Wetland City Accreditation

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recently submitted three nominations from India for the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA).

  • The nominated cities include Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Udaipur (Rajasthan).
  • The ongoing Amrit Dharohar initiative by MoEF&CC aligns with WCA goals, promoting the conservation values of Ramsar Sites.

Note

  • Amrit Dharohar, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, promotes the unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods.

What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)?

  • About:
    • The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system established by the Ramsar Convention during the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) 12, 2015 to recognize cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.
    • The scheme aims to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.
    • The WCA is valid for 6 years.
  • Significance:
    • Encourages cities to develop positive relationships with valuable ecosystems like Wetlands of International Importance.
    • Aims to gain international recognition for cities valuing their natural or human-made wetlands.

What are the Key Highlights of the Cities nominated for WCA?

  • Indore:
    • Founded by Holkars, Indore is the cleanest city in India and was awarded India's Smart City 2023 for sanitation and urban environment.
      • Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site in the city, has been recognised as an important site for water bird congregation and is being developed as a Bird Sanctuary.
      • Over 200 wetland mitras actively engage in bird conservation and raising awareness to protect the Sarus Crane.
  • Bhopal:
    • One of the cleanest cities in India that has proposed conservation zones around the wetlands in its draft City Development Plan 2031.
    • Bhoj Wetland, Ramsar Site is the city’s lifeline, equipped with the world-class wetlands interpretation centre, Jal Tarang.
    • Additionally, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation has a dedicated Lake Conservation Cell.
  • Udaipur:
    • The city is surrounded by five major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
      • These wetlands are an integral part of the city’s culture and identity, help maintain the city’s microclimate, and provide a buffer from extreme events.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? (2014)

(a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
(b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland.
(c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.
(d) It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site.’

Ans: (a)

Exp:

  • The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interferences. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
  • The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.