Wetland City Accreditation in India

Overview of the Recognition:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change recently put forth three nominations from India for the prestigious Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This accolade seeks to honor cities that have taken exceptional measures to safeguard their urban wetlands, emphasizing the critical role these areas play in urban and peri-urban environments.

Understanding the Accreditation:

• Initiated during the 2015 Ramsar Convention (COP12), the voluntary Wetland City Accreditation system recognizes cities valuing their natural or man-made wetlands. It provides a platform for global recognition and positive exposure for their conservation efforts. The primary objective is to promote conservation and wise utilization of urban and peri-urban wetlands while ensuring sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.

Criteria and Recognition Process:

• To gain formal accreditation, candidate cities must meet the rigorous standards aligned with the six international criteria outlined in the Operational Guidance for WCA of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Since Ramsar COP13, 43 cities from 17 countries have earned the esteemed title of “Wetland Cities”.

Nominated Cities:

• Indore: Founded by Holkars, Indore is home to the Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar Site recognized for its significance as a congregation area for water birds. Efforts are underway to develop it into a Bird Sanctuary. The city engages a dedicated network of wetland enthusiasts actively involved in bird conservation and community education, especially concerning the protection of the Sarus Crane.
• Bhopal: The city houses the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar Site considered its lifeline, and features the world-class wetlands interpretation center, Jal Tarang. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation has a specialized Lake Conservation Cell committed to preserving this crucial natural resource.
• Udaipur: Surrounded by five major wetlands—Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai—Udaipur’s culture is deeply intertwined with these vital ecosystems. They play a pivotal role in maintaining the city’s microclimate and acting as a buffer against extreme weather events.
• India’s nomination of these cities underscores its dedication to conserving its diverse wetland ecosystems and acknowledging their significance in sustaining both local communities and the environment.