Ramsar convention
The Convention for the Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR) was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. This intergovernmental agreement aims to provide a framework for national action plans and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention entered into force in 1975 and to date 172 countries have become members of the Convention.
The purpose of the RAMSAR Convention, adopted by the Parties in 1999 and revised in 2002, is “The conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, regional and national action and international cooperation, as a contribution to the achievement of sustainable development throughout the world”. The main obligations of Parties to the RAMSAR Convention are as follows:
Designate at least one wetland for inclusion on the List of Wetlands of International Importance and maintain its ecological character.
Wise use of wetlands: integrate wetland conservation considerations into national land-use planning and promote wise use of wetlands.
Encourage and enhance the conservation of wetlands through the establishment of nature reserves on wetlands and the establishment of strict protection measures for RAMSAR sites and small and particularly sensitive wetland reserves.
Promote international cooperation on the conservation of wetlands, in particular transboundary wetlands, shared water systems, common species and development assistance for wetland projects.
Foster wetlands awareness and support for the activities of the Convention.