Relevance: GS Prelims — Environment
Context
Glaw Lake has been declared a Ramsar Site, meaning it is recognised as a wetland of international importance because of its ecological and biodiversity value. Located in Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, its designation strengthens wetland conservation, protects biodiversity, and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, while making it Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site and taking India’s total to 101.
About Glaw Lake
- Location: within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh.
- Type: pristine freshwater wetland, fed by perennial mountain streams.
- Biodiversity: catchment supports more than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species.
- Significance: recognised as an important habitat and regional biodiversity hotspot.
Key Facts on Ramsar Convention
- Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands): intergovernmental treaty for conservation of wetlands, signed at Ramsar, Iran (1971); entered into force 1975.
- India is a signatory since 1982; sites are listed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
- Designation criteria include ecological uniqueness, support to endangered species, and role in maintaining biological diversity.
- Nodal ministry in India: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Significance of the Designation
- Marks Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site, extending Ramsar coverage to the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity zone.
- Strengthens conservation of wetland catchment resources and associated community livelihoods.
- Reflects India’s continued commitment to wetland conservation, water and climate security.
Conclusion
The recognition of Glaw Lake strengthens India’s efforts to protect wetlands, biodiversity and ecological security. It also highlights the importance of balancing environmental conservation with the sustainable use of natural resources.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC Ramsar ConventionKamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary |