Ramsar Convention

The mission of the Ramsar Convention, as adopted by the Parties in 1999 and refined in 2002, is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.

World Database on Protected Areas 2009

The Ramsar Convention is implementing its third joint work plan with the Convention on Biological Diversity, covering the period 2002 – 06.

Ecosystems and Human Well-being~ Wetlands and Water~ Summary for Decision-makers 2008

Four sites have been designated under the Ramsar Convention as wetlands of international importance: the St. Lucia System, the turtle beaches/coral reefs of Tongaland adjacent to the Park to the south (1986), Lake Sibayi and the Lake Kosi System (1991).

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, South Africa 2008

The importance of and interest in the MA was illustrated by its launch in June 2001 by Secretary-General Kofi Annan and by the support offered to it by Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention as well as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification, and the Convention on Migratory Species.

Ecosystems and Human Well-being~ Wetlands and Water~ Wetlands and Water~ Ecosystems and Human Well-being 2008

Part of the nominated site has also received international recognition as Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention in 1993; the site has also been declared as Special Protection Area (SPA) under the European Community Birds Directive (92/43/EC).

Salinas de Ibiza y Formentera Nature Reserve, Spain 2008

The Ramsar Convention has been promoting cooperation and coordination with other treaties to achieve its objectives.

Ecosystems and Human Well-being~ Wetlands and Water~ Summary for Decision-makers 2008

It was protected as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, was popular among bird-watchers and home to animals including hippo, buffalo, crocodile and rhino.

ANC Daily News Briefing 2008

Wetlands in the Cache-lower White River systems have been designated as one of only nineteen “Wetlands of International Importance” in the United States by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Ecoregions of Arkansas (EPA) 2008

The park includes all except 230,000 ha of the Whooping Crane Summer Range, and the Peace-Athabasca Delta (Wood Buffalo National Park section), both of which were designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in May 1982.

Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada 2008

We therefore commend this synthesis report to you, and urge all those concerned with the Ramsar Convention and with securing the wise use of wetlands to read it and use its findings to raise awareness of the role of wetlands in securing sustainable water supplies as well as providing a range of other vital ecosystem services.

Ecosystems and Human Well-being~ Wetlands and Water~ Foreword 2008