Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh has earned its first Ramsar Site status after Glaw Lake was designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, marking a significant milestone for biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayan state.
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav announced the recognition on Monday, saying the addition takes India’s total number of Ramsar Sites to 101.
Describing the designation as a landmark achievement for Arunachal Pradesh, Yadav said it would enhance biodiversity conservation, strengthen water and climate security, and support sustainable livelihoods for communities that depend on the wetland ecosystem.
“From 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014 to 101 today, this remarkable journey reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development,” the minister said.
Located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Lohit district, Glaw Lake is a pristine freshwater lake nourished by perennial mountain streams. Surrounded by dense forests, the lake forms one of the state’s most ecologically significant wetland landscapes.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the lake and its surrounding catchment support more than 150 species of trees and 49 species of orchids, highlighting the area’s rich biological diversity.
The Ramsar recognition is expected to strengthen conservation initiatives, encourage scientific research, and promote sustainable ecotourism while ensuring the long-term protection of the fragile wetland and the livelihoods of local communities.
With Glaw Lake’s inclusion, Arunachal Pradesh joins the list of Indian states with wetlands recognised under the Ramsar Convention for their global ecological significance.
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands. Ramsar Sites are recognised for their critical role in preserving biodiversity, maintaining water resources, and helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Glaw Lake’s inclusion raises India’s total number of Ramsar Sites to 101, further expanding one of the world’s largest networks of internationally protected wetlands.