Q1. With reference to the Ramsar Convention and Ramsar sites, consider the following statements:

1. The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
2. Designation of a wetland as a Ramsar site automatically makes it a protected area under the domestic wildlife-protection legislation of the country concerned.
3. The Montreux Record identifies Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur.
4. The Ramsar Convention focuses exclusively on wetlands that support migratory waterbirds and excludes wetlands primarily important for groundwater recharge or flood control.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 1 and 3 only 

(c) 3 and 4 only 

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: (b) 

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: The Convention was adopted at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and entered into force in 1975.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: Ramsar designation does not automatically confer a particular domestic protected-area status. Domestic legal protection depends on the applicable national and state laws.
• Statement 3 is Correct: The Montreux Record concerns Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed, is changing or is likely to change because of technological developments, pollution or other human interference.
• Statement 4 is Incorrect: The Convention covers a broad range of wetlands, including inland and coastal wetlands, and recognises their ecological, hydrological and socioeconomic importance.