RAMSAR CONVENTION

Why in the news?

India’s Ramsar Sites rose to 80, as 5 wetlands were added to the Global List of Wetlands of International Importance under Ramsar Convention.

About Ramsar Convention

• Adopted in 1971.
• An intergovernmental treaty under UNESCO.
• Provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
• A wetland must meet at least 1 of 9 criteria such as regularly supporting 20,000 or more water birds, or conserving biological diversity etc.
• India ratified Convention in 1982 (Tamil Nadu has maximum number of Ramsar sites).