The Ramsar Treaty

The Ramsar Convention, officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an international treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. It aims to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands globally. The treaty recognizes the vital ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. Key features of the Ramsar Convention include:

Designation of Wetlands:

Parties to the convention identify and designate wetlands within their territories as "Ramsar Sites" based on their international significance. These sites are protected and managed to ensure their ecological integrity.

Wise Use:

The convention emphasizes the "wise use" of wetlands, which involves sustainable management and utilization that ensures the long-term health of these ecosystems while meeting the needs of local communities.

International Cooperation:

The Ramsar Convention promotes international cooperation and knowledge sharing on wetland conservation and management.