- India has a significant network of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) designated under the Ramsar Convention. - The Ramsar Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation. - Wetlands provide critical ecological services, including flood control, groundwater recharge, water purification, and biodiversity support. - Government initiatives like the National Wetland Conservation Programme play a crucial role in protecting these fragile ecosystems. - **Ramsar Convention:** An intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, providing the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. - **Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules:** Regulatory framework notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, establishing State Wetland Authorities and decentralized guidelines for identifying, managing, and protecting wetlands in India. - **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:** Central government ministry responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing environmental and forestry policies, including wildlife conservation and wetland management programs across India. **Introduction** This PIB release focuses on Ramsar Sites in India, detailing the significance of wetlands, their designation under the Ramsar Convention, and India's growing network of wetlands of international importance aimed at biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - India has a significant network of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) designated under the Ramsar Convention. - The Ramsar Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation. - Wetlands provide critical ecological services, including flood control, groundwater recharge, water purification, and biodiversity support. - Government initiatives like the National Wetland Conservation Programme play a crucial role in protecting these fragile ecosystems. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Ramsar Convention:** An intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, providing the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. - **Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules:** Regulatory framework notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, establishing State Wetland Authorities and decentralized guidelines for identifying, managing, and protecting wetlands in India. - **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:** Central government ministry responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing environmental and forestry policies, including wildlife conservation and wetland management programs across India.