The Rowmari-Donduwa Wetland Complex

Experts, researchers, and forest officials have joined forces to seek Ramsar site status for the Rowmari–Donduwa wetland complex in Assam’s Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, after it recorded higher bird diversity than existing Ramsar sites in Northeast India.

The Rowmari–Donduwa wetland complex is an interconnected floodplain–marsh ecosystem located within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (70.13 sq. km), which forms part of the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve in Nagaon district, central Assam.

It serves as a crucial ecological and migratory corridor between the Kaziranga and Orang National Parks.

 Latest  sites  : 2025

• September 2025:

• • Gokul Jalashay (Buxar district, Bihar) – A man-made reservoir supporting migratory birds and local hydrology.
  • Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran district, Bihar) – Another reservoir vital for birdlife and biodiversity. (These brought the total to 93.)

• June 2025:

• • Khichan (Phalodi, Rajasthan) – Known for hosting thousands of demoiselle cranes.
  • Menar (Udaipur, Rajasthan) – A wetland supporting waterbirds and ecological balance. (Total reached 91.)

• February 2025 (announced on World Wetlands Day):

• • Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary (Jharkhand).
  • Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim).
  • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).
  • Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu). (Total reached 89.)

2024

• August 2024 (announced on Independence Day eve):

• Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).
• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).
• Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh). (Total reached 85.)

• Earlier 2024 (January/February):

• Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka).
• Magadi Kere (Karnataka).
• Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka).
• Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu).
• Longwood Shola (Tamil Nadu). (Total reached 80 after these.)

Related Conventions :

 About Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

• Adopted in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit; entered into force 1993. The primary global treaty for biodiversity, with 196 Parties.
• Objectives: Conserve biodiversity; promote sustainable use; ensure fair/equitable sharing of genetic resource benefits.

Key Features:

• Covers ecosystems, species, genetics; includes biotech via Cartagena Protocol (biosafety) and Nagoya Protocol (access/benefit-sharing).
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022): 4 goals, 23 targets to halt/reverse loss by 2030.
• Governed by COP (every 2 years); Secretariat in Montreal.
• Emphasizes indigenous knowledge, national strategies.

 About Convention on Migratory Species (CMS or Bonn Convention):

Signed 1979 in Bonn; entered into force 1983. UNEP-administered treaty focused exclusively on migratory species; 131 Parties.

Objectives: Conserve terrestrial, marine, avian migratory species and habitats across ranges via international cooperation.

Key Features:

• Appendices: I (endangered, strict protection); II (unfavorable status, need agreements).
• Binding Agreements (e.g., AEWA for waterbirds) or MoUs; addresses threats like habitat loss, climate change.
• COP every 3 years; Secretariat in Bonn (with Abu Dhabi outpost).
• Promotes flyway networks, site protection.

 About World Heritage Convention (WHC):

• Adopted 1972 by UNESCO; entered into force 1975. Protects cultural/natural heritage of outstanding universal value; 196 Parties, 1,248 sites (2025).
• Objectives: Identify, protect, conserve, present, transmit exceptional cultural/natural sites to future generations.

Key Features:

• World Heritage List: Cultural (952), natural (231), mixed (40); criteria for “outstanding universal value.”
• “Five Cs”: Credibility, Conservation, Capacity-building, Communication, Communities.
• Committee (21 members) meets annually; Fund for assistance; Danger List for threatened sites.
• 26 new sites added in 2025 (e.g., Maratha Landscapes, India).