Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

Introduction

The title for my project is “Wetlands Convention” – Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar Convention, was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and came into force in 1975. It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Background and Significance

The initial call for an international convention on wetlands came in 1962 during a conference that formed part of Project MAR (from “MARshes”, “MARécages”, “Marianas”). This was organized by Dr. Luc Hoffmann, a program established in 1960 following concern over the rapidity with which large stretches of marshland and other wetlands in Europe were being “reclaimed” or otherwise destroyed, with a resulting decline in numbers of waterfowl. Finally, at an international meeting organized by Mr. Eskander Firouz, Director of Iran’s Game and Fish Department, the text of the Convention was agreed upon on February 2, 1971, and signed by delegates of 18 nations the next day. The Convention entered into force in December 1975, upon receipt by UNESCO, the Convention Depositary, of the seventh instrument of accession to or ratification of the Convention, which came from Greece.

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

Since its adoption, the Ramsar Convention has been modified on two occasions: by a protocol (a new treaty that amends the original treaty) in December 1982, and by a series of amendments to the original treaty, known as the “Regina Amendments” of 1987.

Mission and Objectives

The Convention’s mission 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." Originally, the Convention was set up to protect wetland habitats for the conservation of waterfowl, but it now seeks to ensure the protection of all important wetlands. The significance of the wetlands is immense: Wetlands provide fundamental ecological services and are regulators of water regimes and sources of biodiversity at all levels - species, genetic, and ecosystem. Wetlands constitute a resource of great economic, scientific, cultural, and recreational value for the community. They play a vital role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Progressive encroachment on, and loss of, wetlands cause serious and sometimes irreparable environmental damage to the provision of ecosystem services. Therefore, wetlands should be restored and rehabilitated whenever possible and conserved by ensuring their wise use.

Research Questions

• What is the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and why conserve wetlands?
• What Wetlands are Included in the Convention?
• Why an intergovernmental convention on wetlands and why do nations join the Ramsar Convention?
• Who may join the Ramsar Convention and what are the commitments of Parties joining the Ramsar Convention?
• What are the objectives of the Ramsar Strategic Plan and the “three pillars” of the Convention?
• How does the Ramsar Convention synergize with other environment-related conventions? How does the Ramsar Convention work?

Research Methodology

For the purpose of this project, I have relied on the methodology of secondary sources. A secondary source of research methodology incorporates the use of books, articles, journals, as well as online resources and websites. Wetlands provide a multitude of ecological, economic, and social benefits. This research paper will focus on a successful aspect of the implementation of the Ramsar Convention. The paper will describe the significance of wetlands and the role played by different nations in the convention.

Discussion

The paper will discuss the mission and working of the convention. It will also suggest how the international implementation of the Ramsar Convention is better linked with the implementation of other multilateral environmental agreements. The paper will also highlight the urgent need for geospatial information on wetland extent, type, and change.

References

Hoffmann, L. (1962). Project MAR: A Programme for the Conservation of European Wetlands. In Proceedings of the European Conference on Wetland Conservation.

Ramsar Convention Secretariat. (1987). The Regina Amendments. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Retrieved from [URL]

Firouz, E. (1971). The Ramsar Convention: A Framework for Wetland Conservation. Game and Fish Department of Iran.