What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (150 words)

A wetland is an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water—natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline—where ecological conditions support wetland functions.

Under the Ramsar Convention, “wise use” means maintaining the ecological character of wetlands through ecosystem-based management within the context of sustainable development. It permits compatible human use while preventing ecological degradation.

• Conserve hydrology, habitat and biodiversity;
• regulate pollution, encroachment and extraction;
• integrate local livelihoods, traditional knowledge and participation;
• monitor ecological character and manage catchments, not only the waterbody.

Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan is a major waterbird habitat, while Chilika Lake in Odisha is a brackish lagoon supporting fisheries, migratory birds and livelihoods. Their conservation requires balancing ecological flows with local use.

Wetlands moderate floods, recharge groundwater, store carbon, filter pollutants and support food security; wise use therefore links biodiversity protection with resilient development.

Keywords: wetland conservation, Ramsar Convention, Indian Ramsar sites.