Rajasthan’s Udaipur and Phalodi sites get Ramsar tag

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. It encourages the protection and conservation of wetlands worldwide by designating them as such. Ramsar sites are also known as wetlands of international importance.

According to the Convention, wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres”. It states that wetlands are vital for human survival, and that “They are among the world’s most productive environments; cradles of biological diversity that provide the water and productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for survival. Wetlands are indispensable for the countless benefits or ‘ecosystem services’ that they provide humanity, ranging from freshwater supply, food and building materials, and biodiversity, to flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.”

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Currently, there are nine criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance, which includes sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types; sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity; specific criteria based on waterbirds, fish, etc.

According to the Ramsar Convention, the Menar Wetland Complex is a freshwater monsoon wetland complex formed by three ponds, Braham talab, Dhand talab and Kheroda talab, and agricultural land that connects the latter two.

During the monsoon season the farmland floods provide habitat for 110 species of waterbirds of which 67 are migratory. Among the notable bird species at the site are the critically endangered white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture. Over 70 plant species are found, including mango trees around Braham talab that host a large colony of Indian flying foxes.

“The site is recognized as one of the best examples of community-led conservation in Rajasthan, with residents of the nearby Menar village playing a key role in conserving wildlife by preventing poaching or fishing,” states the Convention in its official information on Menar.

Khichan Wetland, located in the northern Thar Desert, comprises two water bodies, Ratri nadi (river) and Vijaysagar talab (pond), riparian habitat and scrub land. This desert ecosystem supports drought-resistant plant species that provide habitat for over 150 species of birds.

“The site is especially recognised for hosting large wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes, making up over 22,000 individuals each year. Residents of the adjacent village work to mitigate threats to the cranes’ survival, by reducing mortalities from power line collisions and stray dog attacks. The site attracts bird-watchers, tourists, students and scientists, drawn primarily by the large seasonal gathering of the cranes,” the Convention says.