Key Documents of the Ramsar Convention

Memorandum of Cooperation with the Society of Wetland Scientists

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION

between

THE BUREAU OF THE CONVENTION ON WETLANDS (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)

and

THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS

COOPERATION FOR THE KNOWLEDGEABLE MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION, AND WISE USE OF WETLANDS

RECOGNISING that the Ramsar Convention is the primary inter-governmental instrument focused on the conservation and wise use of wetlands, and that the Convention cooperates as a lead partner in the implementation of activities related to wetlands with the Convention on Biological Diversity;

RECOGNISING ALSO that the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) is a leading international nonprofit organization focused on wetlands science, conservation, management, and education; with over 4,000 members from numerous countries, and with regional chapters located throughout the United States and Canada; and that SWS publishes the quarterly peer-reviewed journal Wetlands and the SWS Bulletin, which provide an outstanding source of information and expertise for the conservation and wise use of wetlands;

CONSIDERING that the Society of Wetland Scientists and the Ramsar Bureau share the common goal of the knowledgeable management, conservation, and wise use of wetlands for people and nature, and that meeting this goal requires enhanced and concerted collaboration at all levels (international, national, local), and by all stakeholders (governmental, non-governmental, corporate, public, and private);

BEARING IN MIND that both the Ramsar Bureau and the Society of Wetland Scientists (hereafter referred to as the Parties) wish to establish a formal partnership to achieve COOPERATION FOR THE KNOWLEDGEABLE MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION, AND WISE USE OF WETLANDS;

HAVE AGREED THE FOLLOWING:

Article 1: General cooperation and focal points

1.1 The Parties agree to collaborate to promote the knowledgeable management, conservation, and wise use of wetlands, by enhancing their existing communication and cooperation, and bolstering communication and cooperation with other relevant international wetlands organizations (particularly with IUCN, WWF, Wetlands International, and BirdLife International through the "Ramsar Partners Group").

1.2 The Parties recognize the benefit of facilitating the development of cooperative and collaborative programs and will foster such programs by co-sponsoring meetings, especially meetings that address approaches for collaboration between wetland organizations, as well as by providing articles for newsletters and publications of their respective organizations.

1.3 The Parties shall keep each other well informed of needs, issues, and opportunities that emerge as a result of their activities.

1.4 The Parties shall create links between the web sites of the two organisations, and establish appropriate links between the members list of the SWS and the Experts Database maintained by the Ramsar Bureau.

1.5 The Parties shall seek opportunities to develop and support programs, projects, and publications of mutual interest. Where both Parties agree to the development of a joint initiative, the specific terms of collaboration shall be agreed upon in writing prior to the initiation of activities.

1.6 The focal points for general matters between the Ramsar Bureau and the Society of Wetland Scientists shall be the Secretary General and the Chair of the International Committee, respectively.

1.7 The focal points shall arrange to assess the implementation of this MOC and for reviews of the MOC as necessary.

Article 2: Contribution from the Ramsar Bureau

2.1 Subject to the agreement of the respective bodies within the Ramsar Convention, the Ramsar Bureau shall seek to invite the Society of Wetland Scientists to observe meetings of the Conference of the Contracting Parties, the Standing Committee, the Scientific and Technical Review Panel, Partners and appropriate regional and technical meetings, and when appropriate, will request the Society of Wetland Scientists to assist the Ramsar Bureau in taking appropriate actions.

2.2 The Ramsar Bureau shall disseminate information on the support given to the Convention by the Society of Wetland Scientists.

2.3 Where specific support is requested by the Ramsar Bureau, the Ramsar Bureau shall seek to secure and allocate funds to assist the Society of Wetland Scientists to provide that support to the Convention.

2.4 The Ramsar Bureau shall involve the Society of Wetland Scientists, where appropriate, in the design, coordination, and implementation of project activities.

2.5 The Ramsar Bureau shall keep the Society of Wetland Scientists International Committee on its mailing list for receipt of all relevant documents, shall provide the International Committee with a single copy of each relevant technical publication that it produces, and shall provide the International Committee with copies of promotional materials about the Convention for further dissemination.

2.6 These activities will be carried out to the best ability of the Ramsar Bureau, within the resources available.

Article 3: Contribution from the Society of Wetland Scientists

3.1 The Society of Wetland Scientists shall invite the Ramsar Bureau to observe appropriate meetings of its Board, attend appropriate annual and regional meetings, and when appropriate, co-sponsor meetings.

3.2 The Society of Wetland Scientists shall endeavor to support the Ramsar Contracting Parties in their work, through:

• provision of technical support for the implementation of the Convention
• opportunities for capacity building through training programs
• dissemination of information and technical materials

3.3 In addition to the above activities, the Society of Wetland Scientists shall endeavor to support the implementation of the Ramsar Convention Strategic Plan 1997-2002, and its successor, if adopted by Ramsar COP8, in particular through:

• promoting the Convention in all appropriate forums
• promoting and assisting countries to join the Convention
• promoting implementation of the wise use guidelines
• assisting with wetland inventory and assessment programs
• raising awareness of wetlands and their values, including the promotion of World Wetland Day

3.4 Where specific support is requested by the Society of Wetland Scientists, the Society of Wetland Scientists shall seek to secure and allocate funds to assist the Ramsar Bureau to provide that support.

3.5 These activities will be carried out to the best ability of the Society of Wetland Scientists, within the resources available.

Article 4: General

4.1 This Agreement shall be effective from the date when both Parties have effected their signatures.

4.2 Any amendment to this Agreement shall only be made on the basis of a written agreement signed by both Parties.

4.3 Neither Party shall be legally or financially liable in any way for activities carried out independently by the other Party.

4.4 Any differing viewpoints or interpretations of this MOC shall be resolved amicably by consultation or negotiation between the two Parties.

4.5 This Agreement may be terminated by either Party subject to written notice of six months. In case the Memorandum ceases to be in effect on account of termination thereof, existing cooperation shall continue to the extent necessary for the completion of existing, agreed activities.

 Signed in two copies in the English language:

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel. +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 1 July 1999, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.