Comparative analysis of potential Ramsar wetlands in coastal India based on biodiversity and ecological parameters

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

The Celestial Earth Consultants, 316, Vipul Trade Centre, Sector 48, Gurugram-122018, HR, India

Abstract

The Ramsar designation is crucial in protecting wetlands of international importance, recognising their ecological significance, and promoting their conservation. As these vital ecosystems face increasing threats worldwide, the need to identify and nominate new Ramsar sites becomes crucial. This study aims to evaluate and compare the ecological importance, biodiversity significance, and conservation status of four wetlands in Goa, a south western coastal state of India. The methodology includes data collection for ecosystem services and biodiversity assessments, mapping study areas using ArcGIS software, and interview of the Goa State wetland officials. And finally, the assessments were done through comparison of ecosystem services, biodiversity, conservation status, and area coverage of these wetlands. The study shows Lake Carambolim is the strongest candidate for the next Ramsar designation in Goa which is a diverse ecosystem with numerous plant and animal species, serving as a water source for agriculture, supporting wildlife, including migratory birds, and offering cultural and recreational value. The study also found that no health cards are available for these wetlands, while wetland health cards are extremely important to assess the ecological health of wetlands based on their physical features, invasive vegetation, species, water quality, and outflows.

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Environmental Resources Research
Volume 12, Issue 1
July 2024
Pages 147-166

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