UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Q. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the 'Montreux Record', what does it imply?

Explanation:

• The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
  
  
• The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation 4.8 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (1990). Resolution 5.4 of the Conference (1993) determined that the Montreux Record should be employed to identify priority sites for positive national and international conservation attention. The Parties believe that “the voluntary inclusion of a particular site on the Montreux Record is a useful tool available to Contracting Parties in circumstances where:
  
  
  • demonstrating a national commitment to resolve the adverse changes would assist in their resolution;
  • highlighting particularly serious cases would be beneficial at national and/or international level;
  • positive national and international conservation attention would benefit the site; and/or 
  • inclusion on the Record would provide guidance in the allocation of resources available under financial mechanisms.
    
    

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Environmental Organisations and Conventions