Indore and Udaipur get international recognition as accredited wetland cities

New Delhi: Indore and Udaipur have become the first Indian cities to gain international recognition as accredited wetland cities under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty focused on wetland conservation.

Although Bhopal was also nominated, it missed out due to ecological concerns. Currently, 85 Indian wetlands are protected under this treaty, which includes 172 member countries globally.

Accreditation is an international recognition for the cities that value their natural and human-made wetlands. An independent Advisory Committee on Wetland City Accreditation of the Convention in its latest round accredited 31 new cities, including two from India, making the global list of such cities to reach 74.

The announcement of accreditation to Indore (Madhya Pradesh) and Udaipur (Rajasthan) was made by the Convention on Friday night, ahead of the WorldWetlands Day that falls on February 2.

Bhopal, the third city which was nominated along with Indore and Udaipur by India for being considered in the august list, however missed out to be accredited by the Committee.

The state capital missed the opportunity of getting the accreditation amid certain concerns expressed by citizen groups over possible damage to ecological character of Bhoj wetland in the city.

Hailing the decision, Union Environment Minister Bhupendre Yadav said, “I am thrilled to share that in a first for India, Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur in Rajasthan have joined the list of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities in the world – a testimony to PM Shri
@narendramodi ji’s vision of marching ahead aligning economy and ecology”.

“The achievement reflects the emphasis laid by India on holistic development of our urban areas without compromising on ecological conservation in both urban and rural centres. Congratulations, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan on this unique achievement” he wrote on X.

The 172 Contracting Parties to the Convention have agreed to the conservation and wise use of wetlands in their territories.

This voluntary scheme provides an opportunity for cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts.

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme will encourage cities in close proximity to and dependent on wetlands, especially Wetlands of International Importance, to highlight and strengthen a positive relationship with these valuable ecosystems.

The Accreditation scheme should further promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local people.