The Ramsar Convention Secretariat an Overview of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Mission and Mechanisms

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat An overview of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Mission and Mechanisms

Cathleen Cybèle Assistant Advisor for Africa Ramsar Secretariat

Ramsar Workshop of the STRP National Focal Points in Africa & Other Wetland Experts Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa, 30 November – 2 December 2010 Why a Convention on Wetlands? • The Ramsar Convention was developed in the 1960s because of concerns over destruction of wetlands and its impact on people and biodiversity – especially waterbirds • Opened for signature in the town of Ramsar, Iran on 2 February 1971

• First of the modern global E. Kuijken Photo

intergovernmental environmental USSR A. FIROUZ (chair) S-AFRICA M.F.MÖRZER BRUIJNS G.MATTHEWS E. CARP agreements Definition of wetlands

Article 1 “1. For the purpose of this Convention wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.” Ramsar definition of Wetlands Recognised the inter- connectivity of all wetlands from the mountains to the sea, including: Marine/Coastal Wetlands Mangroves, coral reefs, sea-grass beds, tidal-flats, estuaries, up to 6m depth at low tide

Inland Wetlands Marshes, lakes, rivers, floodplain forests, peatlands, oases, wadi, karst and caves Human-made wetlands: Rice fields, fish ponds, reservoirs, ditches and canals The Mission The conservation and wise use (sustainable use) of wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.” (Ramsar Strategic Plan 2009-2015)

Biodiversity Source of food, Protection from floods, livelihoods erosion

Drinking water, purification Climate regulation Religion and leisure The Ramsar Convention

Key Ramsar Site

160 Contracting Parties oNow 1904 « Wetlands of International Importance » or « Ramsar Site » oCovering a surface of 186 Million hectares oLargest global ‘protected areas’ network Three pillars of implementation Three pillars of implementation 1. Wise use of all wetlands 2. Designation & management of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites) to maintain their ecological character 3. International cooperation

The three implementation “pillars” of the Convention 1. Wise use of all wetlands • has at its heart, the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources, for the benefit of humankind Includes: • Develop national wetland inventory to describe, and assess the extent, condition, use and value of wetlands in the country; • Develop and implement policies and legislation to ensure the wise use of wetlands, e.g. on land- use planning, wetland EIAs, SEA, National Wetland Policy, etc.; • Increase cross-sectoral recognition of wetland services such as water supply, food security, health, livelihood, coastal protection, tourism, cultural heritage, biodiversity, climate change mitigation and/or adaptation The three implementation “pillars” of the Convention 1. Wise use of all wetlands • Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) • Promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands through the CEPA programme, e.g. −establish national Wetland CEPA action plans, −establish at least one wetland education centre at a Ramsar site, −Ensure that communities with cultural or economic links to wetlands participate in the development and implementation of wetland management plans.

• Celebrating World Wetland Day (2 February) WWD 2011 “Wetlands and Forests” The three implementation “pillars” of the Convention

2. Development of a List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites) Designation and management of ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ (Ramsar Sites) Identify Ramsar Sites based on 9 Criteria: • representative, rare or unique wetland types, • international importance for biodiversity, – e.g. species and ecological communities, – waterbirds, fish and other taxa The three implementation “pillars” of the Convention

2. Development of a List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites) Once designated, establish: • adequate management planning processes • cross-sectoral site management committees • Mechanisms for reporting on Ramsar sites whose ecological character has changed, is changing or is likely to change (Article 3.2) • As needed, utilise Montreux Record & Ramsar Advisory Missions The three implementation “pillars” of the Convention

3. Promote International Cooperation • Cooperation on shared river basins and transboundary wetlands; • Networks for the protection of migratory species and their wetland habitats, e.g. migratory waterbirds; and • Promoting the sharing of information and expertise. Ramsar Regional Initiatives • In the framework of the Convention (COP & SC approved) • Regional Programmes – Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet) – Nile River Basin Initiative (NileWet) • Regional centres (training & capacity-building) • Ramsar Regional Centre in Uganda

Terek Sandpiper Le Secrétariat de la Convention Secrétaire Général

Secrétaire Général Adjoint Equipe Equipe Afrique Assistance administrative Chargé mission Equipe Tech./scientifique Asie/Oceanie Chargée Resp. Affaires Finance Régionales Equipe Chargé Europe Communication

Gestionnaire Equipe Prog Danone Chargée du Amériques Prog. CEPA Ramsar Convention growth since 1971 Secretariat (21 people) o Hosted by IUCN, Switzerland o Facilitates Convention processes o Provides advice and guidance to Parties Join in the Ramsar 40th Anniversary celebrations