The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Key Concept Index to Ramsar Decisions and the Strategic Plan

This is a linked index to the key concepts of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, as expressed in its most important documents -- the text of the Convention itself, the Strategic Plan 1997-2002 (SP1) and Strategic Plan 2003-2008 (SP2), and the 242 official Decisions of the eight Conferences of the Contracting Parties (146 Resolutions, 83 Recommendations, and 13 separable sub-recommendations attached to 3 Recommendations).  Some entries are cross-references, but for each substantive entry one finds

1) reference to the Convention text, if appropriate;
2) references to mentions in Strategic Plans 1997-2002 and 2003-2008;
3) references to Decisions of the COPs, in chronological order;
4) the text of guidelines (etc.) themselves, if appropriate.

• Accession procedures/requirements (Article 2.1): precise boundaries of first site urged (Resolution 4.5); precise boundaries and map of first site required (Resolution VI.16) 
• Additional Guidance for the implementation of the wise use concept: see Wise Use, Guidelines and Additional Guidance
• Administrative authorities: review national focal points (SP1 Action 8.1.10); review for effectiveness (SP2 Action 18.1.3)
• Africa: support NEPAD plan of action (SP2 Action 13.1.6); call to join Ramsar Convention (Recommendation 3.6); cooperation urged with NEPAD (Resolution VIII.44)
• Agriculture and wetlands: action urged (Resolution VIII.34)
• Alpine wetlands: see Mountain wetlands
• Amendments to the Convention: see Ramsar Convention, text of the treaty; Regina Amendments
• Andean wetlands: see Mountain wetlands
• Article 2.5 of the Convention: see Urgent national interests
• Article 3 of the Convention: call for clarification of terms (Recommendation 5.2) 
• Article 3.2 on notification of ecological change: notify of changes without delay (SP2 Op. Obj. 11.2); Parties notifying changes (Resolution VII.12); better reporting urged (Resolution VIII.8)
• Article 4.2 of the Convention: see compensation for lost wetlands
• Article 5 of the Convention: encourage international cooperation (Resolution 4.4); Guidelines on international cooperation (Resolution VII.19)
• Article 10 bis of the Convention: clarification of entry into force of amendments (Resolution 4.1) 
• Asia: call for accession to Ramsar Convention (Recommendation 3.10)
• Assessment (rapid assessment) of wetland change: establish repository of CPs' summaries (SP2 Action 1.2.2); develop guidelines for rapid assessment (SP2 Action 1.2.3); integrated framework for (Resolution IX.1 annex E); Guidelines for rapid assessment of biodiversity (Resolution IX.1 annex Ei); see also Wetland risk assessment
• Avian influenza: and waterbird wise use (Resolution IX.23)
• Awareness of wetland values: see Education and public awareness
• Biodiversity of wetlands: Guidelines for rapid assessment of biodiversity (Resolution IX.1 annex Ei)
• Bilateral development cooperation programmes: see Development assistance community
• Boundary water treaties: draw up list of (Resolution 4.4)
• Brisbane Initiative: on a network of Listed Sites: adopted (Recommendation 6.4); see also Flyways
• Budgetary matters: see Financial and budgetary matters
• Capacity-building and training for wise use (Article 4.5): reinforce capacity of Contracting Parties' institutions (Gen. Obj. 4); identify training needs (SP1 Action 4.2.1) and opportunities (SP1 Action 4.2.2); develop training modules (SP1 Action 4.2.3) and provide opportunities for managers (SP1 Action 4.2.4); as part of international cooperation (SP2 Action 14.1.2); twinning as mechanism for (SP2 Action 14.1.3); develop Parties' institutions for wise use (SP2 Op. Obj. 18.1); identify training needs (SP2 Op. Obj. 20.1); disseminate info on training opportunities (SP2 Action 20.1.3); encourage regional training centres (SP2 Action 20.1.8); more training programmes urged (Recommendation 4.5); call for more training, more information on opportunities (Recommendation 6.5); training centre encouraged for Panama (Resolution VII.26); training centre urged for Iran (Resolution VIII.41)
• Catchment/river basin planning, management: see River basin management
• Change in ecological character (Article 3.2): identify potential changes in Ramsar sites (SP1 Action 5.1.2); call to reverse changes (Recommendation 3.9); record of sites with change to be established (Recommendation 4.8); call for further study of the concept (Recommendation 5.2); working definition adopted (Resolution VI.1); new definition (Resolution VII.10); new definition (Resolution IX.1 annex A)
• Classification System for Wetland Type: development of classification called for (Recommendation 2.3); system adopted, use urged (Recommendation 4.7); subterranean karst wetlands included (Resolution VI.5)  text;
• Climate change: identify impact on Ramsar sites (SP1 Action 5.1.6); promote management of wetlands for mitigation of effects (SP2 Action 3.4.8); impact on wetlands (Resolution VIII.3)
• Coastal zones:  integrate wise use in planning (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.2); give priority for listing (SP2 Action 10.1.3); integrated coastal zone management urged (Recommendation 6.8); (Resolution VIII.4) and Principles and guidelines
• Communication, education, and public awareness (CEPA) of wetlands: raise awareness of wetlands values (Gen. Obj. 3); implement international programme (SP1 Op. Obj. 3.1); develop international materials (SP1 Action 3.1.3); develop national programmes (SP1 Op. Obj. 3.2); develop Convention Communications Strategy (SP1 Op. Obj. 3.3); support Convention's CEPA programme (SP2 Op. Obj. 9.1); develop national action plan (SP2 Op. Obj. 9.1); resource Voluntary Fund for (SP2 Action 9.1.13, (SP2 Action 15.1.6); review Focal Points' effectiveness (SP2 Action 18.1.3); call for EPA programmes linked to networks of reserves (Recommendation 4.4); call for more formal and informal education and training (Recommendation 4.5); call for awareness activities at reserves (Recommendation 5.8); call for global awareness campaign for 1996 (Recommendation 5.10); global EPA campaign urged (Resolution VI.19); the Convention's Outreach Programme 1999-2002 (Resolution VII.9); CEPA Programme for 2003-2008 adopted (Resolution VIII.31); CEPA Oversight Panel established (Resolution IX.18)
• Community participation in wetland management: see Participation in wetland management
• Compensation for lost wetlands (Article 4.2); call for clarification (Resolution VII.23, Resolution VII.24); guidance on (Resolution VIII.20)
• Conference of the Contracting Parties (Article 6): reorganize meeting agenda (SP1 Action 8.1.1); main focus on new tools for Parties (SP2 Action 17.1.1); call for meetings (Recommendation 1.9); admission of observers (Resolution VI.15); thanks to the COP hosts (Recommendation 1.11, Recommendation 2.10, Recommendation 3.11, Recommendation 4.14, Recommendation 5.12, Resolution VI.20, Resolution VII.29); study of effectiveness urged (Resolution VIII.45)
• Conference of the Contracting Parties, rules of procedure: see Rules of procedure
• Contracting Parties: sovereignty over wetlands (Article 2.3); developing capacities of (SP2 Op. Obj. 18.1); conservation of specific sites within (Recommendation 2.8; Recommendation 2.9; Recommendation 3.8; Recommendation 4.9; Recommendation 5.1; Recommendation 6.17; Resolution VII.12; Resolution IX.15) 
• Convention on Biological Diversity:  strengthen synergy with CBD (SP1 Action 7.2.3); Bureau to intensify contacts with CBD secretariat (Recommendation 5.4); increased cooperation sought (Resolution VI.9); Guidelines on impact assessment (Resolution VIII.9); see also Multilateral environmental agreements
• Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS, Bonn Convention): cooperation urged (Resolution 4.4)
• Conventions, environment: see Multilateral environmental agreements
• Coral reefs: give priority for Ramsar List (SP1 Action 6.2.3); designation for List urged, Bureau to seek Parties (Recommendation 6.7); guidance adopted (Resolution VIII.11)
• Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance: basis for listing (Article 2.2); keep under review (SP1 Op. Obj. 6.3); develop criteria for taxonomic groups (SP1 Action 6.3.2); adoption of criteria (Recommendation 1.4); expansion beyond waterfowl urged (Recommendation 2.3); new version adopted, working group established (Recommendation 3.1); new version adopted (Recommendation 4.2); advice on application of (Resolution 5.9); call for fish criteria (Recommendation 5.9); fish criteria adopted (Resolution VI.2); call for further review of (Resolution VI.3); population estimates for use with (Resolution VI.4); revised Criteria in Strategic Framework for the List (Resolution VII.11); sites that cease to fulfil (Resolution VIII.22); current text of; Criteria 9 on other taxa (Resolution IX.1 annex B); sites that cease to fulfill (Resolution IX.6);  See also Wetlands of International Importance
• Cultural values of wetlands: should be taken into account (SP2 Action 3.3.3); use guidelines for (SP2 Action 6.1.6); guiding principles (Resolution VIII.19); taking into account (Resolution IX.21)
• Dams and wetlands: develop guidelines for assessing impacts (SP2 Action 3.4.4); World Commisson on Dams (Resolution VIII.2)
• Data on wetland quality: call for methodology (Resolution VII.25)
• Datasheets: see Information Sheets on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)
• Decisions of the Conference of the Parties: consolidation called for (Resolution VI.11); study of effectiveness urged (Resolution VIII.45); call for review and consolidation of (Resolution IX.17)
• Designating wetlands for the Ramsar List: see Wetlands of International Importance, List of
• Developing Countries: obtain funds to meet Ramsar obligations (SP1 Op. Obj. 7.4); mobilize development assistance for (SP1 Action 7.4.4); call for assistance to, responsibilities of (Recommendation 1.2) 
• Development assistance community: ensure wise use incorporated into practices (SP1 Op. Obj. 7.3); identify best practice projects (SP1 Action 7.3.1); assist with project screening, etc. (SP1 Action 7.4.3); mobilize support for developing countries (SP1 Action 7.4.4); mobilize to assist wise use (SP2 Action 15.1.1); influence donors' priorities (SP2 Action 15.1.5); develop projects for (SP2 Action 15.1.9); maintain relations with (SP2 Action 15.1.10); ensure safeguards in projects of (SP2 Op. Obj. 15.2); responsibilities of (Recommendation 3.4); call for Bureau to cooperate with (Recommendation 3.5); improved practices urged (Recommendation 4.13); call for wise use concept in development policies (Recommendation 5.5); increased cooperation sought (Resolution VI.10); feedback on OECD guidelines requested (Recommendation 6.16)
• Drought and wetlands: (Resolution VIII.35)
• East Asian-Australasian Flyway: establishment called for (Recommendation 6.4) 
• Ecological character (Article 3.2): maintain ecological character of Ramsar sites (SP1 Op. Obj. 5.1); maintain (SP2 Op. Obj. 11.1); call to reverse changes (Recommendation 3.9); record of sites with change to be established (Recommendation 4.8); call for further study of concept (Recommendation 5.2); working definition adopted, with guidelines for describing (Resolution VI.1); new definition (Resolution VII.10); harmonizing guidance on (Resolution VIII.7); new definition (Resolution IX.1 annex A)
• Economic valuation of wetlands: see Valuation
• Education and public awareness of wetland values: see Communication, education, and public awareness
• Effectiveness indicators: see Indicators
• Endowment Fund: see Ramsar Endowment Fund
• Environmental Impact Assessment: see Impact assessment
• Environmental quality of wetlands: call for methods for measuring (Resolution VII.25)
• Essential character of wetlands: should be recognized (Resolution 5.3)
• European Commission: cooperation urged (Recommendation 4.11)
• Financial and budgetary matters of the Convention (Articles 6.5, 6.6): provide resources for Ramsar activities (SP1 Op. Obj. 8.2); ensure adequate resources for COP's mandates (SP2 Op. Obj. 16.1); budget established (Resolution 3.2) and "Financial terms of reference" for the Convention (Attachment 3); next triennium and "Financial terms of reference" (Resolution 5.2); next triennium (Resolution VI.17); Reserve Fund mandated (Resolution VI.17); cost reductions urged (Resolution VI.22); for triennium 1999-2002 (Resolution VII.28); for triennium 2003-2005 (Resolution VIII.27); for triennium 2006-2008 (Resolution IX.12)
• Fisheries: assess wetland contribution to (SP2 Action 1.2.6); Ramsar and (Resolution IX.4)
• Fish, criteria based on: call for development of (Recommendation 5.9); adopted (Resolution VI.2); Criterion 4 
• Flyways: promote site networks (SP2 Action 12.2.2); further study of migratory flyways called for (Recommendation 3.2); networks of sites urged (Resolution 4.4); agreements encouraged (Recommendation 4.12); East Asian-Australasian network urged (Recommendation 6.4); support for Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy (Resolution VIII.37)
• Focal points, national: see Administrative authorities
• Framework for Implementing the Convention: annex to Recommendation 2.3
• Friends of Wetlands (private sector): establish (SP2 Action 7.1.3)
• Functions and values of wetlands: see Valuation
• Global Environment Facility (GEF): CPs should develop projects for (SP2 Action 15.1.9); call for assistance to Ramsar Parties, via CBD (Recommendation 5.4); increased cooperation sought (Resolution VI.10)
• Global review of wetland resources: establish baseline for wetland loss (SP1 Action 6.1.3); process called for to assess state of wetlands at all levels (Resolution VI.21)
• Global warming: see Climate change
• Global water crisis: see Water issues
• Goods and services of wetlands: see Valuation
• Groundwater management: integrate wise use in (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.2); develop guidelines on (SP2 Action 3.4.7); guidelines called for (Resolution VIII.40); guidelines for (Resolution IX.1 annex Cii)
• Guidelines for operation of the Montreux Record: see Montreux Record
• Guidelines for the implementation of the wise use concept: see Wise Use Guidelines
• Guidelines on management planning: see Management planning for Ramsar and other wetlands
• Harmonized national reporting, information structures: promote (SP2 Action 13.1.12); cooperation with other conventions (Resolution VII.4)
• Hunting: ensure national legislation is sustainable (SP2 Action 12.2.5)
• Hydrological expertise: see Water issues
• Impact assessment (including environmental, social, strategic, etc.): carry out EIAs at Ramsar and other wetlands (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.5), especially Montreux Record sites (SP1 Action 2.5.2); expand Additional Guidance with review of EIA guidelines and best practice (SP1 Action 2.5.1); apply SEA to policies (SP2 Action 2.2.2); require EIAs by law (SP2 Action 2.2.3); carry out at Ramsar sites and report to Bureau (SP2 Action 11.2.3); existing EIA guidelines to be studied for potential guidelines (Recommendation 6.2); index to COP references to EIA (Resolution 6.2 annex); potential draft guidelines; actions called for (Resolution VII.16); CBD guidelines (Resolution VIII.9)
• Incentive measures for the wise use of wetlands: promote (SP2 Op. Obj. 8.1); actions urged (Resolution VII.15); actions urged (Resolution VIII.23)
• Indicators of effectiveness: of COP decisions (Resolution VIII.45); of Ramsar Convention implementation (Resolution IX.1 annex D)
• Indigenous people in wetland management: see Participation in wetland management
• Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS): ensure data on news sites are complete (SP1 Action 5.3.1) and updated every 2nd COP (SP1 Action 5.3.3); Parties to revise every 6 years (SP2 Action 10.2.4); development of RIS called for (Recommendation 2.3); RIS adopted, and use of urged (Recommendation 4.7); improvements to RIS Guidelines suggested (Resolution VI.1); RIS sought for all sites (Resolution VI.13); updates called for (Resolution VII.12) (text of RIS; Classification of Wetland Types); modified RIS form adopted (Resolution VIII.13); see also Ramsar Sites Database; Wetlands of International Importance
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and wetlands: apply guidelines on (SP2 Action 3.4.5); (Recommendation 6.8); (Resolution VIII.4) and Principles and guidelines
• International cooperation (Article 5.1): promote for wetland conservation and wise use (Gen. Obj. 7);  steps to promote urged (Resolution 4.4); urged for migratory species  (Recommendation 4.12); Guidelines for international cooperation under the Convention (Resolution VII.19)
• International Organization Partners: maximize benefits of working with (SP1 Op. Obj. 8.3); maximize benefits of (SP2 Op. Obj. 19.1); partnerships, and IOP status (Resolution VII.3); confirms IWMI among IOPs (Resolution IX.16); see also Non-governmental organizations
• International organizations: cooperation urged (Recommendation 4.11); increased cooperation urged (Resolution VI.10)
• Intertidal wetlands: enhancing wise use of (Resolution VII.21)
• Invasive alien species and wetlands: develop guidance on (SP2 Op. Obj. 5.1); action urged (Resolution VII.14); action urged (Resolution VIII.18)
• Inventories: see National Wetland Inventories
• Island states: see Small Island Developing States
• IUCN (Article 8.1): asked to create permanent secretariat (Resolution 3.1) and agreement with IWRB, 1987; appreciation for Bureau facilities (Recommendation 5.11) 
• IWRB: see Wetlands International
• Karst systems: see Subterranean karst wetlands
• "Kushiro Statement" (1993): adopted (Resolution 5.1); text of 
• Land use planning: integrate wise use in (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.2)
• Languages of the Convention: additional texts of the treaty (Recommendation 1.7); Spanish added as working language (Resolution 4.2); call to consider Arabic as working language (Recommendation 5.15)
• Legislation affecting wetlands: review and amend (SP1 Action 2.1.1); ensure harmonization of (SP2 Op. Obj. 2); develop national policies (SP2 Op. Obj. 2.2); national reviews of legal mechanisms urged (Recommendation 4.4); Guidelines for reviewing laws and institutions (Resolution VII.7)
• Local communities in wetland management: see Participation in wetland management
• Loss of wetlands: see Global review of wetland resources
• Management committees: see Wetland management committees
• Management Guidance Procedure: see Ramsar Advisory Mission
• Management planning for Ramsar and other wetlands: develop management plans for all Ramsar sites (SP1 Op. Obj. 5.2), half by 2002 (SP1 Action 5.2.3); publish best practice cases (SP1 Action 5.2.2); plans for all Ramsar sites (SP2 Action 11.1.2); call for guidelines (Recommendation 2.3); management plans for all listed sites urged (Resolution 5.7) and Guidelines adopted; more plans urged, STRP to report with best practice cases (Recommendation 6.13); New Guidelines adopted (Resolution VIII.14); "San José Record" called for (Resolution VIII.15); cross-biome planning (Resolution IX.20)
• Management training programmes: see Capacity-building
• Mangroves: give priority for Ramsar List (SP1 Action 6.2.3); guidance adopted (Resolution VIII.11); action urged (Resolution VIII.32)
• Mediterranean wetlands: support MedWet (SP2 Action 12.3.1); support for MedWet collaboration (Recommendation 5.14); further collaboration encouraged (Recommendation 6.11); collaborative structure for (Resolution VII.22); MedWet Coordination Unit budget (Resolution VIII.30); budget (Resolution IX.7)
• Membership in the Convention (Article 9): progress towards universal membership (SP1 Gen. Obj. 1); secure universal membership (SP2 Op. Obj. 21.1); seek further Parties, especially in Western Hemisphere (Recommendation 1.1), in Africa (Recommendation 3.6), in Neotropics (Recommendation 3.7), in Asia (Recommendation 3.10), in states with coral reefs (Recommendation 6.7)
• Migratory Species: cooperation urged (Recommendation 4.12); call for cooperation in Asia-Pacific (Recommendation 7.3). See also Flyways; Shared sites and/or species 
• Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: contribute to work of (SP2 Action 1.2.1)
• Mission statement: conservation and wise use to achieve sustainable development
• Monitoring Procedure: see Ramsar Advisory Mission
• Monitoring change in wetlands: develop guidelines for (SP2 Action 1.2.3); establish programme for each Ramsar site (SP2 Action 11.2.1); framework adopted (Resolution VI.1); integrated framework for (Resolution IX.1 annex E)
• Montreux Record: regularly review and update (SP1 Action 5.1.3); add sites if changes occurring (SP2 Action 11.2.4) and request Advisory Mission (SP2 Action 11.2.5); established (Resolution 4.8); formalized and defined (Resolution 5.4 and annex); Guidelines for operation adopted (Resolution VI.1); Guidelines for operation and Questionnaire; list of Montreux Record sites
• Mountain wetlands: action urged (Resolution VIII.12); High Andean action urged (Resolution VIII.39)
• Multilateral development banks, cooperation programmes: see Development assistance community
• Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs): strengthen Ramsar linkages (SP1 Op. Obj. 7.2); work as partners with (SP2 Op. Obj. 13.1); promote harmonized national reporting (SP2 Action 13.1.12); implement MOCs with (SP2 Action 19.1.5); partnerships and cooperation (Resolution VII.4); partnerships and synergies (Resolution VIII.5); UNEP guidelines on compliance (Resolution VIII.24); dealing with water issues (Resolution IX.3); synergies with (Resolution IX.5)
• National focal points: see Administrative authorities; Communications, education, and public awareness; Scientific and Technical Review Panel
• National Interest: see Contracting Parties, sovereignty; Urgent national interest
• National Planning Tool / National Report Format: use for coordinated national effort (SP2 Action 18.1.4)
• National Ramsar Committees, National Wetland Committees: promote establishment of (SP1 Action 8.1.9); Parties to establish (SP2 Action 18.1.2); Parties urged to establish, and inform Bureau (Recommendation 5.7)
• National Reports: Parties urged to submit 6 months before COP, Bureau to design form (Recommendation 2.1); submission urged 6 months before COP (Recommendation 4.3); structure to be revised to allow assessment of global wetland status (Resolution VI.21); targets for NRs (Resolution VIII.26); harmonizing with other MEAs (Resolution IX.5); see also National Planning Tool
• National Wetland Inventories: establish scientific inventories of wetlands (SP1 Action 6.1.2); standard methodology urged (SP2 Op. Obj. 1.1); make meta-database available (SP2 Action 1.1.4); establishment of inventories urged (Recommendation 1.5, Recommendation 4.6, Resolution 5.3); Parties urged to include all wetlands (Resolution VI.12); framework adopted by Resolution VIII.6; integrated framework for (Resolution IX.1 annex E)
• National Wetland Policies: greater efforts to develop NWPs or related plans or strategies (SP1 Action 2.1.2); NWPs called for (Recommendation 1.5); call to incorporate wise use definition in (Recommendation 3.3); framework to be developed, Bureau to report on status (Recommendation 6.9); Guidelines for developing and implementing NWPs (Resolution VII.6)
• Natural disasters and wetlands: (Resolution VIII.35); Ramsar role in mitigation (Resolution IX.9)
• Neotropical region: call to join Ramsar (Recommendation 3.7); call for intra-regional coordination (Recommendation 5.13); subregional strategy encouraged (Resolution VIII.43)
• Non-governmental organizations and Ramsar: implement MOCs with (SP2 Action 19.1.5); call for cooperation with (Recommendation 5.6); Parties urged to involve NGOs (Resolution VI.21).  see also International Organization Partners
• Observers, admission of, to the COP: amended rules of procedure (Resolution VI.15)
• Oceania region: action urged for island states (Resolution VIII.42)
• Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): cooperation with urged (Recommendation 4.11); Guidelines for Aid Agencies to be studied (Recommendation 6.16)
• Outreach: see Communication, education, and public awareness
• Pacific Islands region: call to join Ramsar (Recommendation 3.10); assistance encouraged, accession urged (Recommendation 6.18) 
• Participation in wetland management: encourage local communities, indigenous people, women (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.7); encourage (SP2 Op. Obj. 6.1); support Participatory Management Clearinghouse, PMC (SP2 Action 6.1.3); role of community groups and NGOs recognized (Resolution VI.21); local and indigenous people to be involved (Recommendation 6.3): Guidelines for local communities' and indigenous people's participation (Resolution VII.8); Participatory Environmental Management (PEM) urged (Resolution VIII.36)
• Partner organizations: see International Organization Partners, Non-governmental organizations
• Peatlands: give priority for Ramsar List (SP1 Action 6.2.3); ensure wise use of (SP2 Op. Obj. 3.2); wise use of peatlands urged (Recommendation 6.1); draft action plan encouraged (Recommendation 7.1); guidance adopted (Resolution VIII.11); Guidelines for global action adopted (Resolution VIII.17)
• Population estimates: see Waterbird population estimates
• Poverty reduction/alleviation/eradication: wetland programmes for (SP2 Action 3.3.4); wetlands and (Resolution IX.14)
• Private sector: encourage involvement in wise use of wetlands (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.8); encourage involvement (SP2 Op. Obj. 7.1); pursue involvement of (SP2 Action 15.1.12)
• Protected area systems: and Ramsar sites (Resolution IX.22)
• Public awareness of wetland values: see Education and public awareness
• Ramsar Advisory Mission (formerly Monitoring Procedure, Management Guidance Procedure): increase application of MGP (SP1 Action 5.1.4) and implement recommendations (SP1 Action 5.1.5); request for Montreux Record sites (SP2 Action 11.2.5); established (Recommendation 4.7) and first defined (annex 1); name changed (Resolution VI.14); name changed again (Resolution VII.12)
• Ramsar Classification of Wetland Types: see Classification System of Wetland Type
• Ramsar Convention: ensure operating efficiently (SP2 Op. Obj. 17.1); establish Management Working Group (Resolution IX.24)
• Ramsar Convention, accession requirements: see Accession procedures/requirements
• Ramsar Convention, seeking to expand membership: see Membership in the Convention
• Ramsar Convention, financial and budgetary matters: see Financial and budgetary matters
• Ramsar Convention, text of the treaty: amendments (Article 10 bis); call for amendment procedure (Recommendation 1.7); list of proposed amendments (Recommendation 1.8); amendments should be by consensus (Recommendation 2.2); provisional acceptance urged before entry into force (Resolution 3.4); interpretation of Article 10 bis (Resolution 4.1); see also Article 2.5, 3.2, 5, etc.
• Ramsar Endowment Fund: provide funds for (SP2 Action 15.1.6); proposed (Resolution VIII.29); discontinued (Resolution IX.13)
• Ramsar Information Sheets: see Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands
• Ramsar List, Ramsar sites: see Wetlands of International Importance
• Ramsar Secretariat (formerly Ramsar Bureau) (Article 8.2): review staff requirements (SP1 Action 8.1.5); consider adding Water and CEPA officers (SP2 Action 16.1.4); proposal for permanent secretariat (Recommendation 1.10); support for interim secretariat (Recommendation 2.4); IUCN & IWRB to create permanent secretariat (Resolution 3.1); new headquarters applauded (Recommendation 5.11); possible relocation to be studied (Resolution VI.22); regionally-based liaison officers urged (Recommendation 6.6); name changed from "Bureau" (Resolution IX.10); SC Management oversight committee established (Resolution IX.24)
• Ramsar Secretariat Work Programme: 1993-1996 adopted and annual plan required (Resolution 5.1); 1997-1999 adopted (Resolution VI.14)
• Ramsar Sites Database, Ramsar Sites Information Service: keep current (SP1 Op. Obj. 5.4), make data widely accessible (SP1 Action 5.4.3); support compatible national databases (SP1 Action 5.4.4); update and use as tool for further designations (SP2 Op. Obj. 10.2); enhance interactive capacity of (SP2 Action 10.2.5); improvement of data submitted (Recommendation 4.7); see also Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands; Wetlands of International Importance
• Rapid assessment of wetland change: see Assessment
• Regina Amendments: urges provisional implementation (Resolution 3.4) 
• Regional economic integration organizations (e.g., EU): investigate possibility of joining Ramsar (SP2 Action 13.1.9)
• Regional initiatives (similar to MedWet): promote additional ones (SP2 Op. Obj. 12.3); guidelines adopted (Resolution VIII.30); endorsement of additional initiatives (Resolution IX.7); regional wetland symposia (Resolution IX.19)
• Regional representation: keep under review (SP1 Action 8.1.2); regionally-based Ramsar liaison officers urged (Recommendation 6.6); regions defined (Resolution VII.1)
• Regional Representatives: see Regional representation; Standing Committee
• Research and exchange of data (Article 4.3)
• Reserve Fund: see Financial and budgetary matters
• Reserves: see Wetland reserves
• Resolutions and Recommendations of the COP: see Decisions of the Conference of the Parties
• Restoration and rehabilitation of wetlands: identify wetlands in need of restoration (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.6); provide methodologies (SP1 Action 2.6.2); establish restoration programmes (SP1 Action 2.6.3); identify best practice cases (SP1 Action 2.6.4); identify priority wetlands for (SP2 Op. Obj. 4.1); restorations encouraged and technical manual sought (Recommendation 4.1); restoration to be integrated into national planning (Recommendation 6.15); as an element of national planning (Resolution VII.17); Principles and guidelines adopted (Resolution VIII.16)
• Risk assessment: see Wetland risk assessment
• River Basin Initiative: participate in (SP2 Action 3.4.2)
• River basin management, planning: : integrate wise use in (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.2, Action 7.1.1); apply guidelines for (SP2 Action 3.4.2); Guidelines on wetlands in river basin management (Resolution VII.18), text; addition guidance on (Resolution IX.1 annex Ci)
• Rules of Procedure (Article 6.4): amendments for COP7, review urged (Resolution VI.15); Rules for Conference of the Parties
• Sahel wetlands: call for assistance for (Recommendation 2.6)
• San José Record: establish, resources permitting (SP2 Action 11.1.3); outlined (Resolution VIII.15)
• Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP): review priorities of (SP1 Action 8.1.4); review priorities and modus operandi (SP2 Action 17.1.4); priority on new tools (SP2 Action 17.1.5); need for an STRP to be studied (Recommendation 4.7); establishment of, responsibilities of (Resolution 5.5); role affirmed, members chosen (Resolution VI.7); composition and modus operandi (Resolution VII.2); new modus operandi (Resolution VIII.28); future priorities (Resolution IX.2); revised modus operandi (Resolution IX.11)
• Scientific and Technical Review Panel National Focal Points: review effectiveness of (SP2 Action 18.1.3); terms of reference (Resolution VIII.28)
• Sea grass beds: give priority for Ramsar List (SP1 Action 6.2.3)
• Sea level change: identify impact on Ramsar sites (SP1 Action 5.1.6)
• Secretariat: see Ramsar Bureau
• Secretary General: recent changes (Resolution VI.8) 
• Senegal: call for assistance to Djoudj (Recommendation 2.7)
• Shared sites and/or species (Article 5.1): identify needs for managing shared wetlands (SP1 Op. Obj. 7.1); promote integrated management of sites/basins (SP2 Op. Obj. 12.1); promote cooperative monitoring of species (SP2 Op. Obj. 12.2); gather information on (Resolution 4.4); see also Flyways; Transboundary wetlands
• Small Grants Fund (formerly Wetland Conservation Fund): secure funds for (SP1 Op. Obj. 8.4); evaluate critically (SP1 Action 8.4.2); provide funds for (SP2 Action 15.1.6); established, 1990 (Resolution 4.4); increased contributions urged (Resolution 5.8); renamed, eligibility expanded (Resolution VI.6); critical evaluation and future (Resolution VII.5); evaluation of and Endowment Fund for (Resolution VIII.29); funding mechanism needed (Resolution IX.13)
• Small Island Developing States (SIDS): urged to join Convention (Recommendation 6.2); action urged in Oceania (Resolution VIII.42); cross-biome planning (Resolution IX.20)
• Socio-economic aspects of wetlands: to be taken into account (SP2 Action 3.3.3). See also Cultural values of wetlands
• Standing Committee: review responsibilities (SP1 Action 8.1.3); keep under review (SP2 Action 17.1.2); role and responsibilities established (Resolution 3.3); Subgroup on Finance established (Resolution VI.17); Rules of Procedure; roles and responsibilities (Resolution VII.1); CEPA Oversight Panel established (Resolution IX.18); Management oversight committee established (Resolution IX.24)
• Status of wetlands: see Global review of wetland resources
• Strategic impact assessment: see Impact assessment
• Strategic Plan 1997-2002:  evaluate and report on implementation (SP1 Action 8.1.6); evaluation implementation of (SP2 Action 17.1.3); adopted (Resolution VI.14); text; Strategic Plan 2003-2008 adopted (Resolution VIII.25); text; national targets (Resolution VIII.26); "streamlining" SP 2003-2008 (Resolution IX.8)
• Strict protection measures: urged for small and sensitive sites (Resolution 5.3)
• Subterranean karst wetlands: included as a wetland type (Resolution VI.5); Guidelines for designating as Ramsar sites (Resolution VII.13)
• Switzerland: appreciation for Bureau facilities (Recommendation 5.11) 
• Symposia on wetlands: value of regional symposia (Resolution IX.19)
• Synergies and partnerships: see Multilateral environmental agreements, International Partner Organizations, non-governmental organizations
• Temporary pools: guidance adopted (Resolution VIII.33)
• Threatened species: give priority to sites with (SP2 10.1.4)
• Toxic chemicals: identify impact on Ramsar sites (SP1 Action 5.1.6); Parties to recognize impacts, STRP to report on (Recommendation 6.14)
• Trade in wetland products: see Wetland products
• Training programmes: see Capacity building 
• Transboundary wetlands (Article 5.1): give priority for Ramsar List (SP1 Action 6.2.5, Action 7.1.1); give priority for listing (SP2 Action 10.1.6); see also Shared sites and/or species
• 25th Anniversary wetland campaign: call for global awareness campaign (Recommendation 5.10) 
• 25th Anniversary Statement: adopted (Resolution VI.14); the text
• Twinning: of transfrontier wetlands (SP1 Action 7.1.2)
• Types of wetlands: see Classification System for Wetland Type
• Under-represented wetland types: see Wetlands of International Importance
• Urgent national interests: required to delete site from List or restrict boundaries (Article 2.5); call for clarification (Resolution VII.23); guidance on (Resolution VIII.20)
• Valuation of wetlands (economic, social, etc.): promote methodologies & publish information on (SP1 Op. Obj. 2.4); promote methodologies (SP2 Action 2.2.4); prepare summary of values and functions (SP2 Action 3.3.2); assessment of wetland values urged (Recommendation 1.6); call for guidelines (Recommendation 2.3); international cooperation urged (Recommendation 6.10) 
• Values and functions of wetlands: see Valuation
• Vulnerability of wetlands, assessment of: develop methodologies (SP2 Action 1.2.4)
• Waddensee: call for designation to the Ramsar List (Recommendation 2.5)
• Water, allocation and management of: apply guidelines on (SP2 Action 3.4.6); (Resolution VIII.1); Guidelines, 2002
• Water issues: Ramsar to ensure a voice in water debates (Resolution VI.23); engagement with multilateral bodies (Resolution IX.3)
• Water quality: undertake assessments of (SP2 Action 1.2.7)
• Waterbird population estimates: update data on population sizes (SP1 Action 6.1.4); support Wetlands International on updates (SP2 Action 10.1.8); call to use Wetlands International estimates with Criteria (Resolution VI.4); use of 3rd edition urged (Resolution VIII.38)
• Wet grasslands: guidance adopted (Resolution VIII.11)
• Wetland Conservation Award: established (Resolution VI.18)
• Wetland Conservation Fund: see Small Grants Fund
• Wetland education centres: establish at Ramsar sites (SP2 Action 9.1.10); see also Communication, education, and public awareness (CEPA)
• Wetland inventories: see National Wetland Inventories
• Wetland management committees: involve local stakeholders (SP1 Action 2.7.3) and private sector (SP1 Action 2.8.4); establish cross-sectoral committees for Ramsar sites (SP2 Action 11.1.5)
• Wetland products, trade in: ensure sustainability (SP2 Action 7.1.5); encourage sound trade in (SP2 Action 15.1.13); consider "Ramsar label" for (SP2 Action 15.1.14)
• Wetland Reserves (Article 4.1): urges national networks of (Recommendation 4.4); Recommendation 5.3 
• Wetland risk assessment: framework adopted (Resolution VII.10)
• Wetland type: see Classification System for Wetland Type
• Wetlands: Ramsar definition of (Article 1.1)
• Wetlands for the Future initiative: similar programmes urged for other regions (Recommendation 7.4)
• Wetlands International (and IWRB): tasked to advise permanent secretariat (Resolution 3.1) 
• Wetlands of International Importance: ensure data and maps are complete (SP1 Action 5.3.1) and updated every 2nd COP (SP1 Action 5.3.3); update Directory (SP1 Action 5.3.4); priority for listing sites with no other protection (SP2 Action 10.1.5); ensure maps and data complete (SP2 Action 10.2.1); data on first site urged to be provided with or soon after accession (Resolution 4.5); map and RIS urged for all sites (Resolution 5.3); management plans urged for all listed sites (Resolution 5.7); precise boundaries and map of first site required (Resolution VI.16); descriptions, pledges, status, planning (Resolution VII.12); better boundaries to be shown (Resolution VIII.21); sites that cease to fulfil criteria (Resolution VIII.22, Resolution IX.6); Parties with incomplete data (Resolution IX.15); see also Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands, Ramsar Sites Database
• Wetlands of International Importance, criteria for identifying: see Criteria for Identifying . . .
• Wetlands of International Importance, List of: designation of sites (Article 2); deletion of sites from (Article 2.5); ensure conservation of all sites on List (SP1 Gen. Obj. 5); identify all sites that meet Ramsar Criteria (SP1 Op. Obj. 6.1); increase area covered by the List (SP1 Op. Obj. 6.2); apply Strategic Framework (SP2 Op. Obj. 10.1); call for adding more sites (Recommendation 1.3); call for "shadow" list (Recommendation 1.4); advice on designation (Recommendation 4.2 annex II); procedure for initial designation (Resolution 5.3); review sought for listed sites which may not meet Criteria (Resolution 5.3 annex); official recognition urged for all wetlands that meet Criteria (Resolution VI.12); Strategic Framework for development of the List (Resolution VII.11); improving implementation of Strategic Framework (Resolution VIII.10); amendments to Strategic Framework (Resolution IX.1 annex B); status of Ramsar List (Resolution IX.15)
• Wetlands of International Importance, specific sites: see Contracting Parties, specific sites within
• Wetlands of International Importance, under-represented wetland types: give priority for Ramsar List (SP1 Action 6.2.3); give priority to (SP2 Action 10.1.2); guidance adopted (Resolution VIII.11)
• Wetlands, unlisted: conservation of urged (Recommendation 2.9) 
• Wise Use (Article 3.1): achieve by implementing wise use guidelines (SP1 Gen. Obj. 2); develop methodologies to achieve (SP2 Op. Obj. 3.1); adopts definition of (Recommendation 3.3), Regina definition; consultation about wise use encouraged between private and public sectors and NGOs (Recommendation 6.12); conceptual framework for and new definition (Resolution IX.1 annex A)
• Wise Use, Guidelines and Additional Guidance: expand to address specific issues (oil spills, agricultural runoff, etc.) (SP1 Action 2.3.1); publicize best practice (SP1 Action 2.3.2). Guidelines adopted (Recommendation 4.10) and text of Guidelines, 1990; Additional Guidance adopted (Resolution 5.6) and text of Additional Guidance, 1993
• Women in wetland management: see Participation in wetland management
• Work plans of the Secretariat: see Ramsar Secretariat Work Programme
• Work plans of the Convention: for 2000-2002 (Resolution VII.27)
• World Bank: Recommendation 4.13; Recommendation 5.4 ; Resolution VI.10 
• World Commission on Dams: Resolution VIII.2
• World Wetlands Day: encourage adoption of (SP1 Action 3.1.5); seek recognition of (SP2 Action 9.1.6)
• Zonation of wetland reserves: promote zoning measures at larger sites (SP1 Action 5.2.4); promote for larger sites (SP2 Action 11.1.4); need for zoning in larger sites (Recommendation 5.3) 

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 14 September 1998, last updated 6 September 2006, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.