The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: A Global Commitment to Conservation

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, more commonly known as the Convention on Wetlands, stands as a pivotal intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Signed on February 2, 1971, in the picturesque city of Ramsar, Iran, this landmark agreement came into force in 1975, marking a global commitment to address the accelerating loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems. It was one of the first modern global intergovernmental treaties on conservation, reflecting a growing international awareness of environmental issues in the latter half of the 20th century.

Wetlands are vital ecosystems, encompassing a diverse range of habitats such as marshes, fens, peatlands, swamps, estuaries, deltas, and even human-made sites like fish ponds and reservoirs. These areas provide invaluable ecological services, often referred to as "ecosystem services," which are crucial for both nature and human well-being. They act as natural water filters, regulating water quality; they serve as critical habitats for a vast array of biodiversity, including numerous species of fish, birds, amphibians, and plants; they help control floods and mitigate droughts by storing water; and they play a significant role in climate regulation by sequestering carbon. The Convention promotes the conservation of these areas primarily through the designation of "Ramsar Sites" – wetlands of international importance – and by encouraging the sustainable management of all wetlands within the territories of its Contracting Parties.

Currently, over 170 countries worldwide have acceded to the Ramsar Convention, demonstrating a collective commitment to its objectives. Each Contracting Party identifies and designates suitable wetlands within its borders for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance, committing to their ecological character and sustainable use. As of today, there are over 2,500 designated Ramsar Sites globally, covering more than 250 million hectares, providing vital refuges for wildlife and essential resources for local communities.

Governance and Policy-Making: The Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP)

The operational framework and policy direction of the Ramsar Convention are primarily guided by the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP). This crucial policy-making organ brings together representatives from all member states every three years to review progress, make decisions, and set the future agenda for wetland conservation. During these triennial meetings, the COP adopts resolutions and recommendations that serve as the fundamental guidelines for the Contracting Parties to implement the Convention's objectives effectively. These decisions cover a wide range of topics, from criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance and guidance on managing specific types of wetlands to promoting international cooperation and strengthening national policies for wetland conservation.

The COP plays a vital role in ensuring the Convention remains relevant and responsive to emerging environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing pressures on water resources. It also provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration among countries, and sharing best practices in wetland management and policy development.

Recent Conferences of the Contracting Parties

• COP12: Held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, in 2015, this conference focused on "Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods," emphasizing the integral link between healthy wetlands and human well-being.
• COP13: Convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in October 2018, with the theme "Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future," highlighting the importance of wetlands in urban and peri-urban environments for sustainable development.
• COP14: The most recent COP took place in November 2022, with a hybrid format of online sessions hosted from Wuhan, China, and an in-person component in Geneva, Switzerland. Its theme, "Wetland Actions for People and Nature," underscored the urgency of taking concrete steps to conserve wetlands for the benefit of both ecosystems and human societies.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ramsar Convention

What is the primary goal of the Ramsar Convention?

Its primary goal 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.

What is a Ramsar Site?

A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated to be of international importance under the criteria set by the Convention. These sites are recognized for their significant ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance.

When was the Ramsar Convention signed and when did it come into force?

The Convention was signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, and entered into force on December 21, 1975, after the required number of countries ratified it.

How often do the Contracting Parties meet?

Representatives of the Contracting Parties meet every three years at the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) to review the Convention's work and adopt new decisions.