INTERNATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTOCOLS

INTERNATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTOCOLS

1. Ramsar Convention (1971)

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was adopted in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975. The convention recognizes wetlands as critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, water purification, flood control, groundwater recharge, and livelihoods. Member countries designate important wetlands as Ramsar Sites and commit to their conservation through the principle of “wise use.” India joined the convention in 1982 and has designated numerous wetlands as Ramsar Sites. The convention promotes international cooperation for managing transboundary wetlands and protecting migratory species dependent on wetland habitats.

2. Stockholm Convention (2001)

The Stockholm Convention is a global environmental treaty aimed at eliminating or restricting Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which are toxic chemicals that remain in the environment for long periods. Adopted in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2001 and effective from 2004, it seeks to protect human health and ecosystems from hazardous substances such as DDT, PCBs, and dioxins. POPs can travel long distances through air and water and accumulate in living organisms. The convention encourages safer alternatives, environmentally sound disposal, and international cooperati