About Montreux Record
- Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
- It is the principal tool under the Ramsar convention for highlighting wetlands sites in need of priority conservation status.
- It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
- The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (1990).
- Sites may be added to and removed from the Record only with the approval of the Contracting Parties in which they lie.
What is the Difference Between Wetlands, Ramsar List and Montreux Record?
- Wetlands
- The convention uses a broad definition including all areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.
- The Ramsar List
- The Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance includes those wetland sites which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life.
- The Montreux Record
- The Montreux Record of wetland sites on Ramsar List, where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
Benefits of inclusion site in Montreux Record
- It would assist Contracting Parties in their domestic commitment to resolve the adverse changes.
- Highlighting particularly serious cases would be beneficial at national and/or international level.
- Inclusion on the Record would provide guidance in the allocation of resources available under financial mechanisms.
- The Bureau can also provide technical assistance known as Ramsar Advisory Mission, on the request of the Contracting Party.
Indian sites on the Montreux Record
- At present 2 Indian sites are listed under it.
- Keoladeo National Park(Rajasthan)
- Loktak Lake(Keibul Lamjao National Park)
- In 1993 Chilka lake was also listed in Montreux record due to the problem of Siltation, But later in 2002, it was removed from the list as a problem tackled by govt actions.
Source: The Hindu
