budget to promote the unique conservation values of Ramsar sites through eco-tourism and income generation for local communities.

Prelims & Mains Pointer

Prelims Fact File

• Ratification: India signed the convention on February 1, 1982.
• Montreux Record: A register of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred or are likely to occur. Currently, two Indian sites are on it: Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake. (Note: Chilika Lake was removed from the record in 2002).
• World Wetlands Day: Observed on February 2nd annually.

Potential Mains Question

Q. “The designation of a wetland as a Ramsar site is not just a title but a commitment to ‘wise use’. In light of the recent expansion of Ramsar sites in India, discuss the challenges in balancing ecological conservation with local livelihood needs.” (150 Words, 10 Marks)