Ramsar sites

Inland waters – such as rivers, lakes and other wetlands – are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. They are also the most threatened; almost one in three species is at risk of extinction and monitored populations of freshwater species have declined by 85% since 1970. The loss of these ecosystems has cascading effects on human livelihoods, cultures and our overall well-being.

A natural depression that was converted into a wetland and water fowl refuge in the 1700s by the then rulers of Bharatpur, Keoladeo National Park has established itself as one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in the world. But despite its elevated status and the protection afforded to it, the park has not been without its problems. This illustrated report is based on the findings of a ten-year ecology study of Keoladeo National Park undertaken by the Bombay Natural History Society between 1980 and 1990.

An Internationally Designated Area (IDA) is a natural area internationally recognised by a global or regional designation mechanism. Among these, there are 263 areas where different IDAs fully or partially overlap thus carrying double, triple or even quadruple international designations.

Un Área de Designación Internacional (ADI) es un área natural reconocida internacionalmente por un mecanismo de designación global o regional. De todos éstos, 263 son áreas con diferentes ADI solapadas total o parcialmente, con lo que tienen designaciones internacionales dobles, triples o incluso cuádruples. Estas áreas se denominan Áreas de Designación Internacional Múltiple (ADIM) a efectos de la presente publicación.