Tamil Nadu adds two more Ramsar sites, Longwood Shola and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, solidifying its status as the state with the highest number of Ramsar-designated areas in India.
In a significant environmental stride, Tamil Nadu has added two more Ramsar sites, recognized globally for their ecological importance. (Facebook/Wikipedia)
Highlighting the global importance of its wetlands, Tamil Nadu already flaunted 14 Ramsar sites. Now, the state proudly announces the addition of two more sites to this prestigious list – Longwood Shola in Kotagiri and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur – solidifying its position with a total of 16 Ramsar sites, the highest in the country.
Tamil Nadu’s wetlands stand out as crucial biodiversity hubs. These wetlands serve as essential habitats for a diverse range of plants, birds, and animals, playing a pivotal role in conserving many endangered species.
According to the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, these wetlands cover an extensive area, totalling 9,02,534 hectares, constituting a significant 6.92% of the state’s geographic expanse.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, announced this achievement on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“Extremely delighted to announce the recognition of two new #Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu – Longwood shola in Nilgiris & Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur. This brings the total Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu to 16, the highest in the country, with 13 sites recognised in 2022 alone after our #DravidianModel Govt came to power. A great testament to our government’s relentless efforts in environmental conservation,” he shared.
Extremely delighted to announce the recognition of two new #Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu – Longwood shola in Nilgiris & Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur. This brings the total Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu to 16, the highest in the country, with 13 sites recognised in 2022 alone… pic.twitter.com/VPVpeNRJyj
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) January 31, 2024
This milestone follows a meticulous process of proposal submission, expert vetting in the wetland department, and final approvals from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. In August 2023, during a panel discussion part of Madras Week, Supriya Sahu, additional chief secretary, environment, climate change & forests, Government of Tamil Nadu shared that the proposals were in the final stages of approval.
The proposals then made their way to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs before reaching the Ramsar Convention Secretariat in Geneva.
“A memorable day for us in #TNForest as we add two more Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu and these are – the incredibly beautiful Longwood Shola in Kotagiri and the stunning Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur. This once again makes Tamil Nadu the State with highest number of Ramsar Sites in India. Kudos to the Tamil Nadu Wetlands team led by Chief Mission Director Deepak Srivastava. Way to go team #TNForest. We are unstoppable,” said Supriya Sahu, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The Ramsar Convention is a crucial international treaty aimed at the preservation and sustainable utilisation of wetlands. Originating from the city of Ramsar in Iran, it was signed in 1971. The convention highlights the global commitment to safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
A memorable day for us in #TNForest as we add two more Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu and these are – the incredibly beautiful Longwood Shola in Kotagiri and the stunning Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary in Ariyalur. This once again makes Tamil Nadu the State with highest number of Ramsar… pic.twitter.com/X8LjazzaIf
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) January 31, 2024
May 01, 2024
Apr 28, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
Apr 24, 2024
Apr 19, 2024
