Key Highlights * India now hosts 101 Ramsar wetlands, a record for the country. * Glaw Lake, declared on 3 August 2026, is the first Ramsar site in Arunachal Pradesh and the 101st nationwide. * The expansion underscores India’s commitment to biodiversity, climate resilience, water security, and sustainable development. * Ramsar wetlands play critical roles: habitat for migratory birds, flood mitigation, water recharge, carbon sequestration, and support for local livelihoods. * The largest Ramsar site in India is Sundarban Wetland (4,230 km²); the smallest is Renuka Lake and Vembannur Wetland Complex (0.2 km²). Detailed Insights Ramsar wetlands are internationally recognised ecosystems listed under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, a treaty signed in the city of Ramsar, Iran. The convention’s objective is to safeguard wetlands of global importance through national and international cooperation. India’s 101 Ramsar sites span 28 states and union territories, making it one of the world’s largest collections. The latest addition, Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh, highlights the ecological value of the Eastern Himalayan wetlands and reaffirms the country’s pledge to climate‑friendly conservation. Key functions of Ramsar wetlands include providing refuge for migratory and endangered species, maintaining ecological balance, recharging groundwater, preventing floods, improving water quality, acting as carbon sinks, and sustaining fisheries, agriculture, tourism and local economies. Statistical highlights: total sites 101; largest site Sundarban (4,230 km²); smallest sites Renuka Lake and Vembannur Wetland Complex (0.2 km²); oldest sites Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park (1981); latest site Glaw Lake (2026); first site in Arunachal Pradesh also Glaw Lake. Key Concepts * Ramsar Convention: An international treaty (1971) that promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide. * Wetland: Land areas saturated or flooded by water, supporting unique plant and animal communities. * Carbon Sink: Ecosystems that absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit, mitigating climate change. * Biodiversity: The variety of life forms within a habitat, crucial for ecological resilience. * Water Security: Reliable access to sufficient, safe, and affordable water for all.

Key Highlights * Glaw Lake becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s inaugural Ramsar Site. * India’s global Ramsar tally rises to 101. * The lake lies within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve, underscoring its ecological value. * Designation reinforces commitments to biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience. * Rich flora, including 150 tree species and 49 orchid varieties, highlights its ecological richness. Detailed Insights On 3 August 2026, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that Glaw Lake, a pristine freshwater wetland in the Eastern Himalayas, has been inscribed as a Ramsar Site. This marks the first time a wetland in Arunachal Pradesh has received international recognition under the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty that promotes the sustainable use of wetlands. The lake is situated inside the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, an area that receives year‑round river inflows and is surrounded by dense forest cover. Its location within a protected zone amplifies its conservation significance, providing a refuge for numerous native species. Ecological surveys report over 150 tree species and 49 orchid taxa thriving in and around the lake, alongside a diverse array of aquatic flora and fauna. Such biodiversity underpins the ecological equilibrium of the Eastern Himalayan region and offers essential ecosystem services. Ramsar designation brings a suite of benefits: safeguarding wetland integrity, preserving biodiversity, ensuring water security, enhancing climate resilience, supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and fostering scientific research and responsible resource management. Key Concepts * Ramsar Convention: An international treaty adopted in 1971 to conserve wetlands and promote their sustainable use. * Ramsar Site: A wetland area designated under the Ramsar Convention for its ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance. * Wetland: Land areas saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, that support distinct plant and animal communities. * Biodiversity: The variety and variability of life forms within a given ecosystem, contributing to ecological stability. * Climate Resilience: The capacity of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances while maintaining its core functions and structure.