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(The Gist of PIB) Ramsar Conventions on wetlands anniversary

(THE GIST OF PIB) Ramsar Conventions on wetlands anniversary

The convention was signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and the day is celebrated annually as World Wetlands Day.
It is the oldest convention to preserve ecological character of selected wetlands across the globe.

Three pillars of Convention:

Contracting Parties commit to working towards wise use of wetlands;
Designate wetlands under Ramsar List;
Cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.
India has nearly 4.6% of its land as wetlands, and has 42 wetlands designated under Ramsar convention.
On this occasion, MoEFCC announced establishment of Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management (CWCM), a first for India.
It will be a part of National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, which aids in conservation, rehabilitation, management and policy design of coast.
The dedicated Centre would address specific research needs and knowledge gaps and will aid in the application of integrated approaches for conservation, management and wise use of the wetlands and would serve as a knowledge hub.