Indore and Udaipur have become the first two Indian cities to make it to the global list of accredited wetland cities under Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

About Indore and Udaipur Wetlands

• Indore:
  • Sirpur Lake: A Ramsar Site recognized for its water bird congregation.
  • It is being developed as a bird sanctuary.
• Udaipur:
  • Surrounded by five major wetlands:
    • Pichola
    • Fateh Sagar
    • Rang Sagar
    • Swaroop Sagar
    • Doodh Talai

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About Wetland City Accreditation Program

• A voluntary accreditation system that provides cities with international recognition for their efforts in conserving wetlands.
• Approved at COP12 of the Ramsar Convention (2015) in Uruguay.
• Purpose:
  • Promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands.
  • Encourage cities to adopt measures for wetland conservation and restoration.
• Accreditation Criteria: To be accredited, a city must satisfy six international criteria:
  • It has one or more Ramsar Sites or significant wetlands that provide ecosystem services to the city.
  • It has adopted measures for wetland conservation.
  • It has implemented wetland restoration measures.
  • It considers integrated spatial/land-use planning for wetlands under its jurisdiction.
  • It has raised public awareness about wetland values and enabled public participation in decision-making.
  • It has established a local committee to support preparation and implementation of measures.
• Validity: Accreditation is valid for 6 years and can be renewed if the city continues to meet the criteria.
• Global List: As of now, there are 74 accredited wetland cities globally.
  • China has the highest number of accredited cities (22), followed by France (9).

Ramsar Convention and Montreux Record

• Ramsar Convention:
  • An intergovernmental treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  • Came into force in 1975.
  • Currently, there are 172 member countries, including India.
  • India has 85 Ramsar Sites as of now.
  • Three Pillars of the Convention:
    • Work towards the wise use of all wetlands.
    • Designate suitable wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar List) and ensure their effective management.
    • Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, and shared species.
  • Ramsar Sites: India has 85 Ramsar Sites as of now.
    • As of January 2025, the United Kingdom has the highest number of Ramsar sites in the world with 175, followed by Mexico (142). 
    • Tamil Nadu currently holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites. 

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• Montreux Record:
  • It is a register of wetland sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are anticipated due to technological developments, pollution, or other human activities. 
  • This record is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
  • Ramsar Sites in India under Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake.

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