Q.i) What are the criteria for identification of a ‘Ramsar site’?

A Ramsar site is an internationally important wetland selected on ecological/biodiversity criteria (endangered species, large waterbird numbers, representative wetland type). Ramsar sites conserve wetland biodiversity and water resources, support migratory birds and fisheries, recharge groundwater and control floods.

i) Criteria for identification of a Ramsar site: Under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971, Ramsar, Iran), a wetland qualifies as a site of international importance if it meets criteria such as:

• It contains a representative, rare or unique natural or near-natural wetland type.
• It supports vulnerable, endangered or rare species or threatened ecological communities.
• It regularly supports large populations of waterbirds (as a guide, 20,000 or more).
• It supports significant biodiversity and, for water-dependent wetlands, important fish populations (spawning/nursery grounds) or plant/animal life at a critical stage of their life cycle.
• It is important for maintaining the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region.

ii) Significance of a Ramsar site:

1. Conservation of biodiversity — protects the rich flora and fauna of wetlands, including rare and endangered species.
2. Habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds and breeding grounds for fish — supporting fisheries and food chains.
3. Water resource benefits — recharges groundwater, maintains the water table and improves water quality.
4. Flood and erosion control and shoreline stabilisation. …