Ramsar Sites and Wetland Conservation
Environment & Ecology
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Understanding international environmental conventions, India's commitments to wetland conservation, the ecological importance of wetlands, and the challenges in protecting these sensitive ecosystems from developmental pressures.
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO. These sites are crucial for biodiversity conservation, providing vital ecosystem services, and supporting migratory bird populations globally.
Facts & tables
- Chhari Dhand wetland designation
- Chhari Dhand wetland in Gujarat's Banni grasslands was designated a Ramsar site in January.
- Ecological importance
- It is a fragile ecological site sheltering indigenous species and drawing lakhs of migratory birds, providing critical breeding grounds.
- Threat from development
- A proposed solar project sits barely 500 metres away, threatening the wetland's ecology.
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Environmental Conventions |
| Conceptual area | Ecosystem Services |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) | Implements |
| Ramsar Convention Secretariat | Governs |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions
- Ramsar Convention: Intergovernmental treaty for wetland conservation.
- Chhari Dhand: Gujarat's Banni grassland wetland, recently designated Ramsar site.
- Ecological importance: Critical for migratory birds, biodiversity, ecosystem services.
- Threats: Industrial development, habitat loss, human disturbance.
- Conservation challenge: Balancing development with ecological protection.
Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2019 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2016 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2015 | Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2015 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall |
| 2014 | Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions |
| 2014 | Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions |
Timeline
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Environmental Conventions
Conceptual area
-
Ecosystem Services
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2014
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2014
Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2014
Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions
-
Prelims 2015
Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2015
Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall
-
Prelims 2016
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2019
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2022
Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis
-
Gujarat’s Banni grasslands: A heap of broken images, where the sun beats
Ramsar sites are globally recognized wetlands vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services, facing threats from development, highlighting the need for robust conservation and policy implementation.
See also
No related topics linked yet.
Past papers
2014–2022 · 8 questions
In the news
Gujarat’s Banni grasslands: A heap of broken images, where the sun beats
Ramsar sites are globally recognized wetlands vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services, facing threats from development, highlighting the need for robust conservation and policy implementation.
Try these PYQs
With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity. Statement 1 is incorrect: It is an independent, not-for-profit, global organisation, supported by government and NGO membership from around the world. Statement 2 is correct: Wetlands International is dedicated to maintaining and restoring wetlands for their environmental values as well as for the services they provide to people. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge and use this practical experience to advocate for better policies.
With reference to an organization known as ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.
2. The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.
3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is correct: BirdLife's Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) Programme aims to identify, monitor, and protect a global network of IBAs for the conservation of the world's birds and other wildlife. Statement 2 is incorrect: The British biologist Norman Myers coined the term biodiversity hotspot in 1988 as a biogeographic region characterized both by exceptional levels of plant endemism and by serious levels of habitat loss. Statement 3 is correct: One of their key activities involves identifying and designating Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), critical sites for bird conservation that also contribute significantly to overall biodiversity.
Consider the following statements :
1. Under the Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect. While the Ramsar Convention encourages member countries to take action for wetland conservation and wise use, there's no legal mandate to protect all wetlands. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were formulated by the Indian government to regulate activities in wetlands, and their development was not certainly influenced by the Ramsar Convention's principles. The rules also consider other national legislations and priorities. Statement 3 is correct. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 do encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands. This holistic approach recognizes the importance of the surrounding area for the overall health and functioning of the wetland ecosystem.
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
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.
Consider the following international agreements:
1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. The World Heritage Convention
Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture focuses on ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. This directly impacts biodiversity as it aims to protect the variety of plant species crucial for food security and ecosystem health. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification addresses land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. Desertification can significantly reduce biodiversity by destroying habitats and reducing plant and animal life. By working to combat desertification, this convention indirectly protects biodiversity. The World Heritage Convention focuses on preserving cultural and natural heritage sites. Conservation natural heritage sites may contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Thus 'D' is the correct answer.
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following pairs:
Wetland/Lake - Location
1. Hokera Wetland - Punjab
2. Renuka Wetland - Himachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar Lake - Tripura
4. Sasthamkotta - Tamil Nadu Lake
How many pairs given above are correctly matched ?
Hokera Wetland - Punjab: Incorrect. The Hokera Wetland is located in Jammu and Kashmir, not Punjab. It is a significant wetland in the region. Renuka Wetland - Himachal Pradesh: Correct. The Renuka Wetland is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous wetland in the region, particularly known for the Renuka Lake. Rudrasagar Lake - Tripura: Correct. The Rudrasagar Lake is located in Tripura. It is a large lake and a significant water body in the state. Sasthamkotta Lake - Tamil Nadu: Incorrect. The Sasthamkotta Lake is located in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu. It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
2. IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
3. CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct using the code given below.
Statement 1 is incorrect: IUCN is an independent membership organization, not a UN body. Governments, NGOs, and scientific institutions can all be members. Statement 2 is correct: IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments. Statement 3 is correct: CITES is a legally binding international agreement for countries that have ratified it. However, each member nation implements the regulations through its own domestic laws.
Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to -
1. Protection of biodiversity
2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
3. Poverty reduction
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) attempts to create financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. REDD goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. REDD has the potential to simultaneously contribute to climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation, whilst also conserving biodiversity and sustaining vital ecosystem services. Protection of biodiversity: Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems, and protecting them through REDD initiatives helps safeguard countless species of plants and animals. Resilience of forest ecosystems: By reducing deforestation and degradation, REDD helps maintain healthy forests that can better withstand natural disturbances like droughts, floods, and pests. Poverty reduction: Many forest communities rely on forests for their livelihoods. REDD programs can provide financial incentives for sustainable forest management, creating income opportunities and alleviating poverty. Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.