Linkages report on Ramsar tsunami forum

From the International Institute of Sustainable Development Linkages, http://www.iisd.ca/media/water_wetlands_coasts.htm

Wetlands Forum adopts disaster declaration

Scientists and representatives of intergovernmental organizations have signed a declaration designed to improve the management of natural ecosystems to mitigate natural disasters. The declaration stresses the need for healthy mangroves and other coastal ecosystems that can mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and calls special attention to the contribution of coastal ecosystems to the health and livelihoods of coastal communities.

The declaration was signed at the World Wetlands Day Forum on Natural Mitigation of Natural Disasters, held at the offices of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat in Gland, Switzerland, on 2 February 2005—World Wetlands Day. The declaration adopted by participants recognizes the impact of the recent tsunami and highlights the need for an ecosystem approach. It appoints the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as the lead agency to promote international and inter-institutional cooperation during and after the recovery phase to avoid duplicating work and wasting money.

In related news, the Ramsar Convention has asked Wetlands International to work with Ramsar International Organization Partners (IOPs) to coordinate efforts to bring together scientifically sound advice on wetlands in the tsunami-hit region in order to assist governments in choosing the most effective response measures. The Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group has been established involving Wetlands International, WWF, IUCN, BirdLife International and the International Water Management Institute to combine resources, share information and produce timely advice as and when needed.

Links to further information

The Forum Declaration, 2 February 2005
Beyond the Tsunami: Scientists and International Organizations Agree on Principles for the Mitigation of Natural Disasters, Ramsar media release, 3 February 2005
Ramsar Tsunami Reference Group, 20 January 2005