Press Release
Press Release from Forest Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Sikkim achieves a New Milestone in Conservation: ‘ Khachoedpalri Lake’ gets designated as first Ramsar Site of Sikkim, the Wetland of International Importance
On this World Wetland Day i.e. 2nd February, Sikkim celebrated the acknowledgment of its efforts in conservation. The sacred “Khachoedpalri Lake” has been designated as Ramsar Site. This is for the first time that any lake from Sikkim has been designated as Ramsar site.
A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention ( also known as "The Convention on Wetlands", an international environmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO).
Wetlands on the Ramsar list are designated for their high value to the country and the world for the ecosystem services and benefits provided. The Ramsar Convention now recognizes this lake among the world’s most ecologically significant wetland areas, for its vital role in supporting diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities.
As the sacred Khachoedpalri Lake is known as a "wish fulfilling lake", folklore and legends associated with it are many. The folklore has generated deep religious interest too. The lake is enveloped in a dense forest cover of temperate vegetation and bamboo. Ecotourism, promoted with the involvement of local communities, not only provides economic benefits but also controls deterioration of biodiversity in the surroundings.
This prestigious recognition marks a pivotal moment in Sikkim’s commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of this pious lake and also marks a key milestone in Sikkim’s environmental conservation efforts. This Ramsar designation ensures that Khachoedpalri Lake will receive international attention and support for its protection. It opens doors for more sustainable management practices, improved conservation efforts, and a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands in mitigating climate change. Now with international attention in the area, eco-tourism initiatives will thrive, allowing local communities to benefit economically while also preserving the wetlands. Several efforts for listing lakes in Sikkim under Ramsar Convention were made earlier too but they were not successful.
This recognition has been possible with the Government of Sikkim’s relentless efforts and coordination across several ministries and establishments.
As we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize that the work doesn't stop here. This milestone represents an opportunity for all of us—Sikkimese people, government agencies, Khachoedpalri Pokari Sarankshan Samiti and other environmental organizations, to unite in safeguarding the future of Khachoedpalri Lake. Together, we can continue to nurture and protect this natural treasure for generations to come.
Let’s celebrate this remarkable achievement and redouble our efforts to protect the natural world.
On this World Wetland Day i.e. 2nd February, Sikkim celebrated the acknowledgment of its efforts in conservation. The sacred “Khachoedpalri Lake” has been designated as Ramsar Site. This is for the first time that any lake from Sikkim has been designated as Ramsar site.
A Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention ( also known as "The Convention on Wetlands", an international environmental treaty signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO).
Wetlands on the Ramsar list are designated for their high value to the country and the world for the ecosystem services and benefits provided. The Ramsar Convention now recognizes this lake among the world’s most ecologically significant wetland areas, for its vital role in supporting diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities.
As the sacred Khachoedpalri Lake is known as a "wish fulfilling lake", folklore and legends associated with it are many. The folklore has generated deep religious interest too. The lake is enveloped in a dense forest cover of temperate vegetation and bamboo. Ecotourism, promoted with the involvement of local communities, not only provides economic benefits but also controls deterioration of biodiversity in the surroundings.
This prestigious recognition marks a pivotal moment in Sikkim’s commitment to preserving the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of this pious lake and also marks a key milestone in Sikkim’s environmental conservation efforts. This Ramsar designation ensures that Khachoedpalri Lake will receive international attention and support for its protection. It opens doors for more sustainable management practices, improved conservation efforts, and a global platform to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands in mitigating climate change. Now with international attention in the area, eco-tourism initiatives will thrive, allowing local communities to benefit economically while also preserving the wetlands. Several efforts for listing lakes in Sikkim under Ramsar Convention were made earlier too but they were not successful.
This recognition has been possible with the Government of Sikkim’s relentless efforts and coordination across several ministries and establishments.
As we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize that the work doesn't stop here. This milestone represents an opportunity for all of us—Sikkimese people, government agencies, Khachoedpalri Pokari Sarankshan Samiti and other environmental organizations, to unite in safeguarding the future of Khachoedpalri Lake. Together, we can continue to nurture and protect this natural treasure for generations to come.
Let’s celebrate this remarkable achievement and redouble our efforts to protect the natural world.