The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Ramsar COP8 DOC. 27: Ramsar implementation in the European region

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Regional overview of the implementation of the Convention and its Strategic Plan 1997-2002 in Europe

The National Reports upon which this overview is based can be consulted on the Ramsar Web site, on http://ramsar.org/cop8_nr_natl_rpt_index.htm

Contracting Parties in Europe (44): Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia.

Contracting Parties whose National Reports are included in this analysis (40): Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia.

Contracting Parties yet to submit National Reports (2): Luxembourg, Malta.

Contracting Parties that joined the Convention recently and were therefore not expected to submit a National Report for the triennium 2000-2002 (2): Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus.

1. Main achievements since COP7 and priorities for 2003-2005

The following points are based on the analysis of the information provided in the National Reports for COP8 summarized in detail in section 2. The conclusions and recommendations of the 4th European regional meeting on the Ramsar Convention in October 2001, Bled, Slovenia, are also taken into account.

1.1 Main achievements since COP7

The COP8 National Reports indicate that, during the 2000-2002 triennium, there has been significant effort within the European region in the following areas of the Strategic Plan 1997-2002, with more than half of the Contracting Parties having taken significant action:

A1 Many countries have made considerable progress with the elaboration and implementation of National Wetland Policies or the integration of wetland concerns into other national policy instruments. Ramsar obligations are now considered in related national policy instruments in nearly all Contracting Parties.

A2 Wetland restoration and rehabilitation as an element of national planning has received increased attention through Resolution VII.17 since COP7. This has triggered national assessments to identify priority wetlands in need of restoration or rehabilitation in many countries and provided vital resource information at national scale.

A3 Problems of wetland management in relation to invasive alien species started to be addressed only during this triennium. However, many Contracting Parties have already compiled resource information and are well equipped to develop guidance and promote protocols and actions to prevent, control or eradicate invasive alien species.

A4 The active participation and involvement of local stakeholders in wetland site management has progressed significantly during this triennium. The recognition and application of traditional knowledge and cultural aspects of wetlands is increasingly incorporated in management approaches in many countries, often through the establishment of site management committees. There is significant progress, despite the fact that many efforts are still required at many sites.

A5 Since the adoption of Ramsar's Outreach Programme at COP7 through Resolution VII.9, new actions to promote communication, education and public awareness were launched in many countries. They begin now to receive international focus in a structured and coordinated manner. New education and visitors centres, often linked to nature discovery trails, were established at many wetland sites.

A6 Wetland issues were incorporated in curricula at many national levels of education in most countries. It is now rare throughout Europe that the term "wetland" is not understood by pupils and the lay person.

A7 Most of the European Ramsar site managers now have Internet access and the facilities to communicate rapidly and effectively with national authorities and foreign experts.

A8 With the adoption of a Strategic Framework for the Ramsar List, through Resolution VII.11, a systematic approach started to be applied to identify priority sites and under-represented wetland types in many countries. Slowly, but steadily, this is implemented by the inclusion of karst wetlands, peatlands, wet grasslands and river floodplains in the Ramsar List.

A9 The first twinnings of Ramsar sites with sites in other countries occurred during this triennium. Increasingly, transboundary wetlands and Ramsar sites are managed through coordinated bi(tri)lateral approaches. Resolution VII.18 triggered the integration of wetland conservation into river basin management planning procedures along several European rivers. Ramsar experts are working increasingly with European river and regional seas commissions.

A10 The Convention reaches complete coverage in Europe with the accession of Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Cyprus and the Republic of Moldova during the triennium; leaving only Andorra (which has indicated its interest to join), the Holy See and San Marino. Increasingly, the coverage of the Convention is also extended to, and Ramsar sites are designated, in dependent territories of European states.

1.2 Priorities for 2003-2005

Comparison of the information provided in the National Reports with the proposed Operational Objectives of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008 and the conclusions of the European regional meeting suggest the following priorities for the 2003-2005 triennium.

P1 The inventory of wetlands is an essential and strategic foundation for wetland conservation. Despite notable progress since COP7, very few comprehensive National Wetland Inventories exist in European countries. The establishment of national wetland databases, compatible with the Ramsar Sites Database to ease transfer of information, is equally a high priority.

P2 The designation of Ramsar sites should be seen as the start of a process, not the end point. site management needs to be considered within wider contexts. Most biodiversity lies outside protected areas. Wetland assessment and monitoring received too little attention so far, despite the requirements of Article 3.2. Regular reviews to identify potential changes in the ecological character of Ramsar sites should be installed, including the undertaking of Environmental Impact Assessments in all cases where wetlands are likely affected by development projects. Economic valuation of wetlands needs to become a widespread planning tool.

P3 Water resource management is a major cross-cutting issue for wetland conservation. Wetlands need better recognition of their significance for reasons of water supply, coastal protection, flood defense, provision of natural resources and products, cultural heritage, and scientific research.

P4 The relationship between the European Union legal framework and Ramsar obligations needs to be explored in more detail. Incentives for unwise wetland use are still a reality. Perverse economic incentives need to be redressed. The encouragement of the private sector to give increased recognition to wetland attributes, values and functions needs to be continued and expanded. The agricultural sector needs to be addressed more at national and international level about water management conflicts, diffuse pollution sources, and the decline of traditional low-intensity agricultural systems. It is crucial to connect large-scale issues with local ones.

P5 The adoption of Ramsar's first Outreach Programme at COP7 triggered a number of activities that need to be expanded and coordinated. Communication, education and public awareness needs international focus. Resources need to be provided under the Outreach Programme 2003-2005 to those countries that could not yet afford to undertake national CEPA programmes.

P6 Maintaining the Ramsar Sites Database and constantly updating it with the best available information is a priority, so that the database can serve as a tool for monitoring the condition of Ramsar sites. The Montreux Record and Ramsar Advisory Missions are other available tools to address specific problems. The Ramsar Bureau should be informed without delay of changes affecting Ramsar sites, as required by Article 3.2.

P7 The Convention's existing regional arrangement for the Mediterranean (MedWet) needs continued support. Other subregional arrangements should be promoted, e.g. for the Baltic, Black Sea, North Sea or European Arctic, the Danube, Oder or other river basins. Such activities should include the inventory and integrated management of shared wetlands and hydrological basins, including the cooperative monitoring of shared species and other assets.

P8 Contracting Parties should ensure that environmental safeguards and assessments are an integrated component of all development projects that affect wetlands, including domestic, multilateral and foreign investments.

P9 Contracting Parties need to ensure that the meetings of the Contracting Parties, the new Standing Committee, the new Scientific and Technical Review Panel, and the Bureau operate at a high level of efficiency and effectiveness, providing them with the necessary resources to implement the new Strategic Plan. National Ramsar Committees or similar bodies should be established in those countries where they do not yet exist. Dormant committees need to be reactivated and receive focus.

P10 Training needs and opportunities started to be identified during the current triennium. This has now to be completed. Successful training activities, including exchanges of personnel and on-the-job training at Ramsar sites, need to be expanded and to receive increased international focus. Besides Contracting Parties, Ramsar's International Organization Partners and other institutions should play an important role in this.

2. Implementation activities undertaken since COP7

The National Report format and planning tool for the triennium 2000-2002 is based on the Strategic Plan 1997-2002. This overview follows, however, the new structure of the proposed Strategic Plan 2003-2008, indicating how the "Actions" reported on in the National Reports for COP8 relate to the "Operational Objectives" of the new Strategic Plan.

2.1 Inventory and assessment

A. Wetland inventory
(Operational Objective 1.1 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
National wetland inventories are progressing slowly since COP7 and are still far from being complete and comprehensive in most countries. Increasingly, wetland inventory data are integrated into national databases. Only very few countries have already established databases that are compatible with the Ramsar Sites Database and are transferring data available at national level to the Ramsar Database. Most of the European countries have directories of important wetland sites that should serve as shadow lists for future Ramsar site designations.

Comprehensive wetland inventories with national coverage

Analysis: Out of 40 European countries (for which National Reports were available for analysis), 11 (28%) indicated that they have undertaken a comprehensive wetland inventory at national scale, although this was often not substantiated. A further 18 countries (45%) provided probably more realistic answers, indicating that inventories of important sites only, specific wetland types, or in specific areas, were done or are under way. Many countries indicated also that further needs existed to fully integrate inventory data stemming from different sources, and that inventory data still need to be made widely accessible, e.g. through the Internet (Action 6.1.2).

Comment: Some progress was detectable during the last triennium with several specific new inventory projects started. However, the National Reports show clearly that much needs still to be done to have comprehensive and comparable national wetland inventories easily accessible at our disposal. At continent scale, the soon-to-be-published pilot study towards a Pan-European wetland inventory by Wetlands International could help stimulate and coordinate further efforts at national level (cf. www.wetlands.org/inventory&/ pewi/appeal.htm).

Recommendation: Draft Resolution 6 (submitted to COP8) provides "A Framework for wetland inventory" to elaborate standardized and comprehensive national wetland inventories that are comparable at international scale.

National wetland databases compatible with the Ramsar Database

Analysis: 12 European countries (30%) indicated that they have established a national wetland database compatible with the Ramsar Sites Database and developed a protocol to facilitate exchange and interaction. A further 11 countries (28%) indicated that they are working on establishing such a database (Action 5.4.4).

Comment: The establishment of accessible wetland databases that are compatible with the Ramsar Sites Database started only during this triennium. Increasingly, wetland inventory data are directly fed into such electronic databases. In parallel, the Ramsar Sites Database was improved and is regularly updated by Wetlands International. These actions pave the way for facilitated exchanges of data and interaction between national databases and the Ramsar Sites Database, a priority task for the coming triennium.

Recommendation: Increasingly, data from national wetland databases should be transferred to and included into the Ramsar Database. Draft Resolution 13 (submitted to COP8) provides the tool for "Enhancing the information on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites)", in order to assess and monitor the condition of wetland resources.

National directories of potential Ramsar sites

Analysis: 32 European countries (80%) indicated that they had elaborated a directory of sites qualifying as Ramsar sites. A further 4 countries (10%) indicated that such a directory was in preparation or information about potential Ramsar sites otherwise available (Action 6.1.1).

Comment: The National Reports show that most of the Contracting Parties already have substantial information at their disposal to designate additional sites and under-represented wetland types for inclusion in the Ramsar List. Unfortunately, this was followed only in a few countries by actual site designations.

Recommendation: Resolution VII.11, providing a "Strategic framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance" (cf. Ramsar Handbook 7), was not much implemented during the past triennium. It merits to be more widely used during the forthcoming triennium (cf. also section 2.10 below).

B. Wetland assessment
(Operational Objective 1.2 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Wetland assessment and monitoring is not receiving sufficient attention so far, despite the requirement of Article 3.2 of the Convention to report at the earliest possible time on potential ecological change at Ramsar sites. The National Report format addressed this issue only marginally, and the succinct responses are probably not very representative of the real situation. However, these issues figure more prominently in the new Strategic Plan and are addressed in Draft Resolutions 7 and 8 submitted to COP8.

Regular reviews to identify potential changes in ecological character of Ramsar sites

Analysis: 23 countries (58%) indicated that they undertake regular internal reviews to identify factors potentially altering the ecological character of Ramsar sites. A further 10 countries (25%) indicated that reviews only occur on an irregular basis, that only some of their Ramsar sites profit from regular national reviews, or that a system of regular reviews is only in preparation (Action 5.1.2).

Comment: Most of the positive answers about regular reviews were surprisingly succinct. It is interpreted that the national Ramsar authorities believe in these cases that an informal combination of public monitoring and private surveillance (by individuals and NGOs) at local level provide sufficient alert about potential ecological change. Several countries explained constraints in terms of available resources to undertake regular preventive reviews. In some cases even partial reviews identified potential or ongoing ecological change and helped to prepare remedial actions. However, it is also feared that in other cases ecological change is occurring unnoticed (cf. also section 2.11B below).

Recommendation: Article 3.2 of the Convention addresses the need for early information about ecological change, a subject that has not yet received sufficient attention. Draft Resolution 7 on existing gaps in guidance on ecological character and monitoring and Draft Resolution 8 on assessing and reporting the status and trends of wetlands (submitted to COP8) are proposing to elaborate more specific guidance on these themes and invite Contracting Parties to formally report on potential ecological change at Ramsar sites and other wetlands.

2.2 Policies and legislation, including impact assessment and valuation

A. Policy instruments for wetland wise use
(Operational Objective 2.1 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Progress in the elaboration of National Wetland Policies, or the integration of wetland concerns into national biodiversity policies, water policies, environmental action plans, river basin management plans, and similar overarching instruments, was significant during this triennium. While in many countries such policies are now in place, they are under preparation in others. Very few countries still experience difficulties in elaborating such policies, in some cases because of a lack of resources.

Analysis: Out of 40 European countries (for which National Reports were available for analysis), 15 indicated that they have in place a National Wetland Policy, and 9 indicated that their national wetland policy forms part of the national nature conservation policy, biodiversity policy, or water management plan (together 60%). A further 5 countries (13%) indicated that a national wetland policy is in preparation, in most cases as part of the national conservation or biodiversity policy. Additional countries indicated that wetlands will be covered in forthcoming policy instruments. The lack of capacities and resources is preventing some countries in transition to work on a national policy for the time being. To the specific question whether Ramsar obligations were considered in related policy instruments, such as national biodiversity strategies, environmental action plans, water policies or river basin management plans, 39 countries (98%) responded affirmatively - a very encouraging result (Action 2.1.2).

Comment: Considerable progress was made with the development of national wetland policies in European countries during this triennium. Whereas at the time of COP7 less than half of the Contracting Parties had such policies in place or in preparation, this is now the case for four-fifths of the countries.

Recommendation: Countries that experience difficulties in elaborating a National Wetland Policy, or a similar overarching governmental policy instrument to implement the provisions of the Ramsar Convention, are encouraged to seek specific support from the Ramsar Bureau.

B. Development, review and amendment of policies, legislation, institutions and practices
(Operational Objective 2.2 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Review of legislation, institutions, and governmental plans at national scale is progressing significantly, mainly thanks to similar processes carried out for other conventions (notably the Convention on Biological Diversity) and the European Union (covering now 15 member states plus 11 accession states). However, many of the newly independent states (of former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union) are lagging behind in this process, essentially due to a lack of capacity and resources. Economic valuation of wetlands is progressing steadily, but much still needs to be done. While environmental impact assessments are required by law in quasi all countries, they are still only undertaken in a limited number of cases where development projects are likely to change the ecological character of Ramsar sites or other wetlands.

Review of laws, institutions and governmental plans related to wetlands

Analysis: 17 countries (43%) indicated that they have completed a review of law and institutions relating to wetlands. A further 9 countries (23%) indicated that such a review was under way (Action 2.1.1). On a similar question (Action 2.5.4), 14 countries (35%) responded that they have undertaken a review of all governmental plans, programmes and policies which may impact negatively on wetlands, and a further 10 countries (25%) indicated that this was in progress. Finally, a related question (Action 4.1.1) focused on the national institutions responsible for wetland conservation and the designated Ramsar Administrative Authorities. To this, 21 countries (53%) responded that these institutions have the necessary resources to support the increasing demands being placed upon them by the growing expectations of the Convention.

Comment: Reviewing national policies, institutions and development plans is an efficient, strategic exercise. While the National Reports for COP7 indicated that only very few (mainly western European) countries had completed such exercises by then, substantial progress was achieved during this triennium. Now, about two thirds of the countries have completed their reviews or are undertaking them. European Union legislation and integration procedures, covering 26 member and accession states, are providing a favorable context to undertake such reviews. This creates substantial synergies. Their potential for future actions should be stressed. A matter of concern is, however, that nearly half of the countries (mainly eastern European) are indicating that they still have neither the capacities nor the resources to undertake strategic reviews nor to implement fully the expectations of the Convention.

Recommendation: The lack of resources to implement fully the obligations of the Convention and to plan ahead strategically should be clearly addressed by the Contracting Parties in order to find means (cf. Draft Resolution 29 on the Ramsar Small Grants Fund and the establishment of a Ramsar Endowment Fund submitted to COP8) and financial partners.

Environmental impact assessments and economic wetland evaluations

Analysis: 19 European countries (48%) indicated that EIAs are required for all cases where a wetland area (whether a Ramsar site or not) may be adversely impacted due to a development proposal, and a further 18 (45%) indicated that this was required at least in some cases (Action 2.5.3). However, only 19 (48%) indicated that an EIA was carried out in all cases where a change in the ecological character of a Ramsar site was likely as a result of proposed developments, and 14 (35%) indicated that this was done at least in some cases (Action 2.5.2). 21 (53%) indicated that economic valuations of the full range of services, benefits and functions of wetlands are prepared as part of impact assessments and to support planning decisions in all or some cases (Action 2.4.1).

Comment: Economic valuation of wetlands is progressing. The National Reports for COP7 indicated that economic wetland valuation was undertaken in about one third of the countries (essentially western European). This is now the case in more than half of them (in eastern and western Europe). No progress can however be detected in the field of EIAs. In 1998, almost all countries reported already that EIAs were required for activities likely to have a significant effect on wetlands. It is therefore difficult to understand why, more than three years later, every Ramsar site where proposed developments are likely to affect its ecological character still does not benefit from an EIA according to the state of the art? In some cases, a lack of political will to implement existing legislation was detectable.

Recommendation: The issue requires further attention and is addressed in Draft Resolution 9 (submitted to COP8) providing guidelines for incorporating biodiversity-related issues into environmental impact assessment legislation and in strategic environmental assessment procedures.

2.3. Integration of wetland wise use into sustainable development

A. Methodologies for wetland conservation and wise use
(Operational Objective 3.1 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
The development and dissemination of methodologies to achieve the conservation and wise use of wetlands is still at early stage. The issue was not strategically addressed in the National Report format. Consequently, only little and piecemeal information was provided by Contracting Parties.

Additional guidance on wise use to provide advice on specific issues

Analysis: 11 countries (28%) indicated that they have reviewed their resource materials relating to wetland management policies and practices. A further 6 countries (15%) indicated that such reviews are progressing (Action 2.3.2). Succinct answers on available resource materials were received from 13 countries relating to oil spill prevention and clean-up and to agricultural runoff, from 9 countries relating to urban and industrial discharges, and from 17 countries relating to other relevant aspects such as highway design, aquaculture, etc.

Comment: While promoting and improving the availability of such resource materials was a priority under the Convention's Outreach Programme 2000-2002 (Resolution VII.9), actions to translate the wise use principle into specific guidance and management advice are still few and far between.

Recommendation: The need to make available and disseminate additional guidance to provide advice on specific issues is reiterated in Draft Resolution 31 (submitted to COP8) detailing the Convention's Outreach Programme 2003-2005.

B. Peatlands
(Operational Objective 3.2 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

Ensuring the conservation and wise use of peatlands as a demonstration of the ecosystem-based approach under the Convention is a new focus in the proposed Strategic Plan 2003-2008, introduced through Recommendation 7.1. 23 countries (58%) responded that they are giving special attention to the designation of peatlands as under-represented types of Ramsar sites (Action 6.2.3), cf. section 2.10 below. Draft Resolution 17 (submitted to COP8) provides guidelines for global action on peatlands.

C. Recognition of wetland values and functions
(Operational Objective 3.3 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

Recognition of the significance of wetlands for reasons of water supply, coastal protection, flood defence, food security, poverty alleviation, cultural heritage, and scientific research is a new focus in the proposed Strategic Plan 2003-2008. The issue was not specifically addressed in the National Report format. Most of these vital issues will be addressed during COP8 at different places.

D. Integration of wetland policies into broader planning and management from local to national scales
(Operational Objective 3.4 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Using experience gained from local case studies to develop policies and guidance at regional and national level is a new activity started during this triennium. It was only partially addressed in the National Report format. However, the opportunity exists now to ensure that new water management policies and spatial planning strategies (notably of the European Union) are taking wetland ecosystems and their management concerns into account in a more integrated way.

Analysis: 17 European countries (43%) indicated that they are implementing integrated river basin and coastal zone management approaches with wetlands being given special consideration. A further 16 (40%) indicated that this is happening in part of their country, or through specific pilot projects only, at this stage (Action 2.2.2).

Comment: Making wetland management and conservation an integrated part of planning activities and decision-making processes at national and sub-national levels, particularly concerning territorial management, groundwater management, river basin management, coastal and marine zone planning is increasingly becoming a major issue. COP7 adopted guidelines for integrating wetland conservation into river basin management (cf. Ramsar Handbook 4) and Contracting Parties began to implement them in several cases. The European Union Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is providing a general policy context for these concerns, directly applicable in 26 member and accession states, and of interest to other European countries as well.

Recommendation: Draft Resolution 1 on allocation of water to wetlands, DR 4 on integrated coastal zone management, and DR 14 on management planning (submitted to COP8) are providing further guidance and tools to implement these objectives.

2.4 Restoration and rehabilitation
(Operational Objective 4 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Resolution VII.17 addressed wetland restoration as an element of national planning and triggered nationwide assessments to identify wetlands in need of restoration in a substantial number of countries over the past triennium. More needs to be done to identify all those wetlands where restoration or rehabilitation would be cost-effective and yield long-term benefits. Then it will become urgent to find the resources needed to implement the necessary measures to recover these sites.

Analysis: 11 European countries (28%) indicated that they have completed an assessment to identify priority wetlands in need of restoration or rehabilitation. A further 19 (48%) indicated that such an assessment is under way. 29 countries (73%) indicated that resource information for restoration and rehabilitation of wetlands was available at national scale, while 7 (18%) indicated that this was not the case (Actions 2.6.1 and 2.6.2).

Comment: Wetland restoration and rehabilitation was already addressed in the National Reports for COP7, where many countries indicated that they are undertaking activities in this field. Since then, Resolution VII.17, on restoration as an element of national planning for wetland conservation and wise use, has triggered the assessment activities mentioned above. More needs to be done. Some countries indicated that a lack of sufficient resources is hindering more wetland restoration projects from being undertaken.

Recommendation: Wetland restoration and rehabilitation remains a priority for which more resources need to be made available. Draft Resolution 16 (submitted to COP8), providing principles and guidelines for wetland restoration, will hopefully have a catalytic role in this context.

2.5 Invasive alien species
(Operational Objective 5 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

Only recently, awareness about this issue is growing in Europe: 23 countries (58%) indicated that they have resource information on wetland management in relation to invasive species, while 11 (28%) indicated that they do not (Action 2.3.1). Draft Resolution 18 (submitted to COP8) provides guidance for protocols and actions to prevent, control or eradicate invasive alien species in wetland systems.

2.6 Local communities, indigenous people, and cultural values
(Operational Objective 6 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
The active participation of local stakeholders in Ramsar and wetland site management is crucial for its success and sustainability. Substantial progress is reported during this triennium. However, it is a matter of concern that some countries are still lacking resources or capacities in this context. An analysis of existing management committees indicates clearly that only a few Ramsar and other wetland sites are already profiting from such structures, and that many efforts are still required in this field. This holds equally for the recognition and application of traditional knowledge and management practices and other cultural aspects of wetlands.

Active and informed participation of local communities in wetland wise use

Analysis: 34 countries (85%) indicated that they are actively promoting the involvement of local communities in the management of wetlands. 31 (78%) indicated that they actively encourage or support site managers and local communities in monitoring the ecological character of Ramsar sites and other wetlands (Actions 2.7.1 and 2.7.2).

Comment: Wise use and management of Ramsar and other wetland sites is a cornerstone of the Convention. The active participation of local stakeholders in these activities is crucial for the success and sustainability of any wetland management. Significant progress was reported during this triennium, since in the National Reports submitted to COP7 only about 30% of the countries responded positively. However, it is disturbing to read that a minority of countries report about institutional conflicts, lack of resources, lack of information or lack of capacities preventing them from doing so. The Ramsar Bureau is offering them priority advice and support to remedy this situation rapidly. Anything below 100% of the Contracting Parties actively engaged in this matter cannot suffice.

Recommendation: Ramsar Handbook 5 acknowledges the active and informed participation of local communities, stakeholders and decision-makers as a prerequisite for sustainable site management. Draft Resolution 7 (submitted to COP8) provides further guidance on wetland ecological character, inventory, assessment and monitoring.

Wetland management committees with stakeholder representation

Analysis: 31 European countries (78%) indicated that wetland site management committees are in place on their territory. The table below provides the detailed answers for how many sites such committees are in place, how many of them are Ramsar sites, and how many of the committees include representatives of local stakeholders and women's groups. The table show minimum numbers, as sometimes the report did not cover all sites adequately (Action 2.7.3).

Comment: The analysis above shows that, although a substantial number of management committees are operating at European Ramsar sites and other wetlands, many more still need to be established to cover even the most important and complex sites.

Recommendation: Draft Resolution 14 (submitted to COP8) provides new guidelines for management planning, also addressing the need for local management committees. DR 15 sets up the "San José Record" of well-managed Ramsar sites. The above-listed criteria will certainly be taken into account when listing the first sites.

Apply traditional knowledge and management practice

Analysis: 27 European countries (68%) indicated that they made special efforts to recognize and see traditional knowledge and management practices applied in the conservation and wise use of wetlands (Action 2.7.4).

Comment: This issue is increasingly being taken into account since COP7. The motto of COP8, "Wetlands: water, life and culture", places it into a broader context by focusing on different cultural aspects as tools for wetland management and conservation. We are most likely at the beginning of the development of a major new approach to wetland management. The Convention should address this seriously, as it is likely to create many synergies and new arguments for wetland conservation.

Recommendation: Draft Resolution 19 (submitted to COP8) provides guiding principles for identifying cultural aspects of wetlands and incorporating them into the efficient management of sites.

2.7 Private sector involvement
(Operational Objective 7 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Many Contracting Parties report briefly on their efforts of involving the private sector at different levels in wetland conservation and management. Others detail the problems they have encountered in doing so. Unfortunately, the issue does not figure on the agenda of COP8. More guidance on how to implement this Operational Objective is clearly needed.

Analysis: Out of 40 European countries (for which National Reports were available for analysis), 27 (68%) indicated that they encouraged the private sector to give increased recognition to wetland attributes, functions and values when carrying out projects affecting wetlands, at least in some cases. Only 14 countries (35%) encouraged the private sector to work in partnership with site managers to monitor the ecological character of wetlands (Actions 2.8.1 and 2.8.3).

Comment: A number of countries (eastern and western) detail the difficulties they encounter in involving the private sector in wetland management. Entering into an active dialogue with the private sector, on how to implement the concept of environmental engagement and active commitment for sustainable development (established during the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio 1992), seems still to pose problems to a number of Ramsar Administrative Authorities, either because they lack guidance on how to go about it or because they cannot identify counterparts available in the private sector. The formulation of the questions in the National Report format was not very helpful to provide substantial answers either. Furthermore, the issue seems no longer to be the flavour of the day.

Recommendation: Even if the issue is not tabled at COP8, the preparation of more detailed guidance on how to involve the private sector in wetland conservation and management would be helpful.

2.8 Incentives
(Operational Objective 8 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

Only 14 countries (35%) report about reviews of their incentive measures to encourage conservation and wise use of wetlands, following Resolution VII.15 (Action 2.8.2). Little progress was made during this triennium. Draft Resolution 23 (submitted to COP8) is intended to redress the balance by reiterating the importance of incentive measures as tools for achieving the wise use of wetlands.

2.9 Communication, education, and public awareness
(Operational Objective 9 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Since the adoption of a Ramsar Outreach Programme (through Resolution VII.9), actions to promote communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) to support the implementation of the Convention were multiplied throughout this triennium and are starting to receive international focus. CEPA activities are vital for the Convention, and they need to be pursued and extended. Means need to be found to undertake CEPA programmes also in those countries that may not yet be able to afford to do so. Urgently, governmental and non-governmental focal points need to be designated in those countries that have not yet done so. Draft Resolution 31 provides an outline for the Outreach Programme for the years 2003-2005.

Implementing the Convention's Outreach Programme

Analysis: 28 European countries (70%) indicated that they identified education and public awareness needs and established priorities for resource development. Although the question in the National Report format was addressing "regional" (in the sense of "supra-national") needs, most of the countries specified their needs at national level. Only 14 (35%) reported on the development of CEPA resource materials. Again, while the National Report was asking about assistance for the development of international resource materials, only few of the national materials developed were actually made available to the Ramsar Bureau for international use. However, 21 (53%) detailed their specific support to international programmes that encourage transfer of information, knowledge and skills between wetland educators. Unfortunately, only 17 (43%) did encourage partnerships between governments, NGOs and others capable of developing national CEPA programmes. Still, 26 (65%) reported on the existence of 253 educational centres at wetlands, including 170 centres at European Ramsar sites. The UK heads the list with 55 education centres at Ramsar sites, plus more elsewhere. Austria has education centres at 82% of its Ramsar sites, or 9 out of 11. At European level, 15 more centres are currently established at 11 Ramsar sites and other wetlands; 54 more centres are planned. 25 (63%) report on their work with museums, etc., to develop exhibits and programmes that support wetland CEPA. 27 (68%) report on wetland modules included in educational curricula at national level. Only Switzerland and Spain made financial contributions to increase the Bureau's capacity for implementing the Outreach Programme. 24 (60%) report about steps undertaken to provide Internet access to Ramsar site managers (Actions 3.1.2 to 3.3.4).

Comment: Already for the triennium leading to COP7, many different CEPA activities were reported. Since the adoption of Resolution VII.9, actions to promote communication, education and public awareness to support the implementation of the Convention should be coordinated at international level under Ramsar's Outreach Programme, which is now up and running. To this end, strategic and international aspects of national CEPA programmes merit increased attention. CEPA actions are vital for implementing the Convention. They remain a priority in the new Strategic Plan and for the coming triennium. Those countries which may not yet be able to afford to invest in CEPA activities at national level should seriously consider how to become able to do so in future. Governmental and non-governmental CEPA focal points should urgently be designated in Albania, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia, to coordinate and make the results of Ramsar's Outreach Programme available for national activities.

Recommendation: Draft Resolution 31 (submitted to COP8) is introducing the Convention's Communications, Education and Public Awareness Programme for 2003-2005.

2.10 Designation of Ramsar sites

A. Application of the Strategic Framework
(Operational Objective 10.1 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
At COP7 a Strategic Framework for the Ramsar List was adopted. Its application through designation of under-represented wetland types as Ramsar sites has made some progress through the triennium, however much less than expected from the announcements made by Contracting Parties at COP7 or in National Reports. Increased focus on the implementation of the Strategic Framework is therefore needed.

Increasing the area of under-represented wetland types of the Ramsar List

Analysis: 26 European countries (65%) indicated that they had taken a systematic approach to identifying their future Ramsar sites as promoted in Resolution VII.11. 29 (73%) reported that they had given specific attention to identifying under-represented wetland types for designation. Only 16 countries (40%) paid particular attention to designating new sites that did not yet enjoy special conservation status at national level, as a first step towards developing measures for their conservation and wise use. (Actions 6.2.1 to 6.2.4).

Comment: The statistics of the general answers provided in the National Reports do not provide a clear picture of the reality. Even if many countries have taken a systematic approach to identifying sites for designation for the Ramsar List, this has not yet been followed by concrete acts in most cases. Resolution VII.12 lists pledges of 20 European Contracting Parties about the designation of 272 new Ramsar sites in the National Reports for or during COP7. As of September 2002, however, only 70 new sites have been designated by them. While it can be stated that many of these sites were indeed selected according to the criteria outlined in Resolution VII.11, much still needs to be done.

Recommendation: Draft Resolution 10 (submitted to COP8) reiterates the need to implement the Strategic Framework and Vision for the Ramsar List.

B. Maintenance and use of the Ramsar Sites Database
(Operational Objective 10.2 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

Unfortunately, most of the Contracting Parties are hardly implementing Resolution VI.13 requesting them to provide the Bureau with maps and updated Ramsar Information Sheets (RISs) at least every six years for monitoring purposes (Actions 5.3.1 to 5.3.3). The fact that good quality maps exist only for 27% of the European Ramsar sites, and that updated RISs are available only for 49% of them, is a matter of concern. Does this lack of information reflect the state of conservation and management of these sites? Draft Resolution 13 (submitted to COP8) addresses the issue of the urgent need to enhance the information on Wetlands of International Importance.

2.11 Management planning and monitoring of Ramsar sites

A. Maintenance of the ecological character of all Ramsar sites
(Operational Objective 11.1 of the new Strategic Plan 2003-2008)

SUMMARY
Development and implementation of management plans at all Ramsar sites has been a central objective of the Convention's Strategic Plan for many years. Little, but noticeable, progress was made during this triennium, just about achieving the target of 50% of all Ramsar sites to benefit from management plans in place or in preparation by the time of COP8. More, sustained efforts and allocation of additional resources are still needed to achieve the strategic objective.

Implementing management plans, including local communities and other stakeholders

Analysis: 36 countries (90%) report that the measures required to maintain the ecological character of Ramsar sites have been documented, at least for some of the sites (Action 5.1.1). Albania, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Romania, and Switzerland report that all Ramsar sites in their country have a management plan in place (although not always fully implemented) (Action 5.2.3). Together, the Contracting Parties report on 249 European Ramsar sites (35%) with management plans that are implemented fully. For another 187 sites (27%), management plans are in preparation or have been prepared but are not yet applied (cf. table below, providing minimum numbers as not all sites were adequately covered). 34 countries (85%) are using zoning and 31 countries (78%) strict protection measures to regulate the activities allowed in different part of the wetlands, for those sites where it is warranted (Actions 5.2.4 and 5.2.5).