Two Indian cities, Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur in Rajasthan have been recognized as Wetland City certification under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These Indian cities are included in the list of 31 cities across the world that have been given the prestigious status of Wetland City certification cities. Wetlands are areas of land or coastal area where water covers the soil or is present at or near the soil surface throughout the year or for a significant period during the year. Earlier, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had nominated three Indian cities, Indore and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur for the first Wetland City certification. Indore and Udaipur are the first Indian cities to receive the status of Wetland City certification. Maximum 9 cities of China have been given the status of Wetland City certification.
Key Points
Recognition of Indore and Udaipur
- Became the first cities of India to be recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
- Both cities were nominated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Wetlands of Indore and Udaipur
Indore: Sirpur Lake:
- Recognized as a Ramsar site.
- Important as a water bird mating area.
- Being developed as a bird sanctuary.
Udaipur
Five major wetlands
- Pichola, Fatehsagar, Rangsagar, Swaroopsagar, and Doodh Talai.
- Significant contribution to the culture, identity, and microclimate regulation of the city.
Why Indore and Udaipur were chosen
Indore
- Known for excellent performance in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- Many initiatives taken for conservation and rehabilitation of water bodies.
Udaipur
- Known as the City of Lakes.
- Significant contribution in conservation of lakes.
- Lakes revitalized using traditional knowledge and modern technology.
Wetland City
- Definition: Wetland cities are cities that excel in the conservation and holistic management of their water resources, lakes and wetlands.
- Significance: These cities exemplify harmony between urban development and environmental protection.
UNESCO and Wetland City Recognition:
- Beginning: UNESCO launched the Wetland City Recognition Programme at the 12th Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention in 2015.
Objectives
- To honour and recognise cities that are committed to the conservation of their sensitive ecosystems.
- To encourage positive efforts to conserve natural water bodies and wetlands.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
- Founded: 16 November 1945.
- Objective: To strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation among countries through education, science and culture.
- Headquarters: Paris, France.
UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention
- Introduction: It is an international treaty that focuses on the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
- Established: In 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
- Aim: To conserve wetlands and ensure their sustainable use.
- Effective date: December 1975.
- India’s participation: India signed it on February 1, 1982.
- Wetlands Day: Wetlands Day is celebrated across the world on February 2 every year.