UPSC Prelims 2014Q 50Single correctENV-2014-07
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record, what does it imply?
AChanges in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.Your answer · Correct
BThe 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.
CThe survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communtiles living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.
DIt is given the status of 'World Heritage Site?
Why (a)
The Montreux Record lists Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed, is changing or is likely to change through technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It was created by Recommendation 4.8 at COP4, Montreux (1990). Option (a) is the Record's own definition.
WORTH A NOTE
(b) Ramsar mandates no legal buffer. Fixed-distance limits belong to India's Eco-Sensitive Zone rules around protected areas.
(d) World Heritage status comes from a separate treaty (UNESCO, 1972). Keoladeo holds both statuses independently.
Concept core: Ramsar List vs Montreux Record
| Parameter | Ramsar List | Montreux Record |
|---|
| Purpose | Recognises wetlands of International Importance | Flags listed sites facing adverse ecological change |
| Legal basis | Art. 2 — designation by the Party | Rec. 4.8 (1990); guidance Res. 5.4 (1993) |
| Entry | Party designates the site | Only with the Party's consent |
| Effect | Wise use and reporting obligations | Priority attention; Party may seek a Ramsar Advisory Mission |
| Exit | Deletion only for urgent national interest (Art. 2.5) | Removed once threats are addressed |
India on the Record
LISTEDKeoladeo NP, Rajasthan — since 1990
LISTEDLoktak Lake, Manipur — since 1993
REMOVEDChilika Lake, Odisha — listed 1993, removed 2002 after hydrological restoration
Current dimension
as of Oct 2024- Ramsar COP15, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2025): Strategic Plan 2025–2034 adopted; India's resolution on sustainable lifestyles for wise use of wetlands.
- The Record globally: 46 sites as of March 2025; none removed since COP14.
- India: 100 Ramsar sites (June 2026); Record entries unchanged — Keoladeo and Loktak.
Practice question
Consider the following statements about the Montreux Record:
1. A site can be placed on it only with the consent of the Contracting Party concerned.
2. A site placed on it is removed from the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
3. India currently has two sites on it.
How many of the above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
References: Ramsar Convention, Arts. 2 and 3.2 · Rec. 4.8 (1990), Res. 5.4 (1993) · COP15 documents — ramsar.org · MoEFCC, Wetlands (C&M) Rules 2017