News from the CEPA e-mail list

WWD 2008 news (22/08/07)

Dear CEPA list members:

As you know the Convention's suggested theme for World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2008, is Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People, and this will also be the theme for Ramsar's 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in October-November 2008 in the Republic of Korea.

We have now prepared some text to help you, our WWD actors, plan your activities around the theme and hope that this will be of assistance. On our web site (go here http://www.ramsar.org/wwd/8/wwd2008_intro.htm) you will find an introduction to nine key topics that we think exemplify both the direct, positive effects on human health of maintaining healthy wetlands - and the direct negative effects on human health through mismanaging wetlands. If you are new to the list and not familiar with World Wetlands Day then please start here

http://www.ramsar.org/wwd/8/wwd2008_index.htm

As in the past, the Ramsar Secretariat will be distributing materials (in English, French, and Spanish) that we hope will be helpful to you in your WWD activities. The basic mailing will include hard copies of the poster and stickers, as well as a CD-ROM containing high-res PDF versions of the nine thematic fact sheets, the poster and stickers in printable but not editable format, and a surprise giveaway for children.

The mailing is planned for early October 2007, and you can ensure that you receive the materials promptly by contacting Valerie Higgins at the Secretariat (wwd@ramsar.org) - don't forget to provide your postal address and to specify which of the three language versions you would like.

A second CD is being prepared with the original design files of the poster and stickers for those who wish to customize the materials or translate them into local languages, but that will be sent only on special request - and such a request should come to us as soon as possible to wwd@ramsar.org.

Looking forward to your support on WWD,

Best wishes, Sandra Hails, Ramsar Secretariat

**********************************************************