Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, specifically to stem progressive encroachment and loss of wetlands now and in the future. The convention recognizes the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value.
The convention was developed and adopted by participating nations at a meeting in Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971 and came into force on December 21, 1975.
The Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance now includes over 1,616 sites (known as Ramsar sites) covering around 1,455,000 km², up from 1,021 sites in 2000.
Orissa’s Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance:
Bhitarkanika Mangroves declared on 19th of August 2002.
Chilika Lake declared on 1st of October 1981.