UPSC Prelims 2014 Q2: Environment & Ecology – International Environmental Treaties & Summits
If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it
imply?
- (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
- (b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
- (c) 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
- (d) It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'
Answer: (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference
Explanation
Montreux Record
The Montreux Record is a register under the Ramsar Convention, started in 1990.
It lists wetlands where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur because of human interference.
| Indian wetland | Status |
|---|---|
| Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan | On the Record since 1990 |
| Loktak Lake, Manipur | On the Record since 1993 |
| Chilika Lake, Odisha | Added in 1993, removed in 2002 after restoration |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Changes in ecological character due to human interference | Correct |
| (b) A law to prohibit human activity within five kilometres | Incorrect; no such duty |
| (c) Survival depends on cultural practices of certain communities | Incorrect |
| (d) Status of 'World Heritage Site' | Incorrect; that is a UNESCO tag |
Answer: (a) changes in ecological character due to human interference.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Record lists wetlands whose ecological character is changing through human interference.
- (b) Incorrect. It imposes no law banning human activity within five kilometres.
- (c) Incorrect. It is not about cultural practices of nearby communities.
- (d) Incorrect. A World Heritage Site is declared by UNESCO, not through this Record.
Key point
Montreux Record (Ramsar, 1990): wetlands under threat from human interference; India has Keoladeo and Loktak; Chilika was removed in 2002.
Remember
Montreux Record: Keoladeo and Loktak.
Common mistakes
- Treating the Record as an honour; it is a warning list.
- Still counting Chilika on it; it came off in 2002.
- Confusing the Montreux Record with the Montreal Protocol on ozone.
Exam tip
Montreux Record = 'wetlands in danger' list.
Sources
- Ramsar Convention Secretariat — The Montreux Record
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — Ramsar sites of India