🏞️ Introduction – Why Ramsar Sites Matter for UPSC Aspirants Wetlands are the lungs of the Earth — crucial for biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and climate regulation. For UPSC aspirants, Ramsar Sites in India have consistently been a hot topic in Prelims, GS Paper-3 , and Environment-related Current Affairs . The Ramsar Convention , signed in 1971 at Ramsar (Iran) , is the first global treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands . India became a signatory in 1982 , marking the beginning of a structured effort to conserve its rich wetland ecosystem. 📜 What is a Ramsar Site? Origin of the Name ‘Ramsar’ A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance . The term “Ramsar” comes from the city of Ramsar in Iran , where the convention was adopted on 2 February 1971 . World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February to mark this occasion. Objective: “To conserve and wisely use...