Two New Ramsar Sites in India

Two New Ramsar Sites in India

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity; Ecology; Environment 

In news

• Recently, Kabartal Wetland (Bihar) and Asan Conservation Reserve (Uttrakhand) have been designated as Ramsar sites. 
• Now, the total number of Ramsar sites in India is 39, the highest in South Asia.

Important value additions 

Kabartal Wetland

• It is also known as Kanwar Jheel. 
• Location: Begusarai, Bihar.
• It acts as a vital flood buffer for the region. 
• It also provides livelihood opportunities to local communities.
• It has significant biodiversity with 165 plant species, 394 animal species and 50 fish species. 
• 58 migratory waterbirds use it to rest. 
• Five critically endangered species inhabit the site: (1) Red-headed vulture; (2) White-rumped vulture; (3) Indian vulture; (4) Sociable lapwing; (5) Baer’s pochard

Asan Conservation Reserve (ACR) 

• ACR is formed by the Asan River running down to its confluence with the Yamuna River in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. 
• It is Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar Site.
• These habitats support 330 bird species including the critically endangered red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).
• 49 fish species are also found including the endangered Putitora mahseer (Tor putitora). 

Ramsar Site

• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
• Those wetlands which are of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
• Mission: Conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.
• The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. 
• It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
• At present, two wetlands of India are in Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
• Chilika Lake (Odisha) was placed in the record but later removed from it.