UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Ramsar Sites in India

Q1. With reference to the criteria for designating a wetland as a 'Wetland of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A wetland that has no threatened species and supports fewer than 20,000 waterbirds can still qualify if it is a rare or unique wetland type in its biogeographic region.
  2. A wetland must satisfy at least one criterion from each of the two groups of criteria to be listed.
  3. A wetland that regularly supports a significant share of the population of a wetland-dependent turtle species can qualify even if it hosts few waterbirds.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Under the definition of wetlands used by the Ramsar Convention, consider the following: Which of the above would qualify as wetlands?

  1. A reservoir created behind a dam built for irrigation
  2. A marsh that floods during the monsoon and dries out every summer
  3. A shallow coral reef flat with about 4 metres of water at low tide
  4. An open coastal sea area with about 15 metres of water at low tide
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3 only

Q3. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. In India, the process of getting a wetland listed as a Ramsar site begins with the State or Union Territory in which the wetland lies.
  2. Ramsar sites are spread unevenly across Indian states, with some states having several and others getting their first only recently.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q4. With reference to the Montreux Record under the Ramsar Convention, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is a register of listed sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur because of human interference.
  2. A site is placed on it only with the agreement of the Contracting Party in whose territory the site lies.
  3. A site placed on it continues to remain on the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1 only