Wetlands & Ecologically Sensitive Areas
The importance of wetlands, the Ramsar Convention, and India's system of Eco-Sensitive Zones and Ecologically Sensitive Areas around fragile ecosystems.
Key Takeaways
- Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems — the 'kidneys of the landscape'.
- The Ramsar Convention (1971) protects wetlands of international importance.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are buffers around protected areas where activities are regulated.
Core concept
Wetlands are land areas saturated with water — marshes, mangroves, lakes, floodplains and peatlands. Despite covering a small area, they are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth and provide outsized services. Ecologically Sensitive Areas are fragile zones that need special protection from development.
Static foundation — why wetlands matter
Wetlands are called the "kidneys of the landscape" because they purify water. They also control floods, recharge groundwater, store 'blue carbon', support rich biodiversity (especially migratory birds), and sustain livelihoods (fishing, farming).
The Ramsar Convention
Signed in Ramsar, Iran (1971), this is the intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Sites of international importance are designated 'Ramsar Sites'. Those under threat of ecological change are placed on the Montreux Record. World Wetlands Day is 2 February. In India, wetlands are also governed by the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
Protecting Fragile Ecosystems
| Tool | What it is |
|---|---|
| Ramsar Site | A wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention |
| Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) | A regulated buffer around a national park or sanctuary to cushion it from development |
| Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) | A larger fragile region needing protection (e.g., parts of the Western Ghats) |
| Biosphere Reserve | A UNESCO-recognised area with core, buffer and transition zones |
Value addition — the Western Ghats debate
The Gadgil Committee (2011) recommended declaring almost the entire Western Ghats an Ecologically Sensitive Area with strict curbs; the Kasturirangan Committee (2013) proposed a smaller ESA (~37% of the Ghats) with a lighter touch. The tension between conservation and development in the Ghats remains unresolved — a classic answer-writing example.
Current affairs linkage
India keeps adding Ramsar sites (now among Asia's largest networks). Urban wetlands face encroachment and pollution; restoration is a growing focus (e.g., the 'Amrit Dharohar' initiative). (Add the latest Ramsar-site count or a wetland-restoration story.)
Prelims trap zones
- The Montreux Record lists THREATENED Ramsar sites (not all Ramsar sites).
- Ramsar Convention (1971) — wetlands; do not confuse with the Bonn (migratory species) or Basel (waste) conventions.
- Gadgil = stricter/larger ESA; Kasturirangan = smaller/relaxed on the Western Ghats.
Knowledge Check
2 questions · check your understanding
1. Wetlands are often called the '____________ of the landscape' for their water-purifying role.
2. The Ramsar Convention is concerned with the conservation of:
Prelims Pointers
- World Wetlands Day is observed on 2 February (the date the Ramsar Convention was signed).
- The 'Montreux Record' lists Ramsar sites facing ecological change.
- India has one of the largest networks of Ramsar sites in Asia.
- The Gadgil and Kasturirangan committees dealt with the Western Ghats' ecological sensitivity.
Mains Angle
- 'Wetlands are undervalued and under threat.' Discuss their ecological and economic significance.
- Examine the debate over declaring the Western Ghats an Ecologically Sensitive Area.
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