26th Meeting of the Standing Committee -- DOC. SC26-24 Add. 1

1. WWF congratulates the Bureau and STRP on preparing a challenging technical session program based in large part on the impressive technical work undertaken by the STRP since COP7.

2. We are concerned, however, that the draft agenda for the technical session may give an inaccurate impression to the external world that the Convention is largely focused internally on Ramsar wetland site selection and management. It is our view that a modest reorganisation of the agenda can better emphasise Ramsar’s leading role in providing solutions to topical global problems, as well as progressing its essential work on wetland sites.

3. The proposal below would position the Convention to better influence funding for and implementation of sustainable development. It emphasises the Convention’s role in contributing solutions to the global priorities of:

4. In particular, this proposal would facilitate a rapid response by the Convention to implement the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. A resolution to effect this is the only substantial new work required.

5. The proposal would exclude a few items in the current agenda. The Ramsar Data Gateway paper could be given as a special intervention or side event.

Ramsar CoP8 technical session

Supporting document

Old order

1 - Ramsar's response to the World Summit on Sustainable Development

An overview of what came from Rio+10 backed by a draft Resolution on Ramsar’s implementation strategy
Ramsar's role in combating the global freshwater crisis, building on the Ramsar’s WSSD submission
Guidelines on allocation and management of water
World Commission on Dams – response from Ramsar
Guidelines for the designation of mountain ecosystems (International Year of Mountains, transboundary wetlands, source of water)

Required

WSSD submission

CoP8- 3/3a

CoP8- 16

CoP8- 12

1.1

4.3

3.3

2 - Major challenges and emerging opportunities

Climate change & wetlands - impacts and mitigation
Synergies with other Conventions (this needs to focus on national actions to achieve this as much as at the global level)
Global Action Plan on Peatlands (GAPP) (biodiversity and climate change – risks and opportunities)
Market-based mechanisms, incentives and the private sector, backed by a draft Resolution
[If insufficiently prepared, 4) could be replaced by Impact Assessment]

CoP8- 4/4a

CoP8- 6

CoP8- 15

CoP8- 20

[CoP8 – 10]

1.2

1.4

4.2

[2.4]

3 - Wetland inventory and the List of Wetlands of International

A framework for wetland inventory
Ecological character
Lessons learned in applying the Strategic Framework for the development of the Ramsar List
Guidelines for designating peatlands, mangroves, corals etc.
Ramsar sites database

CoP8- 7

CoP8- 8&9

ResVII.11

CoP8- 11

CoP8-13

2.1

2.2,2.3

3.1

3.2

3.4

4 - Managing sites and threats

Management planning guidelines
Montreux Record and proposed Valencia Register
Guidelines on integrated coastal zone management
Invasive species
San Jose Record

CoP8-14

CoP8- 9

CoP8- 5

CoP8- 17

CoP8- 22

4.1

1.3

4.4

5 - Cultural aspects of wetlands

As proposed

CoP8- 18

Items proposed to be omitted:

Impact assessment
Ramsar Data Gateway paper - could be given as a special intervention or side event in order to reach a wider audience.

CoP8 – 10

2.4

3.5

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 ramsar@ramsar.org). Posted 13 December 2001, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.