If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?
- (a) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres from the edge of the wetland
- (c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed
- (d) It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'
Why the answer is (a)
• The Montreux Record, under the Ramsar Convention, is a register of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur due to technological development, pollution or other human interference — option (a).
• It flags sites needing priority attention; India's Keoladeo and Loktak were listed (Chilika was removed in 2002 after restoration).
• It imposes no 5-km ban (b), concerns ecology not culture (c), and is separate from World Heritage (d).
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human…
- No such 5-km prohibition exists.
- (c) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain…
- The Record concerns ecological change, not cultural practices.
- (d) It is given the status of 'World Heritage Site'
- It does not confer World Heritage status.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.