The Ramsar Convention is related to which one of the following?

The correct answer is Wetlands.

The Ramsar Convention:

• Ramsar Convention, 1971: on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands
• The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
• The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. Since then, almost 90% of UN member states, from all the world’s geographic regions, have acceded to become “Contracting Parties”.
• India is a party to the Ramsar Convention. India signed under it on 1st February 1982.
• Chilika Lake (Orissa) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were recognized as the first Ramsar Sites of India
• Sundarbans is the largest Ramsar Site of India
• On 2nd February 2021, India’s first Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management has been set up in Chennai.
• There are 75 wetlands in India that have international importance and hence recognized as the Ramsar Sites in India. Ramsar Sites are wetlands that have international importance.

Three Pillars:

• ​Under the “three pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to:
  • work towards the wise use of all their wetlands;
  • designate suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective management;
  • cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, and shared species.

The Montreux record:

• 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.