Ramsar Convention is related to _____________

The correct answer is Protection of Wetlands.

Key Points

• The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• It aims to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and ensure their sustainable utilization while recognizing their ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic importance.
• Wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention are known as "Ramsar Sites," and there are over 2,400 such sites globally as of 2023.
• The Ramsar Convention emphasizes cooperation among nations for transboundary wetlands and migratory waterbird species.
• India is a party to the Ramsar Convention, and as of 2023, it has 75 Ramsar Sites, making it one of the countries with a significant number of internationally recognized wetlands.

Additional Information

• Wetlands
  • Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface for most of the year, such as marshes, swamps, lakes, and mangroves.
  • They play a crucial role in water purification, flood control, and climate regulation while supporting biodiversity.
  • Wetlands are often referred to as the "kidneys of the Earth" due to their filtration capabilities.
• Criteria for Ramsar Sites
  • To qualify for Ramsar designation, wetlands must meet one or more of the nine criteria related to their ecological, biological, or hydrological significance.
  • Examples include supporting endangered species, biodiversity hotspots, or unique ecosystems.
• Montreux Record
  • It is a register under the Ramsar Convention of wetlands facing adverse ecological changes due to human or natural factors.
  • Sites on the Montreux Record are prioritized for conservation and restoration efforts.
• World Wetlands Day
  • Celebrated annually on February 2nd, it marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention.
  • The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their conservation.