Monday, Feb 03, 2025 08:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Feb 02, 2025 16:07 [IST]
GANGTOK, : Sikkim’s sacred Khachoedpalri Lake has been officially designated
as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, on the occasion of
World Wetland Day.
It
is for the first time that any lake from Sikkim has received recognition as a
Ramsar site. With this, India’s Ramsar site count rises to 89, showcasing the
nation’s dedication to protecting its invaluable wetlands.
Chief
Minister PS Golay has extended his heartiest congratulations to the people of
Sikkim on this remarkable global recognition for Sikkim’s sacred lake.
“I
am proud to announce that the Khachoedpalri Wetland in West Sikkim has been
officially designated as Sikkim’s first Ramsar Site, marking a historic
milestone for our State in global wetland conservation. This recognition,
announced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change ahead of
World Wetlands Day, is a testament to Sikkim’s unwavering commitment to
preserving our rich ecological and cultural heritage,” said the Chief Minister
via social media.
Khachoedpalri
Lake is located near Gyalshing town in West Sikkim and holds deep spiritual
significance besides being widely known for its rich biodiversity.
Golay
recorded that this remarkable achievement brings global attention and support
to Sikkim’s efforts in climate change mitigation through the protection of
wetlands. The Khachoedpalri Wetland, renowned for its ecological significance
and cultural importance, will now benefit from enhanced conservation measures
and the promotion of sustainable tourism in the region, he said.
“This
prestigious recognition is a momentous step in our ongoing commitment to
preserving both the ecological and cultural heritage of this extraordinary
site.
The
Ramsar designation ensures that Khachoedpalri Lake will receive global
attention and support, reinforcing our efforts to protect it. It paves the way
for more sustainable management practices, enhanced conservation initiatives,
and an international platform to highlight the crucial role wetlands play in
mitigating climate change,” said the Chief Minister.
A
Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of International Importance
under the Ramsar Convention, also known as ‘The Convention on Wetlands’, an
international environmental treaty signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran,
under the auspices of UNESCO.
Wetlands
on the Ramsar list are designated for their high value to the country and the
world for the ecosystem services and benefits provided. The Ramsar Convention
now recognizes the KhachoedpalriLake among the world’s most ecologically
significant wetland areas, for its vital role in supporting diverse ecosystems,
wildlife, and local communities.
As
per officials here, this prestigious recognition marks a pivotal moment in
Sikkim’s commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage
of this pious lake and also marks a key milestone in Sikkim’s environmental
conservation efforts.
It
opens doors for more sustainable management practices, improved conservation
efforts, and a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of
wetlands in mitigating climate change. Now with international attention in the
area, eco-tourism initiatives will thrive, allowing local communities to
benefit economically while also preserving the wetlands. Several efforts for
listing lakes in Sikkim under Ramsar Convention were made earlier too but they
were not successful, it was informed.
