Why in news
The Union government has embarked on a mission to promote tourism at ecologically sensitive wetlands, better known as Ramsar sites, such as the Chilika lake in Odisha and Sultanpur bird sanctuary in Haryana.
The focus of the initiative would be to shift these fragile wetlands from high-value tourism to nature tourism by directly supporting conservation action and letting local communities and economies take the lead.
Ramsar sites – Basic details
Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Wetlands play a vital role in the environment, providing habitat for a variety of plants and animals, regulating water flow, and filtering pollutants.
Ramsar sites are particularly important because they are recognized as being of global significance for their ecological values.
As of October 2023, there are 2,500 Ramsar sites around the world, covering over 2.5 million square kilometers (635 million acres).
These sites are found in 172 countries, representing a wide range of wetland types,
Marine and coastal wetlands: such as salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass meadows
Inland wetlands: such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and marshes
Human-made wetlands: such as rice paddies, reservoirs, and fishponds
Chilika lake
Chilika Lake is located in Odisha, on the east coast.
It spreads across the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts.
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon, meaning it's a mix of fresh and saltwater.
This is because it's fed by several rivers and streams.
it's also connected to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow channel.
Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
The second largest lagoon in the world.
Its area varies depending on the season, ranging from about 900 square kilometers (347 sq mi) in the summer to 1,165 square kilometers (450 sq mi) in the monsoon season.
Biodiversity: Chilika Lake is a haven for biodiversity, with over 500 species of birds, 335 species of fish, and many other plants and animals.
It's a particularly important wintering ground for migratory birds, with some species traveling long distances from as far away as Siberia.
The lake is also home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
Importance: Chilika Lake is not only important for its ecological value, but also for its cultural and economic significance.
It supports a thriving fishing industry and is a popular tourist destination.
The lake is also a Ramsar site, recognized by the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance.
Sultanpur bird sanctuary
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, now officially known as Sultanpur National Park, is a protected area located in the Gurgaon district of Haryana.
It lies roughly 46 kilometers from Delhi and 15 kilometers from Gurgaon.
This lush haven boasts a man-made lake surrounded by trees, shrubs, and vibrant bougainvillea, creating a picturesque landscape for birders and nature lovers alike.
Sultanpur is celebrated for its diverse birdlife, attracting over 250 species throughout the year.
Around 90 migratory bird species grace the sanctuary during winter months, seeking warmth and refuge.
From elegant painted storks and flamboyant Indian rollers to playful pied kingfishers and majestic grey hornbills, there's a feathered friend around every corner.
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