Vembanad-Kole, Ashtamudi and Sasthamcotta lakes are designated as Ramsar sites in Kerala

Background

Kerala has more than 200 wetland areas, covering about one-fifth of the State's land area.
Vembanad-Kole, Ashtamudi and Sasthamcotta lakes are designated as Ramsar sites.
Wetland types include marshes, polders (paddy fields) bordering backwaters, lakes and the Myristica Swamps of the Western Ghats.
The State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK), established under the Department of Environment, oversees wetland management.
The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has developed management plans for Vembanad, Sasthamcotta and Ashtamudi.
The main threats are pollution, eutrophication, encroachment, reclamation, mining and biodiversity loss.