Wetland City Accreditation in India

Explore Wetland City Accreditation, its criteria, significance in conservation, and how it recognizes cities for sustainable wetland management and biodiversity protection.

Table of Contents

Context: Indore and Udaipur have become the first two Indian cities to join the global list of wetland accredited cities.

About Wetland City Accreditation

It is a voluntary accreditation system that allows cities to gain international recognition for their wetland conservation efforts.
It was launched in 2015 at COP12 (Uruguay) of the Ramsar Convention.
It recognizes cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.
Validity: Once granted, it is valid for a period of 6 years.

Criteria for Accreditation

Cities must satisfy six international criteria, including:

Adopting measures for wetland conservation and wise use.
Promoting ecosystem services provided by wetlands.
Maintaining sustainable socio-economic practices linked to wetlands.
Engaging local communities in conservation.
Addressing concerns related to wetland degradation.
Protecting both natural and human-made wetlands.

Latest Addition from India

Indore, Madhya Pradesh: Recognized for Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site developed as a bird sanctuary and water bird congregation zone.
Udaipur, Rajasthan: It is known for its interconnected wetlands, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, which support biodiversity and eco-tourism.

Ramsar Convention

It is an intergovernmental treaty under UNESCO.
Provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
It was signed in Ramsar(Iran) on February 2, 1971.
Partners to Ramsar Convention: Birdlife International, IUCN, Wetlands International, WWF., International Water Management Institute, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
India joined the Ramsar Convention in 1982.