Previous Year Question
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply?
Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within 5 km from the edge of the wetland
The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
It is given the status of ‘World Heritage Site’
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The Montreux Record is a special register maintained under the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
It includes Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur.
Such changes may arise from technological development, pollution or other human interference. Therefore, option (a) is correct.
The ecological character of a wetland is determined by the combination of its ecosystem components, processes and services.
The objective of the Montreux Record is to draw international attention to wetlands facing ecological stress.
A Ramsar site is included in the Record at the request and with the consent of the concerned Contracting Party.
It is not a punitive list but a mechanism for prioritizing restoration, monitoring and conservation assistance.
A site included in the Record may receive technical assistance through a Ramsar Advisory Mission.
When the ecological condition of a site improves, it may be removed from the Record in consultation with the concerned country.
Keoladeo National Park and Loktak Lake from India have been included in the Montreux Record.
Chilika Lake was included in the Record in 1993 but was removed in 2002 following restoration.
Inclusion in the Montreux Record does not automatically prohibit all human activities within five kilometres of the wetland. Therefore, option (b) is not correct.
It is not concerned only with wetlands dependent upon the cultural traditions of communities. Therefore, option (c) is not correct.
Inclusion in the Montreux Record does not confer UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Therefore, option (d) is not correct.