Indore and Udaipur included in UNESCO's Wetland City

Why in the news? 

• Indore and Udaipur have been granted international recognition and status as Wetland City in UNESCO's Ramsar Convention.
•  Indore and Udaipur have now joined the world's 31 wetland cities.

Why were Indore and Udaipur selected?

• Indore:
  • Indore is known for its excellent performance in the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'.
  • The city has taken several initiatives to conserve and rehabilitate its water bodies.
• Udaipur:
  • Udaipur, known as the city of lakes, has contributed significantly to the conservation of its lakes.
  • The city has revived its lakes using traditional knowledge and modern technology.

Wetland City:

• Wetland cities are cities that excel in the conservation and holistic management of their water resources, lakes and wetlands.
• These cities become an example not only for their citizens but for the whole world as to how urban development can be harmonized with the environment.
• UNESCO started the program of recognition of Wetland City in the 12th Conference of Parties of the Ramsar Convention in 2015.
• Its purpose is to give respect and acceptance to those cities which are serious and are making positive efforts to conserve the sensitive ecosystem associated with their wetlands and natural water sources.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):

• It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
• It was established on November 16, 1945.
• Its objective is to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between countries through education, science and culture.
• Its headquarters is in Paris.

UNESCO's Ramsar Convention:

• It is an international treaty signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
• It is also known as the International Convention on Wetlands.
• Its objective is to conserve wetlands and use them judiciously.
• This convention came into force in December 1975.
• India signed it on February 1, 1982.
• Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2 across the world.