Monday, April 21, 2025

A to Z - Day 18 - Ramsar sites in Karnataka, India

Aghanashini Estuary
Photo source: Ramsar Sites Information Service 

Wetlands are among the planet’s most productive ecosystems, vital not only for wildlife but also for human well-being. 

Recognising their significance, the Ramsar Convention — formally known as The Convention on Wetlands — was adopted in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. 

Facilitated by UNESCO, the treaty came into effect in 1975 with the aim of promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands around the world.

QUALIFICATION

A site earns the prestigious Ramsar tag if it fulfils at least one of nine ecological criteria. These include:

  • Representing rare or unique wetland types

  • Supporting endangered or vulnerable species

  • Maintaining regional biodiversity

  • Providing habitat during critical stages of life cycles for certain species

  • Hosting large populations of waterbirds or fish

  • Contributing to global biodiversity and ecosystem services

LARGEST NETWORK OF WETLANDS

There are more than 2,500 Ramsar sites across 172 countries, collectively covering over 257 million hectares. 

This makes the Ramsar network the largest international system of protected wetlands. 

What makes Ramsar designation impactful is not just the label — it’s the commitment it brings.

Governments that designate Ramsar sites are expected to implement conservation actions such as scientific research, habitat management plans, and legal zoning protections to preserve these ecological treasures.

IN INDIA

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
Photo source: Ramsar Sites Information Service

India has embraced this responsibility with growing enthusiasm, and there are 89 Ramsar sites, reflecting the nation's rich wetland diversity.

Karnataka state has four sites recognised between 2022 and 2024:

  • Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – The first in the state to receive Ramsar status, known for its thriving bird population

  • Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve – A vital freshwater ecosystem

  • Aghanashini Estuary – A biologically rich coastal wetland

  • Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve – A crucial site for migratory and resident birds

Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka state where I live, has no Ramsar-designated wetlands. However, local lake conservationists and biodiversity experts have been advocating for recognising several urban wetlands, citing their ecological importance and biodiversity value. 

There is a sustained movement to restore the richness of the city's biodiversity treasure, and the hope is that its unique lake systems could one day find a place on the map.

6 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    A great initiative! I hope it withstands the test of current world nonsense... YAM xx

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  2. A very informative post that serves to create an awareness about the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.Glad to learn that Karnataka has four Ransar sites. What about other states in India?

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  3. Wetlands are critical. I had not heard of this, but it is definitely needed.

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  4. This was another very interesting post, thank you

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  5. Wetlands are important, and I agree with Jo-Anne. Be well, my dear.

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  6. Glad to know about Ramsar sites in Karnataka.

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