Udaipur- Menar village, located on the Udaipur-Chittorgarh road in Rajasthan, has been designated as a Ramsar site, bringing immense joy and pride to the local community and environmentalists alike. This recognition, announced on the eve of World Environment Day 2025, marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to wetland conservation.
With Menar’s inclusion, alongside Khichan in Phalodi, Rajasthan, India now boasts 91 Ramsar sites, reinforcing its position as the country with the highest number of such sites in Asia and the third highest globally, following the United Kingdom and Mexico.
This report delves into the meaning of a Ramsar site, the significance of these wetlands, the current status of Ramsar sites in India, and the unique aspects of Menar’s inclusion, highlighting its role in environmental conservation and eco-tourism.
A Ramsar site is a wetland designated as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO. The convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands, came into force in 1975 and aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation. Wetlands are defined under the convention as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water—whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary—with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or saline, including marine areas with a depth not exceeding six meters at low tide.
The Ramsar Convention identifies wetlands as critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, provide essential services like water purification and flood control, and sustain human livelihoods. To be designated a Ramsar site, a wetland must meet at least one of nine criteria, such as supporting vulnerable or endangered species, hosting significant populations of waterbirds, or being a critical habitat for species during their life cycles.
Ramsar sites are unique for several reasons, making them vital for environmental conservation:
Biodiversity Conservation: Wetlands are among the most biodiverse ecosystems, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, fish, and endangered species. Approximately 40% of global plant and animal species depend on wetlands for survival.
Ecosystem Services: Wetlands act as natural water filters, recharge groundwater, regulate floods, and sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. They are often referred to as the “kidneys of the Earth” due to their role in maintaining ecological balance.
International Recognition: The Ramsar designation elevates a wetland’s status, fostering international cooperation and access to expert advice for conservation. It enhances the site’s visibility, attracting funding and resources for protection.
Sustainable Development: The convention promotes the “wise use” of wetlands, ensuring their ecological character is maintained within the context of sustainable development, benefiting both nature and local communities.
Tourism and Economic Benefits: Ramsar sites often become focal points for eco-tourism, generating employment and supporting local economies while raising awareness about environmental conservation.
The Montreux Record, a register maintained under the Ramsar Convention, tracks wetlands where ecological changes have occurred or are likely due to human activities like pollution or development. In India, Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are currently listed on this record, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
As of June 2025, India has 91 Ramsar sites, covering approximately 1,359,434 hectares, making it the country with the highest number of such sites in Asia and the third highest globally, after the United Kingdom (175 sites) and Mexico (142 sites). Tamil Nadu leads with 20 Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982, with Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) as its first designated sites in 1981.
The growth in India’s Ramsar sites reflects its commitment to wetland conservation:
From 1982 to 2013, 26 sites were designated.
Between 2014 and 2025, 65 additional sites were added, with notable expansions in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
Recent additions in February 2025 include Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand).
India’s Ramsar sites encompass diverse ecosystems, including freshwater lakes, mangroves, coral reefs, and high-altitude wetlands like Tso Kar in Ladakh. The largest site is the Sundarbans in West Bengal (423,000 hectares), while the smallest is Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh (20 hectares). These sites are critical for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, support endangered species like the Indus river dolphin, and provide livelihoods through fishing and agriculture.
The inclusion of Menar in Udaipur, alongside Khichan in Phalodi, as a Ramsar site on June 4, 2025, marks a proud moment for Rajasthan, bringing the state’s total to four Ramsar sites, including Keoladeo National Park and Sambhar Salt Lake. Menar, often called the “Bird Village,” is a wetland complex spanning 104 hectares, renowned for hosting over 200 species of migratory and resident birds, such as the Eurasian coot, spot-billed duck, and herons.
Menar’s path to Ramsar recognition is a testament to community-driven conservation:
2016: Menar was declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, recognizing its significance for avian species.
2023: The Rajasthan government officially designated Menar as a wetland, acknowledging its ecological value.
2024: The Udaipur Forest Department, through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, proposed Menar for Ramsar status. The proposal was forwarded to the United Nations on November 30, 2023.
June 2025: Menar was officially declared a Ramsar site, a milestone celebrated on the eve of World Environment Day.
Menar’s designation as a Ramsar site is distinguished by several factors:
Community Conservation: The villagers of Menar have upheld a tradition of protecting the wetland and its biodiversity for years. Hunting and fishing are strictly prohibited, creating a safe haven for birds. This community-led effort has been pivotal in preserving the wetland’s ecological integrity.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The wetland hosts thousands of migratory birds annually, particularly during winter, attracting species along the Central Asian Flyway. Its diverse birdlife, including rare and migratory species, makes it a critical habitat.
Eco-Tourism Potential: Menar’s Ramsar status is expected to boost eco-tourism, drawing birdwatchers and researchers from across India and abroad. The village’s serene lakes and vibrant birdlife have already seen increased tourism during winter weekends.
Cultural and Ecological Harmony: The local community’s commitment to conservation aligns with India’s ethos of living in harmony with nature, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
The Ramsar designation brings several benefits to Menar:
Enhanced Protection: The status ensures stricter conservation measures, protecting the wetland from encroachment and degradation. The Forest Department has already implemented measures like constructing lakeside walls and repairing ghats to safeguard the area.
International Recognition: Menar’s inclusion in the global Ramsar network elevates its status, attracting international attention and potential funding for conservation projects.
Economic Opportunities: The surge in eco-tourism is expected to create jobs and support local livelihoods, fostering sustainable development.
Biodiversity Preservation: The designation reinforces efforts to protect Menar’s rich biodiversity, ensuring it remains a safe habitat for migratory birds and other species.
Despite their importance, wetlands in India face threats like vegetation loss, salinization, pollution, invasive species, and excessive development. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, provide guidelines to protect wetlands, but challenges persist due to the exclusion of certain water bodies like river channels and paddy fields from legal protection. The Montreux Record highlights sites like Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake, where ecological changes require urgent attention.
Moving forward, Menar’s Ramsar status will likely spur further conservation efforts, supported by the State Wetland Authority and the central government. The designation is expected to enhance monitoring, prevent ecological degradation, and promote sustainable tourism, ensuring Menar remains a thriving habitat for birds and a model for community-led conservation.
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