India Adds 5 More Wetlands to Ramsar Convention List : 1 Feb, 2024

Newly Added Ramsar Sites:

Karnataka: Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary.
Tamil Nadu: Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest.

Shola Forests: The term “Shola” is derived from the Tamil word “solai,” indicating a tropical rainforest.

Other Key Points:

Total Ramsar Sites in India: With the new additions, India now has 80 wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention.
Increased Coverage: The new sites add 5,523.87 hectares to Ramsar sites, bringing India’s total Ramsar area to 1.33 million hectares.
State-wise Ramsar Sites: Tamil Nadu leads with 16 Ramsar Sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10.

About the Ramsar Convention:

Purpose: An international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Origin: Named after Ramsar, Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971.
Objective: To establish a global network of wetlands for conserving biodiversity and supporting human life by maintaining ecosystem components and benefits.
India’s Participation: Ratified in 1982, with Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake as its first two Ramsar sites.
Conservation Efforts in India: Launch of “Amrit Dharohar Yojana” for the conservation of Ramsar sites with community participation.
World Wetland Day: Celebrated annually on February 2 to raise awareness about the value of wetlands.