India’s First Wetland Cities

India has recently celebrated achievement with Indore and Udaipur becoming the first cities from the country to be accredited as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention. This recognition marks the importance of wetlands in urban areas and the need for their conservation. The announcement came just before World Wetlands Day, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable urban development.

Ramsar Convention Overview

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• It currently includes 172 member countries.
• The treaty aims to ensure that wetlands provide ecological, economic, and social benefits to local communities.

Wetland City Accreditation

• Wetland City Accreditation is an initiative that recognises cities for their commitment to preserving and wisely using wetlands.
• Cities must meet six international criteria to qualify.
• These include effective conservation measures and the promotion of ecosystem services.
• The recent accreditation round added 31 cities globally, bringing the total to 74.

Challenges Faced by Bhopal

• Bhopal, which was also nominated for accreditation, did not receive the status due to concerns raised by citizen groups.
• Issues related to proposed infrastructure projects threatening local wetlands were brought into light.
• This situation puts stress on the need for community involvement in environmental decision-making.

Benefits of Wetlands

Wetlands play important role in urban ecosystems. They provide flood regulation, support biodiversity, and offer recreational opportunities. In Indore, Sirpur Lake is being developed as a bird sanctuary, while Udaipur’s wetlands contribute to the city’s cultural identity and microclimate regulation.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2025

Category: Environment Current Affairs