What is the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands?
Wetlands Definition (Ramsar Convention):Areas where water is present at or near the soil surface, either year-round or seasonally (especially during the growing season). Includes wetlands like coral reefs and mangroves. Recognized internationally for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Types of Wetlands (Ramsar Classification)
Ecological Significance Of Ramsar sites:
India’s Ramsar Sites (As of December 2024): Total Ramsar Sites in India: 85 (following the addition of 3 new sites). Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites.1. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
2. Kazhuveli Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
3. Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)
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Who Can Declare A Wetland Site As Ramsar Site?National government of a country that is a party to the Ramsar Convention can declare a wetland as a Ramsar site. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in India is responsible for this process. How the process works:
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Establishment |
Established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act. |
Purpose |
Specialised body for adjudicating environmental cases and addressing multidisciplinary environmental issues. |
Objectives |
- Environmental protection - Conservation of natural resources - Enforcement of environmental rights and providing relief/compensation. |
Jurisdiction |
- Binding orders - Authority to grant compensation and damages - Cases involving environmental laws and challenges to related orders. |
Zones |
Principal Bench in Delhi (North Zone) Regional Benches: Bhopal (Central), Kolkata (East), Chennai (South), Pune (West). |
Composition |
- Chairperson: A retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court, appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, serving for five years or until age 70 - Judicial Members: 10 to 20 - Expert Members: 10 to 20 |
Who can approach? |
Any person seeking relief for environmental damage under laws listed in Schedule I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. |
Relevant Laws |
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 - Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 - Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 - Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 - Biological Diversity Act, 2002 |
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