Every year on February 2, since 1997, the international community has observed World Wetlands Day. The purpose of this day is to draw the attention of society and governments to the problems of wetlands, which play a critically important role in the sustainable development of the planet.
In 1971, in Iran, the United Nations Convention on the Protection of Wetlands was signed by 18 countries. By the year 2000, the number of member states had increased to 119. Today, 159 countries are parties to the Ramsar Convention.
The total number of wetlands under protection worldwide is 1,869 sites, covering an overall area of 1,836,000 square kilometers. The natural conditions of these areas are suitable habitats for many species of birds, insects, fish, and other wildlife. In addition, lands included in the list of wetlands often contain reserves of valuable mineral resources.
As a member of the international community and a sovereign state, the Republic of Tajikistan acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Protection of Wetlands on March 9, 2001. Following Tajikistan’s accession to the Ramsar Convention, specialists identified and registered five wetland sites of international importance within the country: Lake Karakul, Shorkul, Rangkul, Zorkul, and the Kayrakkum Reservoir.
It should be noted that all wetlands existing in the republic are located within lands managed by institutions responsible for specially protected natural areas, with their surface area varying between 3,000 and 5,000 hectares, depending on water levels in the reservoirs.
In addition to the sites mentioned above, there are other wetlands within the territory of Tajikistan, such as the “Beshai Palangon” Nature Reserve, Lake Yashilkul, Iskanderkul, and other areas of international significance, which may also be included in the Ramsar Convention list.
