Ramsar Convention, 1971 | Protecting the World's Wetlands — MCQs

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1. The Ramsar Convention is officially titled:

   • Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat (correct answer)
   • Convention on Biological Diversity
   • Convention on Migratory Species
   • Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

   Explanation. The Ramsar Convention's full title is the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat.

2. The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971, which means it:

   • Was adopted after the Kyoto Protocol
   • Predates the 1972 Stockholm Conference, making it the oldest modern global environmental treaty (correct answer)
   • Was created directly by UNEP
   • Has never entered into force

   Explanation. Ramsar was signed on 2 February 1971, more than a year before the Stockholm Conference of June 1972, making it the oldest modern global environmental treaty.

3. What are the two core obligations the Ramsar Convention places on Contracting Parties?

   • Designate at least one wetland to the Ramsar List, and promote 'wise use' of all wetlands in its territory (correct answer)
   • Ban all fishing and agriculture nationwide
   • Pay annual dues to UNEP
   • Submit to compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

   Explanation. Parties must designate at least one wetland to the List of Wetlands of International Importance and promote the wise use of all wetlands in their territory.

4. The 'Montreux Record' under the Ramsar Convention refers to:

   • A list of countries that have never joined Ramsar
   • A sub-register of wetlands whose ecological character has changed or is threatened, requiring priority conservation attention (correct answer)
   • The annual budget of the Ramsar Secretariat
   • A prize awarded to the best-conserved wetland

   Explanation. The Montreux Record lists wetlands of particular concern where ecological character has changed, is changing, or is likely to change.

5. When did India accede to the Ramsar Convention?

   • 1 February 1982 (correct answer)
   • 16 June 1972
   • 5 June 1992
   • 21 March 1994

   Explanation. India acceded to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982.

6. The Ramsar Convention came into force on:

   • 2 February 1971
   • 21 December 1975 (correct answer)
   • 1 February 1982
   • 5 June 1992

   Explanation. The Convention was signed at Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971 and came into force on 21 December 1975. India acceded on 1 February 1982.