Ramsar Sites in Pakistan
Ramsar Advisory Mission Pakistan 29 October – 5 November, 2012 What are wetlands? 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. Inland Wetlands Glaciers, lakes, marshes, rivers, streams, aquifers. Coastal Wetlands © Ms. Ikram Qasim Mangroves, tidal flats, sea grass beds, coral reefs. Human-made wetlands: Rice fields, fish ponds, reservoirs, ditches and canals. Wetland ecosystem services Natural infrastructures: Provisioning: water, food, • important part of the water cycle biodiversity, and hydroelectricity • stores and delivers water Supporting: soil formation, nutrient cycling, Regulating: floods and drought Culture: recreation, spiritual, education, tourism The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands • Adopted on 2 February, 1971 • First of the modern intergovernmental environmental agreements Mission The conservation and wise use of wetlands through national actions, and international cooperation as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development. • 163 Contracting Parties. • Pakistan joined in 1976 The 3 implementation “pillars” of the Convention 1. “Wise use” of wetland This is at the heart of the Convention, the sustainable use of wetlands and their resources for the benefit of humankind. 2. Designation of Wetlands of international © Ms. Ikram Qasim Importance Designation of priority wetlands as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), and to ensure their conservation and wise use. 3. International cooperation International cooperation for shared wetlands and © Ms. M. Kodami © Dr. M. Fouda their resources, e.g. water, migratory species. © Ms. Ikram Qasim Ramsar Sites in Pakistan 1.
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