Environment ยท GS3
Glaw Lake becomes a Ramsar site
One line
Glaw Lake became Arunachal Pradesh's first Ramsar site, taking India's reported total to 101 wetlands of international importance.
Summary
Ramsar designation gives international recognition but conservation still depends on water regime, catchment management, pollution control, community participation, and monitoring.
PYQ pattern
UPSC frequently tests wetland institutions, ecosystem services, and threats from catchment-level land-use change.
Core notes
- The Ramsar Convention concerns conservation and wise use of wetlands.
- Wise use means maintaining ecological character through ecosystem approaches within sustainable development.
- Wetlands support biodiversity, flood moderation, water purification, carbon storage, and livelihoods.
- Designation does not automatically convert a wetland into a national park.
Prelims lens
- The Ramsar Convention was adopted in Iran in 1971.
- The Montreux Record lists Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed, is changing, or may change.
- Every Ramsar site need not be on the Montreux Record.
MCQ 1
The Ramsar Convention is associated with:
- A. Wetlands
- B. Desertification only
- C. Nuclear safety
- D. Maritime insurance
Reveal answerHide answer
A
It is the global convention on wetlands and their wise use.
MCQ 2
Ramsar designation automatically makes a site:
- A. A national park
- B. A wetland of international importance, with management still governed by applicable law
- C. A biosphere reserve
- D. A no-human-use zone
Reveal answerHide answer
B
Designation recognises importance but does not automatically impose another protected-area category.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Why must Ramsar-site conservation extend beyond the notified wetland boundary?
Approach:
- Explain ecological character and wise use.
- Discuss catchment flows, pollution, and livelihoods.
- Note coordination and monitoring gaps.
- Suggest basin-level management and community stewardship.