Ramsar Wetlands in India: Classification, Objectives, Ecological Value and Conservation

There are around 100 Ramsar wetlands in India, spread across 28 states and union territories that reflect our country’s long-standing commitment of wetland conservation. From West Bengal’s largest Ramsar Sundarban wetland to the smallest Renuka lake of Himachal, each of these wetlands are famous for their biodiversity, hydrological and ecological significance. In this article, we will learn about these Ramsar Wetlands in India, their classification and ecological importance.

Table of Contents

• Which are the Ramsar Wetlands in India
• Classification of Ramsar Wetlands in India
• Objectives and Criteria of Ramsar Wetlands in India
• Ecological Value and Benefits of Ramsar Wetlands in India

Which are the Ramsar Wetlands in India

Ramsar wetlands in India are designated sites of international importance in conserving biodiversity and sustaining ecological balance. These sites are recognized under Ramsar convention of wetlands, a global treaty for conserving wetlands and protecting biodiversity. Signed on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, this treaty is dedicated to conserving and sustainably using wetlands globally. Some of the famous Ramsar sites in India include Chilika lake, Bhitarkanika mangroves, Sundarban wetland, Deepor Beel and more. Let’s learn more about these wetlands and their classification.

Classification of Ramsar Wetlands in India

The Ramsar wetlands in India are identified, designated and managed for global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the maintenance of their ecosystem components, processes and services. These wetlands can be classified into three broad categories:

Marine or Coastal Wetlands: These wetlands are ecosystems located along coastline and are characterised by saline water bodies, coral reefs, rocky shores and coastal lagoons. Two famous marine Ramsar wetlands in India are Sundarban in Bengal and Bhitarkanika mangroves in Odisha.

Inland Wetlands: Freshwater wetlands located away from coastline such as ponds, lakes and reservoirs. This category of wetlands also includes swamps, marshes, bogs and ferns. Walur lake in Jammu and Kashmir is one the largest wetland in Asia. Some other inland Ramsar wetlands in India include, Chandertal wetland in Himachal, Sambhar lake in Rajasthan and Loktak lake in Manipur.

Human-made Wetlands: Formed by reservoirs, barrages, irrigation tanks and artificial wetland sanctuaries, human-made wetlands support biodiversity and shelter to migratory birds. An example of human-made wetland is Hirakund reservoir in Odisha.

Objectives and Criteria of Ramsar Wetlands in India 

According to the global convention framework, the Ramsar wetlands are designated based on the following nine criteria that serve different objectives:

1. A wetland is considered internationally important because it contains a rare or unique example of wetland found within a biographic region. So, it is highly crucial to preserve these wetlands.
2. A wetland is considered internationally important as it has some endangered species. These wetlands are important for saving such vulnerable species.
3. It sustains species of plants and animals that are important for maintaining biological diversity on earth.
4. It supports plant and animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles, or provides refuge during adverse conditions.
5. It is crucial in the survival of 20,000 or more water birds.
6. It sustains 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird.
7. It supports survival of indigenous fish-species thereby contributing to global biological diversity.
8. It is an important source of food for fishes, swamping ground or migration path on which fishes can depend. 
9. It sustains 1% of the individuals in a population of a single species or subspecies of non-avian animals that depend on wetlands.

Ecological Value and Benefits of Ramsar Wetlands in India

Ramsar wetlands hold immense ecological, social and economic significance from supporting livelihoods to protecting biodiversity. Here are some major benefits of these wetlands:

• Ecological Benefits: Serving as an immense carbon sink these wetlands are highly useful in regulating climate change and are important for flood prevention and water purification.
• Biodiversity Preservation: A critical hotspot of biodiversity, these Ramsar wetlands help in survival of countless plants, animals, fishes and birds species. 
• Provides Livelihood: Ramsar wetlands play an important role in supporting fisheries and agricultures. Local communities depend on them for food, water, fishing and agriculture. 
• Promotes Ecotourism: Many of the Ramsar sites such as reservoirs are famous tourist scenic beauty with rich landscapes and biodiversity. They generate income and support conservation.