India is a party to the Ramsar Conven- tion and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes as to how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention?

1. The Ramsar Convention focuses on the conservation and wise use of wetlands (Ramsar Sites). 2. The concept of 'wise use' under the convention implies the sustainable use of wetlands for the benefit of humanity in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem. 3. Option A (complete inaccessibility) contradicts the 'wise use' principle. 4. Option B (only tourism/recreation) is too restrictive and doesn't encompass the full scope of potential sustainable uses. 5. Option C introduces arbitrary periods of non-exploitation and specific criteria not universally mandated by the convention's core principle. 6. Option D best captures the essence of the Ramsar Convention: Conserve the sites using an ecosystem approach while allowing for their simultaneous sustainable use, ensuring ecological character is maintained.