India has added Siliserh lake and Kopra Jalashay to the Ramsar List

Siliserh lake in the state of Rajasthan is a human-made lake within the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve.
It is in a semi-arid zone, and the Site serves as an important water source for diverse species of the region.
Among the 149 bird species and 17 mammal species supported by the Site and its catchments are the vulnerable river tern (Sterna aurantia) and the endangered tiger (Panthera tigris). The Site also supports more that 1% of the biogeographic population of black stork (Ciconia nigra).
Since its creation in the mid-nineteenth century, the wetland has become an important cultural and social landmark. Overlooked by the Siliserh Lake Palace, the wetland has long supplied drinking water to local communities and attracted tourists for its recreational value. It faces threats from intensive agriculture and the expansion of human settlements in the surroundings. A restoration plan is currently underway.

Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh is a reservoir located in the upper catchments of the River Mahanadi. Originally constructed for irrigation purposes, it is mainly surrounded by farmland and a few villages.
The wetland’s extensive open water area features shallow nutrient-rich backwaters. Its strong hydrological and ecological connectivity contributes to a wide variety of habitats across the area.
The wetland supports more than 60 migratory bird species which rely on it for nesting, feeding and as a stop-over site.
Notable species include the vulnerable greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) and the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
The Site is appreciated by both local communities and tourists for its natural beauty and birdwatching opportunities. The wetland faces threats from siltation, invasive non-native species, and intensive agriculture in the surrounding landscape. Conservation measures are proposed at the Site but a management plan remains to be prepared.

Genesis

Established under the Convention on Wetlands, adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran
The Convention on Wetlands provides the single most global framework for intergovernmental cooperation on wetland issues.

Membership

Nearly 90% of UN member states, including India, are Contracting Parties.
At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting Party must designate at least one wetland site within their territory for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”).

Significance

The inclusion of a wetland in the List embodies the government’s commitment to take the steps necessary to ensure that its ecological character is maintained.
The Convention includes various measures to respond to threats to the ecological character of Sites.
Ramsar designation provides international recognition
Strengthens protection at the national level
Emphasises sustainable use of wetlands rather than exclusionary conservation

Criteria

The Wetland must meet at least one of nine specific criteria related to biodiversity, hydrology, or species support to be designated a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) under the Ramsar Convention. These criteria, developed by the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)

The Montreux Record is a register under the Ramsar Convention for Ramsar sites facing significant ecological changes due to pollution, technology, or human interference.
It identifies priority sites for conservation, often enabling international assistance.
In India, two sites are currently on this record:
1. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and
2. Loktak Lake (Manipur).