Wetland Accredited Cities

Context:

Indore and Udaipur have become the first two Indian cities to earn a place on the global list of accredited wetland cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition highlights the cities' commitment to preserving and sustainably managing their wetlands.

• Indore: The city's Sirpur Lake (a Ramsar site) is recognized for its importance as a waterbird congregation area and is being developed into a bird sanctuary to further enhance its ecological significance.
• Udaipur: Known for being surrounded by five major wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, Udaipur's wetlands play a crucial role in local ecology and water management.

About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA):

• The WCA is a voluntary system that recognizes cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands. This accreditation not only provides international recognition but also helps cities gain positive publicity for their conservation efforts.
• Approved at COP12 of the Ramsar Convention (2015) in Uruguay, the accreditation is valid for 6 years, after which it must be renewed, provided the city continues to meet the criteria established by the Ramsar Convention.

Significance of Wetland City Accreditation:

1. Promotes Wetland Conservation: It encourages the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, ensuring sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.
2. Strengthens Ecosystem Relationship: The accreditation encourages cities, especially those near Wetlands of International Importance, to strengthen their relationship with these valuable ecosystems.
3. Supports National Initiatives: It plays a role in the implementation of India's Amrit Dharohar initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), which aims to protect and restore wetlands across the country.

Ramsar Convention Overview:

• The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty established to provide a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
• Adopted in 1971 and coming into force in 1975, it currently recognizes 85 Ramsar sites in India, highlighting the country's efforts in wetland conservation.