Ramsar Sites

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat was adopted at a meeting of countries concerned with wetland and waterfowl conservation which was held at Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The objectives are to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands, both now and in the future and to encourage the wise use of wetlands.

A wetland is defined in the Convention as being an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt and including areas of intertidal marine water.

The UK government signed the Convention in 1973 and ratified it in 1976. In doing so, it accepted a commitment to promote both the conservation of particular sites and the wise use of wetlands within its territory. Each country which becomes a Contracting Party to the Convention is required to designate wetlands in accordance with criteria agreed by these parties for inclusion in a list of "Wetlands of International Importance".

Many wetland habitats have international importance. Co-operation among states is therefore a necessity for effective wetland conservation. Wetlands are very sensitive to trans-boundary air and water pollution. Also, many wetland fauna are migratory species whose conservation and management require international co-operation. Governments which join the Convention undertake to respect four main obligations:

• To designate at least one wetland for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

• To promote the wise use of wetlands in their territory

• To consult with each other about implementing obligations arising from the Convention especially, but not exclusively, in the case of a shared wetland or water syste

• To create wetland reserves.

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