Ramsar COP7 DOC. 17.2

"People and Wetlands: The Vital Link"
7^th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971),
San José, Costa Rica, 10-18 May 1999

 Ramsar COP7 DOC. 17.2

See also the associated Resolution VII.6 [formerly Ramsar COP7 DOC. 15.6].

Background

1.    Recommendation 6.9 from the 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties called for the production of a framework for developing and implementing National Wetlands Policies. Two members of the Standing Committee, Canada and Uganda, with support from other Contracting Parties and individuals, progressed the development of such a framework, and a report on progress was provided to the 20^th meeting of the Standing Committee in 1997. The Standing Committee endorsed the further development of these Guidelines.

2.    Following the 20^th meeting of the Standing Committee, work continued to refine the framework and a draft was tabled at the 21^st meeting of the Standing Committee, along with a draft Resolution which would seek adoption of the framework as formal guidance for the Contracting Parties. The Standing Committee gave its endorsement and agreed to sponsor the draft Resolution for the COP (Decision 21.15).

3.    The Bureau wishes to express its appreciation to the authors, and especially Clayton Rubec of Canada,for their work on this document.

4. The Guidelines and the draft Resolution will be introduced to COP7 through a presentation in Technical Session II - National planning for wetland conservation and wise use.