Glaw Lake becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s First Ramsar Site; India’s Ramsar Sites tally reaches 101

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced the designation of Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh as India's 101st Ramsar Site, marking a significant milestone as the State gets its first Ramsar Site.

About Glaw Lake

• Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake located in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It lies within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is situated in the Eastern Himalayan region.
• The lake is fed by perennial mountain streams.
• It is surrounded by dense forests and an ecologically rich landscape.
• Its wetland and catchment area support more than 150 tree species.
• The region is also home to around 49 orchid species.
• Its rich biodiversity makes it an important ecological hotspot.

What is a Ramsar Site?

• A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised as being of international importance.
• The recognition is granted under the Ramsar Convention.
• The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971.
• The Convention promotes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
• Ramsar Sites contribute to biodiversity conservation and water-resource protection.
• These wetlands also support climate regulation and ecological balance.
• They provide livelihood support to communities dependent on wetland ecosystems.

Significance of the Designation

• The designation gives global recognition to Glaw Lake’s ecological importance.
• It strengthens conservation efforts in the Eastern Himalayan region.
• It promotes the sustainable management of the lake and its catchment area.
• It can help protect rare plant species and sensitive wetland habitats.
• It highlights Arunachal Pradesh’s importance in India’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

India’s Growing Ramsar Network

• India had 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014.
• The number has now increased to 101 Ramsar Sites.
• The expansion reflects India’s increasing focus on wetland conservation.
• It also supports biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable development.
• The addition of Glaw Lake further strengthens India’s network of internationally recognised wetlands.