96 Ramsar Sites in India

The new additions of Ramsar sites show India’s commitment towards protection, conservation and sustainability of the environment.

What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention for conservation and sustainable use. 

These sites are primarily protected under strict guidelines of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This Convention is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

The Ramsar convention was signed on 2nd Feb, 1971 in Ramsar city, Iran and came into force on 21 Dec, 1975. It focuses on the preservation of the ecological character of wetlands.

India is the third country in the world after the UK and Mexico, and first in Asia with the highest number of Ramsar sites. 

India became part of Ramsar Convention on 1st Feb, 1982 and Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 governs the protection, use and management of Wetlands in India.

In India, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites followed by Uttar Pradesh.

Ramsar Sites in India