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The Ramsar sites are wetlands designated as of international importance. As of mid-2023, there are about 2500 designated sites with a total area over 250,000 hectares (620,000 acres). There are some on every continent except Antarctica; Europe has the most with over 1100 sites. See the official site list.

The Ramsar Convention is the international agreement covering conservation efforts on these sites. It was signed in the town of Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The actual conservation work is done by national, state/province or local governments; there is no international organization for it.

Some important wetland areas are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list or are UNESCO Biosphere Reserves instead of or as well as being on the Ramsar list. For example, the marshes of southern Iraq are on the heritage list partly because they contain the ruins of several Sumerian cities.

Destinations

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Map
Map of Ramsar sites

Africa

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Asia

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East Asia

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  • 2 Mai Po Marshes, San Tin, Hong Kong. Wetland with inter-tidal mangroves and mudflat for migratory birds, local insects and mammals. Mai Po Marshes (Q3847786) on Wikidata Mai Po Marshes on Wikipedia

South Asia

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Chilika Lake
East Calcutta Wetlands
Kerala Backwaters
Hirakud Reservoir
  • 3 Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha, India. A mangrove wetland covering an area of 650 km2 (250 sq mi) in the Brahmani River and Baitarani River deltas. Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Q4901841) on Wikidata Bhitarkanika Mangroves on Wikipedia
  • 4 Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. It consists of two lakes in Bhopal, Bhojtal and Lower Lake. Bhojtal was created during the time of King Bhoj, while Lower Lake was created during the Mughal Empire. Bhoj Wetland (Q4901892) on Wikidata Bhoj Wetland on Wikipedia
  • 5 Chandra Taal (Tso Chigma), Himachal Pradesh, India. The origin of the Chandra River, a big and beautiful lake 7 km away from Kunzum Pass. Chandra Taal (Q5071315) on Wikidata Chandra Taal on Wikipedia
  • 6 Chilika Lake, Odisha, India. Asia's largest salt-water lagoon and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi) and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilika one of the best places in India for bird-watching, splashing around in the water and quiet relaxation. Chilika Lake (Q2047322) on Wikidata Chilika Lake on Wikipedia
  • 7 Deepor Beel (Dipor Bil), Guwahati, Assam, India. A permanent freshwater lake. It is bounded by the steep highlands on the north and south, and the valley formed has a broad U-shape with the Rani and Garbhanga hills forming the backdrop. Dipor Bil (Q986842) on Wikidata Dipor Bil on Wikipedia
  • 8 East Calcutta Wetlands, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. A complex of natural and human-made wetlands. The wetlands are also used to treat Kolkata's sewage, and the nutrients contained in the wastewater sustain fish farms and agriculture. It is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its unpolluted environment offers a respite and soothes the visitors. East Kolkata Wetlands (Q3348702) on Wikidata East Kolkata Wetlands on Wikipedia
  • 9 Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. A protected area consisting of 21 islets and adjacent coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar. The park includes marine components such as coral reefs, seaweed communities, sea grasses, and mangroves. Access inside the park is limited to glass-bottom boat rides. Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (Q5617576) on Wikidata Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park on Wikipedia
  • 10 Hirakud Reservoir, Sambalpur, Odisha, India. The reservoir forms an artificial lake with an area of 746 km2 (288 sq mi) having a shoreline of over 640 km (400 mi). Cattle Island is near one end of Hirakud reservoir. It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range and is about 90 km from Sambalpur town by road, but is 10 km by water launch from Hirakud dam. The island was a hillock before the construction of the Hirakud dam. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cows and bulls and when the dam construction was over the cattle settled down on the hilltop. With the passage of time, the nearby area was filled up with the reservoir water. Being away from mankind, the cattle are wild in nature. Hirakud Dam (Q1940209) on Wikidata Hirakud Dam on Wikipedia
  • 11 Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. A bird sanctuary. This region is surrounded by open areas, paddy fields and scrub forests. Karikili Bird Sanctuary (Q48730174) on Wikidata Karikili Bird Sanctuary on Wikipedia
  • 12 Kerala Backwaters, Kerala, India. A network of 1,500 km (930 mi) of canals, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. The Ramsar sites in the region are Ashtamudi Wetland and Vembanad-Kol Wetland. Kerala backwaters (Q666519) on Wikidata Kerala backwaters on Wikipedia
  • 13 Pallikaranai Wetland, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The only surviving wetland ecosystem of Chennai. The marsh contains several rare or endangered and threatened species and acts as a forage and breeding ground for thousands of migratory birds from various places within and outside the country. Pallikaranai Marsh (Q7127876) on Wikidata Pallikaranai Marsh on Wikipedia
  • 14 Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, India. This sanctuary is an area of high biodiversity, with many unique species of animals and birds. Migratory birds arrive between October and March. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Q5614058) on Wikidata Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary on Wikipedia
  • 15 Runn of Kutch (Rann of Kutch), Gujarat, India and Sindh, Pakistan. One of the largest salt deserts in the world, which is divided into Great Runn and Little Runn. Rann of Kutch (Q4026866) on Wikidata Rann of Kutch on Wikipedia
  • 16 Sundarbans, Khulna Division, Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. the world's largest mangrove forest on the coast of the Ganges Delta by the Bay of Bengal. The region is the main habitat of the Bengal tigers. The Bangladesh side is designated by the Ramsar Convention as Sundarbans Reserve Forest, while the Indian side is designated as Sundarban Wetland. Sundarbans (Q4526) on Wikidata Sundarbans on Wikipedia
  • 17 Thane Creek, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. One of the two creeks that separate Mumbai from the rest of India. It is known for various flamingo species, especially greater flamingoes and lesser flamingoes. Alongside the flamingoes, 167 species of birds and small mammals like golden jackals are also present. Thane Creek (Q7710235) on Wikidata Thane Creek on Wikipedia
  • 18 Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India. The oldest water bird sanctuary in India. It was a favourite hunting spot of the local landlords in the early 18th century. The region attracted a variety of birds because it was dotted with small lakes that acted as feeding grounds for the birds. Vedanthangal is home to migratory birds such as pintail, garganey, grey wagtail, blue-winged teal, common sandpiper and the like. The best time to visit this sanctuary is from November to March. During this time, birds are seen busy building and maintaining their nests. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (Q2253205) on Wikidata Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary on Wikipedia

Southeast Asia

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  • 19 Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. An area on the edge of a major Philippine urban area, Metro Cebu, that is partly mangrove swamp and has about 50 species each of migratory and resident birds. There are fine diving or snorkeling sites nearby, plus some beaches and resorts (mostly mid-range).

Turkey

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  • 20 Akyatan Lagoon. Akyatan Lagoon (Q4702037) on Wikidata Akyatan Lagoon on Wikipedia
  • 21 Gediz Delta. One of Turkey's most extensive coastal wetlands shelters 10% of the world's flamingo population among 250+ other bird species. Gediz Delta (Q6053312) on Wikidata Gediz Delta on Wikipedia
  • 22 Göksu Delta. A system of interconnected lagoons where the Göksu River flows into the Mediterranean, the area is home to about 300 bird species and plenty of sealife. Paradeniz (Q7134113) on Wikidata Paradeniz on Wikipedia
  • 23 Kızılırmak Delta. Kızılırmak Delta (Q6005979) on Wikidata Kızılırmak Delta on Wikipedia
  • 24 Kızören Sinkhole. Kızören Sinkhole (Q20473015) on Wikidata Kızören Sinkhole on Wikipedia
  • 25 Lake Burdur. Lake Burdur (Q1010475) on Wikidata Lake Burdur on Wikipedia
  • 26 Lake Kuş (Lake Manyas). The lake's flooded riparian forests are a major stopover and destination for about 240 species of migratory birds. Lake Kuş (Q1891954) on Wikidata Lake Kuş on Wikipedia
  • 27 Lake Kuyucuk. Lake Kuyucuk (Q17515431) on Wikidata Lake Kuyucuk on Wikipedia
  • 28 Lake Meke. Lake Meke (Q6065286) on Wikidata Lake Meke on Wikipedia
  • 29 Lake Nemrut. A caldera lake atop Nemrut Volcano. Lake Nemrut (Q2988251) on Wikidata Lake Nemrut on Wikipedia
  • 30 Lake Seyfe. Lake Seyfe (Q6048583) on Wikidata Lake Seyfe on Wikipedia
  • 31 Lake Uluabat. Lake Uluabat (Q4809067) on Wikidata Lake Uluabat on Wikipedia
  • 32 Sultan Marshes. Sultan Reedy National Park (Q2364904) on Wikidata Sultan Reedy National Park on Wikipedia
  • 33 Yumurtalık Lagoon. Yumurtalık Lagoon (Q20476308) on Wikidata Yumurtalık Lagoon on Wikipedia

North America

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Guatemala

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Mexico

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Poza at Cuatrociénegas
  • 35 Cuatrociénegas (Protected Area of Plants and Animals Cuatrocienegas), Cuatrociénegas, Coahuila. Desert oasis in northern Mexico where cool freshwater springs feed pools called pozas. Several endemic fish and salamander species can be found only in the pools in this valley. There are also gypsum dunes nearby.
  • 36 Huatulco (Basins and corals in the coastal zone of Huatulco), Huatulco, Oaxaca. Pacific coastal area with protected reefs, shoreline, and wetlands that are part of a national park. Huatulco (Q22674871) on Wikidata
  • 37 Lago de Pátzcuaro (Wetlands of Lake Patzcuaro), Lake Patzcuaro, Michoacan. Large inland lake with several inhabited islands and shallow marshes, several indigenous villages surround the lake. Lake Pátzcuaro (Q1352646) on Wikidata Lake Pátzcuaro on Wikipedia
  • 38 El Mogote Wetlands, La Paz, Baja California Sur. Sandy peninsula forming the northern land mass of Bahia de la Paz. Sand dunes stretch across the narrow neck of the peninsula and mangrove swamps line its southern shores. El Mogote (Q23775004) on Wikidata
Brown boobies at Islas Marietas
  • 39 Islas Marietas, Islas Marietas, Nayarit. Group of islands in the Bahia de Banderas near Puerto Vallarta. It is a national park as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar wetland. It provides habitat for a number of marine mammals and bird species and its reefs are popular scuba dive sites. Islas Marietas (Q22771847) on Wikidata
  • 40 Lake Chapala, Chapala, Jalisco. Mexico's largest lake is home to a number of endemic and endangered fish, reptiles, and amphibians including the rough-footed mud turtle and four species of crayfish. The January 2011 Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count registered 173 species at Lake Chapala. Lake Chapala (Q318350) on Wikidata Lake Chapala on Wikipedia
  • 41 Lake Texcoco, Texcoco, Mexico City. What was once a large lake in the Mexico Central Valley has mostly disappeared, leaving only salty wetlands behind. This was one of the few places where axlotl could be found, but none are thought to remain here. Lake Texcoco (Q13700) on Wikidata Lake Texcoco on Wikipedia
Grey whales breed in the Laguna Ojo de Liebre of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve
Thousands of frigate birds nest on Isla Contoy
  • 47 Isla Contoy, Isla Contoy, Quintana Roo. Caribbean island near Cancun, nesting area for a variety of marine birds including pelicans, osprey, and frigate birds. The island includes salt marshes and has nearby reefs. Protected as a national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Isla Contoy (Q912409) on Wikidata Isla Contoy on Wikipedia
  • 48 Isla Isabel, Isla Isabel National Park, Nayarit. Pacific island off the coast of Nayarit, nesting area for several marine bird species including pelicans, seagulls, boobies, and frigate birds. Sea turtles also nest on the beaches. Protected as part a national park. Isabel Island (Q1674032) on Wikidata
Flamingos breed in both the Ría Celestún and the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserves
  • 50 Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestún, Celestún, Yucatán. Coastal wetlands with mangrove swamps and lagoons. Nesting area for pink flamingo, sea turtles, and several other species. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve (Q15117024) on Wikidata Ría Celestun Biosphere Reserve on Wikipedia
  • 51 Sian Ka'an, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo. Caribbean coastal wetlands with salt grass marshes amid tropical rain forests, pristine beaches and a stretch of the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Home to more than 400 bird species, 100 mammal species, and 400 fish and mollusk species. The swamps and marshes are home to 2 species of crocodile and more than 40 kinds of snake. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sian Ka'an (Q559789) on Wikidata Sian Kaʼan Biosphere Reserve on Wikipedia

Oceania

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Australia

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Australian Capital Territory
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  • 52 Ginini Flats Wetlands Ramsar Site, Namadgi National Park. The only Ramsar site in the Australian Capital Territory's only national park. It's one of the few sites with an elevation of over 1500 metres, protecting rare and endemic amphibians and mammals. Ginini Flats Wetlands Ramsar Site (Q5563129) on Wikidata Ginini Flats Wetlands Ramsar Site on Wikipedia
New South Wales
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Blue Lake
  • 53 Blue Lake, Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park. Mainland Australia's best-preserved glacial lake might be the most unexpected of all Ramsar sites. However, it protects a wide variety of herbfield, heaths, bogs and fens; much of it can be seen on a short walk – see Mount Kosciuszko summit trails. Blue Lake (Q4929321) on Wikidata Blue Lake (New South Wales) on Wikipedia
  • 54 Caryapundy Swamp, Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park, Far West (New South Wales). One of the Australia's newer Ramsar sites having only been designated as one in December 2021. It's home to a good range of lush desert vegetation, particularly low shrubs. Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park (Q109849429) on Wikidata Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park on Wikipedia
  • 55 Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands, near Leeton, Riverina. This wetland supports significant numbers of the endangered Australasian bittern and over 1% of the world populations of glossy ibis and sharp-tailed sandpiper. Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps (Q5456274) on Wikidata Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands on Wikipedia
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