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).
