A total of 6 new wetlands from Tamil Nadu, and 1 each from Karnataka, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha received Ramsar recognition as “Wetlands of International Importance”. With 10 sites included, a total number of Ramsar Sites stands at 64.
Newly recognised sites:
- Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary– This is a man-made wetland, located in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu which is the largest reserve for migratory water birds and breeding resident in south India.
- Nanda Lake– Nanda Lake is the freshwater marshes, adjacent to one of rivulets of Zuari river in Goa. It helps locals store water in off-monsoon season. It is home to Black-headed ibis, Wire-tailed swallow, Common kingfisher, Brahminy kite and Bronze-winged jacana.
- Satkosia gorge– It expands along Mahanadi River in Odisha and was set up in 1976 as a wildlife sanctuary.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR)– Located in south-eastern coastline, it is famous for rich marine environment. The reserve is home to various globally important and highly threatened species like whale shark, Dugong, green sea turtle, seahorses, balanoglossus, dolphins, hawksbill turtle, sacred chanks, etc.
- Vembannur Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
- Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
- Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu and
- Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka and
- Sirpur Wetland, Madhya Pradesh.
Ramsar Sites are recognised under the Convention on Wetlands, which is an intergovernmental treaty dealing with conservation of wetlands.