Why in News? 

Indore and Udaipur are India’s first cities to receive Wetland City Accreditation under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting India's commitment to sustainable urban development and wetland conservation. 

Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) 

• Established by Ramsar Convention during COP 12 (2015). 
• A voluntary accreditation recognizing cities for exceptional efforts in urban wetland conservation. 
• Valid for 6 years. 

Objectives 

• Promote conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands. 
• Provide sustainable socio-economic benefits to local communities. 

Significance 

• Encourages cities to develop positive relationships with wetlands. 
• Grants international recognition to cities valuing natural or human-made wetlands. 

 Indore and Udaipur’s Recognition under Ramsar Convention 

• Indore and Udaipur are the first Indian cities recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 
• Nominated by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). 

Wetlands in Indore and Udaipur 

• Indore: Sirpur Lake (Ramsar site) is a major water bird congregation area and is being developed as a bird sanctuary. 
• Udaipur: Surrounded by five major wetlands—Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai, contributing to the city’s culture, identity, and microclimate regulation. 

About Ramsar Convention