Kuttanad has been declared as one of the Ramsar (international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands) sites. The Vembanadu – Kol wetlands is one of largest Ramsar sites on the southwestern coast of India as per the guidelines of the Ramsar Convention of 1971. It was declared as a Ramsar site of international importance in 2002.

The region encompasses vast stretches of backwaters, bordering mangrove formations, and rice fields, the latter mostly reclaimed from the shallow stretches of the lake during the recent past.

As one of the richest wetland habitats it is renowned for its clams and supports the third largest waterfowl population in India during the winter months. Over 90 species of resident birds and 50 species of migratory birds are found in the Kol area.

The Kuttanad Wetland System (KWS) is now receiving global attention since it is a unique wetland which permits integrated farming and fish cultivation. Water tourism is also thriving here as nature is at the peak of its beauty in this Ramsar site.