Wetlands of International Importance in Himachal Pradesh
2015
Maneesha Kohli
The convention on wetlands of International importance called Ramsar convention of IUCN held in 1971 in Iran. This treaty attracted the global attention regarding conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. This convention is the only treaty which deals with particular ecosystem. In Himachal Pradesh three wetlands has been designated as the “Ramsar” site and are of International importance viz. Chardertal, Pong Dam Lake, Renuka. Wetlands are transitional zones or ecotones between permanently aquatic and dry terrestrial ecosystems bestowed with healthy environment. During dry periods these sites keep the water table high by retaining water in them whereas they reduce flood levels during heavy rains. Ramsar sites of HP support wide range of biodiversity, complex food web as they serve as feeding sites, breeding areas for wildlife, provide refuge for waterfowl. Located in different physiographic, climatologically and geologically regions act as sources of drinking water. Wetlands are vital for survival of plants and animals especially threatened and endangered species and of economic benefits. Fisheries, agriculture, timber product, wildlife resources transport, recreation and tourism opportunities are being harnessed by the local residents surviving around wetlands. These attributes can be maintained if the ecological processes of these sites are allowed to continue functioning. The recent assessment of ecosystems puts freshwater biodiversity as the most threatened of all types of biodiversity. Present review study and information about wetland ecosystem is an effort needed for their effective conservation.
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