Recently 3 more sites in India have been declared Ramsar wetlands, which takes the total to 85
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| total wetlands in India - 85 |
The Environment Ministry on Wednesday (Aug 12, 2024) announced that three more wetlands in India have been designated 'Ramsar Wetland Sites', These belong to
- The Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary ( Tamil Nadu)
- The Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- The Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)
What are Ramsar Sites:
On 2 Feb 1971 in Ramsar (Iran) under the auspices of UNESCO an International Environmental treaty was signed, it is also known as The Convention on Wetlands, a Designated Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Which aims to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of these vital ecosystems.
- These Sites are recognised for their ecological, zoological, botanical and Hydrological significance.
- It provides for National Action and International Cooperation Regarding the conservation of wetlands in respective Countries.
Total Ramsar Sites In the World
Total Ramsar Sites in India
Out of the Total Wetlands in the country, Ramsar wetlands account for 10% across 18 states in India, it is even the biggest among all South Asian countries.
- After adding 3 more sites to the list of Ramsar Wetlands sites this brings the total number of sites to 85, Covering an area of 1358068 hectares in India.
- Sundarban Wetland is the biggest Ramsar Site in India (423000 Hac.)
- Tamil Nādu has the maximum number of Ramsar wetlands (18)
- Uttar Pradesh follows Tamil Nadu in the list with 10 Ramsar Sites.
- India works as a Contracting Party in this Convention and became a signatory in 1982.
Wetlands :
What Are Wetlands?
Wetlands
are special areas of land where water is present, either at or near the
surface, for part of the year. They can be freshwater, saltwater, or a mix of
both. Wetlands include various ecosystems like marshes, swamps, bogs, and
estuaries.
1. Types of Wetlands
a. Marshes
Description: Dominated by herbaceous plants
like grasses, sedges, and reeds.
Water Type: Fresh, brackish, or salt.
Characteristics: Shallow water, typically with
rich nutrient levels; important for biodiversity and flood regulation.
b. Fens
Description: Peat-forming wetlands with a
water table close to the surface.
Water Type: Usually freshwater with a higher
pH compared to bogs.
Characteristics: Characterized by the
accumulation of peat and typically have a diverse plant community.
c. Peatlands
Description: Accumulations of peat (partially
decayed organic matter).
Water Type: Usually freshwater, though some
can be slightly acidic.
Characteristics: High water retention
capacity, often forming bogs or mires.
d. Water Bodies
Description: Includes areas with standing or
flowing water.
Water Type: Can be fresh, brackish, or salt.
Characteristics: Vary in size and depth; may
include natural lakes, ponds, or lagoons.
2. Classification by Water Type
a. Freshwater Wetlands
Description: Water with low salinity,
including lakes, ponds, and marshes.
Characteristics: Support diverse plant and
animal life; important for water filtration and groundwater recharge.
b. Brackish Wetlands
Description: Areas where freshwater and
saltwater mix, such as estuaries and coastal lagoons.
Characteristics: Transitional zones with
unique ecosystems; important for fish nurseries and bird habitats.
c. Saltwater Wetlands
Description: Coastal areas with high salinity,
such as salt marshes and mangroves.
Characteristics: Adapted to high salinity;
important for coastal protection and habitat for migratory birds.
3. Classification by Water Flow
a. Static Water Wetlands
Description: Water bodies with little to no
movement, such as ponds and some marshes.
Characteristics: Can develop high levels of
nutrient accumulation and provide habitat for various species.
b. Flowing Water Wetlands
Description: Wetlands with moving water, such
as riverine wetlands and some fens.
Characteristics: Water movement can help
maintain oxygen levels and support different types of vegetation and wildlife.
4. Exclusions
a. River Channels
Description: The primary pathways for river
water flow.
Characteristics: Not classified as wetlands;
focus on navigation and water transport.
b. Paddy Fields
Description: Agricultural fields specifically
flooded for rice cultivation.
Characteristics: Human-managed; not included
in wetland classifications.
c. Human Made
Water Bodies for Drinking Water
Description: Tanks and reservoirs created for
potable water supply.
Characteristics: Managed primarily for human
consumption; not classified as wetlands.
d. Structures for Aquaculture, Salt Production, Recreation, and Irrigation
Description: Areas modified for specific uses
like fish farming, salt extraction, or recreational purposes.
Characteristics: These are not classified as natural wetlands
Type of Wetlands found in India:
- Lakes and Ponds: Natural and artificial lakes and ponds that collect rainwater and provide habitat for diverse flora and fauna.
- Marshes: Areas where water is shallow and vegetation is dominated by herbaceous plants. These are often found in floodplains and along riverbanks.
- Swamps: Wetlands that are dominated by woody plants. Swamps can be found in coastal regions or inland areas with poor drainage.
- Bogs: Acidic wetlands that accumulate peat. Bogs are less common in India but can be found in specific regions like the Himalayas.
- Floodplains: Areas adjacent to rivers that are periodically inundated with water, creating rich ecosystems.
- Coastal Wetlands: Includes mangroves, estuaries, and tidal flats, which are crucial for biodiversity and act as buffers against coastal erosion.
- Tanks: Man-made reservoirs or water storage systems, especially in southern India, which serve agricultural and domestic purposes.
Summary
Wetlands are diverse and crucial ecosystems with varying types, water characteristics, and functions. Their classification includes natural and artificial environments based on their hydrology, vegetation, and ecological roles. However, specific manmade structures and agricultural fields are excluded from this classification.
Ramsar Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance
| Ramsar Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Criterion 1 | A wetland should contain a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type found within the biogeographic region. |
| Criterion 2 | A wetland should be home to a threatened or endangered species or a significant number of individuals of any species, including migratory birds. |
| Criterion 3 | A wetland should support a significant proportion of the biological diversity of a particular region, including endemic species. |
| Criterion 4 | A wetland should provide essential habitat for species at a critical stage in their life cycle, such as breeding, nesting, or migration. |
| Criterion 5 | A wetland should regularly support at least 20,000 waterbirds or 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird. |
| Criterion 6 | A wetland should be of international importance for conserving fish populations and supporting at least 1% of the total global population of a fish species. |
| Criterion 7 | A wetland should be a site where the fish species are important for the sustainable management of fisheries or are of special conservation interest. |
| Criterion 8 | A wetland should support a significant number of individuals of species that are of high economic or cultural significance. |
| Criterion 9 | A wetland should be important for the presence of significant hydrological or biological processes that sustain ecological functions and values. |
| Criterion 10 | A wetland should be essential for the conservation of biological diversity and for the support of endangered or vulnerable ecosystems. |
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