The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

26th Meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee -- Agenda papers

Ramsar’s Strategic Plan 2003-2008

1. The 25^th meeting of the Standing Committee reviewed a draft of the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 prepared by the Bureau. A revised third draft, incorporating further comments from the Subgroup on the Strategic Plan, was circulated in March 2001 by Diplomatic Note for consultation with Contracting Parties, and widely also to other organizations with which the Convention collaborates.

2. Comments were received from Algeria, Australia, Bahamas, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Slovak Republic, Thailand, United Kingdom, and USA; and from the Centre for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), the Global Environment Facility, the Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, Wetlands International, and WWF-Spain.

3. The third draft was also discussed and observations were received at the Ramsar regional meetings for South America; Central America, the Caribbean and North America; East Asia; and Europe.

4. The Bureau has prepared the attached fourth draft of the Strategic Plan 2003-2008, taking into account the comments received from Contracting Parties and others.

5. Most responses received by the Bureau indicated that Parties and others are very positive about and endorse the approach and contents of the draft Plan. In consideration of the fourth draft, however, a number of issues that were raised in the consultation with Contracting Parties and others should be taken into account.

6. Some developed countries considered that Sections I and II of the Strategic Plan remain unnecessarily long, and that the inclusion in these sections of background and explanations of the Convention process and rationale for the Plan’s General Objectives should be omitted as unnecessary. However, a contrasting view was expressed by a significant number of other consultees from a range of countries with different economic circumstances, to the effect that these background, rationale and Convention process sections provide a valuable assistance to them in understanding the basis for the Strategic Plan and how it should be implemented by Contracting Parties and others, as well as in raising awareness of the operations and priorities of the Convention in their countries. In the light of these views the Bureau has therefore retained the structure and content (incorporating consultees’ comments) of Sections I and II of the Plan in the attached fourth draft.

7. However, to assist Parties that do not wish to utilize the background and rationale information in Sections I and II, the Bureau suggests that a brief Executive Summary (of about two pages) may be prepared that encapsulates the key points, priorities, contents and approach of the overall Strategic Plan document.

8. Concern was raised by one Party on the inclusion of Actions relating to financial matters of the Convention (notably Actions 9.1.10, 16.1.3 and 16.1.4) as matters that should be debated and determined by the COP. To address this the Bureau has placed these Actions (and certain others where related matters are referred to) in square brackets so as to indicate points that will need to be resolved by the COP during its debate on the Strategic Plan and other matters. This is in line with the use of square brackets throughout the document where text, e.g. that referring to adoption of COP8 Resolutions, will be finalized subject to COP8 decisions.

9. Some consultees proposed that "Research" should be added as a separate additional Theme in Section III, although it was not indicated what issues in particular should be the subject of research Actions. However, "Research" is a cross-cutting theme of many of the other Themes, so that Operational Objectives and Actions under such a separate theme would duplicate statements of those specific research actions already called for under a number of the existing Operational Objectives. Thus research as a separate theme has not been added in the attached 4^th draft Plan.

10. It should be noted that it may be necessary to further cross-check, and where appropriate modify, actions in the Implementation Plan (Section III) in order to ensure harmonization of wording with those actions requested by COP8 Resolutions as these are developed and approved.

11. The Standing Committee should also be aware that the relevant decisions and recommendations of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (September 2002) will also require consideration by COP8 and should be reflected and incorporated in the Strategic Plan as appropriate (see proposals on this issue in DOC. SC26-6(b)).

12. The Subgroup on the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 will meet to review this fourth draft on 4 December to prepare its recommendations for consideration by the 26^th meeting of the Standing Committee.

13. The Secretary General would like to propose that the Standing Committee formally invite Contracting Parties to submit to COP8 their proposed National Targets concerning key aspects of the implementation of the new Strategic Plan in its first triennium (2003-2005). These National Targets would serve to determine the global targets in the Convention Work Plan for this period which is to be adopted by COP8. This suggestion was aired at the Ramsar Regional Meeting for Europe and it was warmly welcome.

14. In order to do this, the Secretary General proposes that after review by the Standing Committee at this meeting, the draft Strategic Plan be distributed by 31 March 2002 to all Contracting Parties, in an attractive format, as the final draft for consideration at COP8, with a table prepared by the Bureau inviting CPs to establish their National Targets through appropriate participatory processes in each country, which in addition could serve as a preparatory process for COP8. The table should be returned to the Bureau by 31 August 2002. The Bureau will then compile the National Targets into a set of global targets and will prepare a COP8 document on this matter.

Note: in the attached fourth draft of the Strategic Plan 2003-2008, paragraphs in which substantial revisions have been made from the third draft are shaded. [The shading is not included in this unofficial Web version of the document.]

[intentionally blank]

Draft Resolution VIII.[xx]

The Strategic Plan 2003-2008

1. RECALLING that in Resolution VI.14 the Conference of the Contracting Parties adopted the Strategic Plan 1997-2002 as the basis for the implementation of the Convention;

2. RECOGNIZING that the implementation by Contracting Parties and others of the Strategic Plan 1997-2002 has permitted a more coherent and effective implementation of the Convention; but AWARE that there remain many and increasing challenges to achieving globally consistent delivery of wetland conservation and wise use;

3. AWARE of the need to ensure a more fully integrated approach to wetland conservation and sustainable development, notably in relation to poverty eradication, integrated approaches to water management, climate change and its predicted impacts, increasing globalization of trade, the increasing role of the private sector, and the increasing influence of development banks and international development agencies;

4. FURTHER AWARE of a number of issues that still require priority attention in order to achieve wetland wise use under the Convention, including inter alia: inventory, assessment and monitoring; institutional frameworks and laws; integration of wetland wise use into local, national and international planning and decision-making; the role of wetlands, their values and functions in supporting human well-being and poverty alleviation; restoration and rehabilitation of wetlands; invasive alien species; management by local communities and indigenous people; involvement of the private sector; incentive measures, communication, education and public awareness, strategic designation of Wetlands of International Importance, strengthening joint activities between multilateral environmental agreements; catalyzing funding for wetland work; collaboration with the Convention’s partner organizations, scientific networks and other stakeholder groups; training and capacity-building, and universal membership of the Convention; and

5. AWARE ALSO that the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 has been prepared by the Standing Committee through a wide consultative process with Contracting Parties, the Convention’s International Organization Partners and other partners, including intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations;

THE CONFERENCE OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES

6. APPROVES the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 as the basis for the implementation of the Convention;

7. URGES all Contracting Parties, the Standing Committee, the Scientific and Technical Review Panel, the Ramsar Bureau, and the Convention’s International Organization Partners to take on the renewed challenge of implementing the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 through the targets established by the Convention’s Work Plan 2003-2005 (Resolution VIII.xx); and

8. INVITES other multilateral environmental agreements, non-governmental organizations, scientific academies and research institutions, professional scientific and technical bodies, the donor community, and the private sector to contribute to the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2003-2008.

Fourth draft prepared by the Ramsar Bureau on the basis of comments received from Contracting Parties and other bodies on the third draft 31 October 2001

CONVENTION ON WETLANDS
(Ramsar, Iran, 1971)

DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN 2003-2008

to be submitted to the 8^th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP8), Valencia, Spain, 18-26 November 2002

____________________________________________________________________

CONTENTS

SECTION I

1. Introduction
2. Mission Statement
3. The role and achievements of the Ramsar Convention
4. Challenges for the future
5. Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan
6. Using the Strategic Plan

SECTION II

7. General Objectives of the Strategic Plan
8. Rationale for the General Objectives

SECTION III

Implementation of the Strategic Plan 2003-2008: Themes, Operational Objectives, and Actions

SECTION I

1. Introduction

1. The 8^th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands, held in Spain on 18-26 November 2002, adopted this Strategic Plan for the application of the Convention during the period 2003-2008.

2. This second Strategic Plan builds upon the first Ramsar Strategic Plan, which covered the period 1997-2002, and takes into account the important progress made by the Convention’s Contracting Parties in implementing the first Plan to achieve application of the wise use principle and to safeguard their wetland resources.

3. The new Plan recognizes the adoption by the Convention of a more integrated approach to wetland conservation and sustainable use, and takes into consideration the results of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, as well as those of recent major events concerning water resources management.

[Drafting note: The relevant decisions/recommendations of the World Summit on Sustainable Development will require consideration by Ramsar COP8 and will be reflected in the Strategic Plan as appropriate.]

4. The second Ramsar Strategic Plan constitutes a renewed challenge directed towards the Convention’s Contracting Parties, its Standing Committee and Scientific and Technical Review Panel, its secretariat (the Ramsar Bureau), and the International Organization Partners that work closely with the Convention. Full implementation of the Plan will also need effective synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and increased involvement of non-governmental and civil society organizations, foundations and other conservation institutes, national science academies and research councils, research institutions, and national professional scientific and technical societies, and significantly increased private sector involvement.

5. Execution of the Plan will be largely in the hands of the Contracting Parties who, in full recognition of the sovereignty of each state, have agreed to work together towards implementing the obligations accepted under the Convention. The Conference of the Parties also invites all countries that are not yet Contracting Parties, other environment-related conventions and agreements, the international community at large, and local people and stakeholders from around the world to join in the Convention’s effort to conserve and sustainably use wetlands.

2. Mission Statement

6. The Convention’s mission is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.

[Drafting note: The underlining denotes minor changes to the Mission Statement included in the Strategic Plan 1997-2002.]

3. The role and achievements of the Ramsar Convention

7. The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is the oldest of the global MEAs. It owes its origins in the 1960s to the urgent need to combat widespread drainage and destruction of wetlands and the habitats they provide for migratory species, notably waterbirds.

8. The Convention remains the only global instrument devoted to a specific ecosystem – wetlands. The Convention defines "wetland" in very broad terms in recognition of the intrinsic importance of wetlands to the maintenance of healthy and productive freshwater and coastal ecosystems.

9. Since its inception the Convention has progressively widened its scope and approach to address the wise use (i.e., sustainable utilization) of wetlands in the context of integrated territorial and water resource planning and management, and in the increasing recognition of the vital role in terms of services, values and functions that wetlands perform for people.

10. After more than 30 years of existence, and through adapting to changing circumstances in the arena of environment and development throughout the world, the Ramsar Convention plays a vital continuing role as the champion of wetland conservation and wise use. It continues to stress the need to integrate the conservation of wetlands with sustainable development (or sustainable use, considered to be synonymous with the Convention’s concept of "wise use") as a contribution to the health and well-being of people everywhere.

11. The Convention has made significant progress over its thirty-year existence, and in particular over the past six years through the implementation of the first Strategic Plan. This first Plan provided a clear agenda and priorities for action to improve the global delivery of wetland wise use.

12. Significant achievements include:

a) 130 [to be updated] States as Contracting Parties to the Convention;

b) a major contribution to increasing the recognition and understanding of the crucial role of wetland functions and services in the daily lives of human beings;

c) the production of an increasing range of policy and technical guidelines to assist Contracting Parties with implementing the Convention;

d) the adoption by over [to be inserted after analysis of National Reports submitted to COP8] Contracting Parties of national wetland policies and the establishment by [XXX] Contracting Parties of national Ramsar or wetland committees to ensure that cross-sectoral approaches are taken;

e) at the close of COP8, the designation by Contracting Parties of [XXX] wetlands covering [XXX] hectares for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar List), and the establishment of management plans in place for more than [XX]% of these;

f) the lead taken by the Convention in establishing synergies with the conventions that emerged from the Rio 92 process and with other conventions and institutions, so that experiences and achievements may be shared for the benefit of wetland wise use;

g) the help through the Convention to generate more financial resources and technical assistance for wetland projects in developing countries and countries in transition, and since 1990 the operation of the Ramsar Small Grants Fund for Wetland Conservation and Wise Use. The Fund, although as yet modest in scale, has funded [XXX] projects in [XXX] countries;

h) the management by the Ramsar Bureau for the past eight years, with funding from the U.S. Government, of the Wetlands for the Future Initiative, providing support to small training and education projects in Latin America and the Caribbean; and

i) the establishment of the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet), under the guidance of the Mediterranean Wetlands Committee, as a firm regional expression of the Convention, involving all countries in the Mediterranean basin and the Palestinian Authority, relevant international institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

4. Challenges for the Future

13. There is increasingly wide appreciation that wetlands, in all their forms, provide unique services to human societies and human well-being. They are suppliers of water for human consumption, agricultural production and recreation; suppliers of food, especially fish and rice; centres of economic development focused around tourism or food production; and places rich in plant and animal species. They are irreplaceable natural assets, with highly significant ecological, economic, social, cultural and recreational values, although the precise nature of these varies in different places and circumstances.

14. However, in all regions of the world, human populations are suffering social, economic and environmental hardships resulting from the destruction and mismanagement of their natural resources, notably including their wetlands and water resources. This destruction, which continues at alarming rates in many countries today, is contributing to escalating poverty and water supply and food security problems, as well as robbing the planet of the biological diversity with which wetlands are endowed. Its causes are multiple – from local actions and national policies to global issues.

15. Major global issues influencing the conservation and wise use of wetlands include:

a) climate change and its predicted impacts, including changing and more extreme patterns of drought, storms and flooding, rises in sea temperature and sea level, thawing of permafrost and glaciers, changes in the ecosystem distribution and quality; and implications for species survival;

b) increasing globalization of trade, for example in fisheries and other natural resources;

c) the changing role of national governments through increasing privatization of services (including water supply), devolution of decision-making responsibilities, and greater empowerment of local communities;

d) increasing land-use pressures leading to continuing loss and damage to wetlands and their values and functions;

e) increasing poverty and economic challenges placing local communities in the developing world on the edge of survival;

f) the increasing influence in the developing world of development banks and international development agencies and the need to ensure that such agencies are fully engaged in the major issues affecting wetlands; and

g) the need to ensure continuing political support and public interest in biodiversity issues and sustainable development ten years after the establishment of Agenda 21 through the Rio 92 process.

[Drafting note: this section will be updated with the major conclusions and recommendations of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.]

16. Within the context of these global pressures, the continuing challenge for Ramsar Contracting Parties is to ensure conservation and sustainable use of their wetlands and water resources. Despite the many tangible achievements on the ground, and in raising awareness of the importance of wetland conservation and wise use, the challenge remains strong.

17. To respond to this challenge, Parties to the Ramsar Convention seek to deliver their commitments to wetland conservation and wise use through three "pillars" of action. These are:

a) working towards the wise use of all their wetlands through a wide range of actions and processes, including establishing national wetland policies and plans; reviewing and harmonizing the framework of laws affecting wetlands; undertaking inventory and assessment; integrating wetlands into the sustainable development process; ensuring public participation in wetland management by local communities and indigenous people; promoting communication, education and public awareness; increasing private sector involvement; and harmonized implementation of the Ramsar Convention with other multilateral enviornmental agreements;

b) devoting particular attention to the further identification, designation and management of a coherent and comprehensive suite of sites to be included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar List), and to ensure the effective management of those already included in the List; and

c) cooperating internationally in their delivery of wetland conservation and wise use, through the management of shared water resources, wetlands, and wetland species, collaboration with other conventions and international organizations, sharing of information and expertise, and increasing the flow of financial resources and relevant technologies to developing countries and countries in transition.

18. In implementing the Convention’s three ‘pillars’ of action as a response to the global challenges facing wetland conservation and wise use, this second Strategic Plan places increased priority on the following activities:

a) undertaking inventory, assessments and monitoring;

b) developing institutional frameworks, policies and laws, including statutory requirements for impact assessment procedures which take into account the full range of environmental, social and economic values of wetlands;

c) further developing special region-based or issue-based programmes under the Ramsar Convention, such as the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet); and the application of the Guidelines for global action on Peatlands;

d) integrating wetland conservation and wise use into national, provincial and local planning and decision-making, and especially into river basin management, coastal zone management, and increasingly also into the management of ground water resources;

e) seeking formal recognition of the importance of some wetlands, their values and functions, for water supply, flood and coastal protection, food security, poverty alleviation, cultural heritage, and sites for scientific research;

f) managing wetlands adaptively in response to the impacts of global climate change and sea-level rise;

g) restoring and rehabilitating the many degraded or lost wetlands and their values and functions, whilst recognizing that it is ecologically, economically and culturally more appropriate to maintain existing wetlands than to permit their damage and then seek to restore them;

h) addressing the major threats posed by invasive alien species to the future of wetlands;

i) fostering active and informed participation of local communities and indigenous people as stewards of their wetland resources, and recognizing the social and cultural importance of wetlands to many communities;

j) involving the private sector in the conservation and wise use of wetlands;

k) providing incentives to promote, and removing incentives acting against, the conservation and wise use of wetlands;

l) increasing communication, education and public awareness;

m) increasing the designation of sites for the Ramsar List through application of the Strategic framework and guidelines for the further development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance adopted by Ramsar COP7, and developing and implementing management plans to maintain the ecological character of these sites, including the strict application of Article 3.2 of the Convention;

n) strengthening the partnerships with other conventions and agencies, especially the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention to Combat Desertification, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Migratory Species, the World Heritage Convention and the Man and the Biosphere Programme, and relevant regional conventions;

o) increasing the effectiveness of obtaining financial resources for wetland-related actions in developing countries and in those with economies in transition;

p) further developing the collaborative agreements with the Convention’s International Organization Partners, other international organizations, the scientific community, indigenous people, and national non-governmental organizations and civil society groups;

q) enhancing opportunities and facilities for training in the conservation and wise use of wetlands; and

r) continuing the effort to achieve universal membership in the Convention.

5. Purpose and structure of the Strategic Plan

19. This second Strategic Plan provides the medium-term strategy for the delivery of the Convention, so as to address the future challenges to the conservation and wise use of wetlands and to progress towards achievement of the Convention’s Mission.

20. The Plan provides the strategy and framework for action for all those with responsibilities for, or commitments to, the delivery of the Convention – Parties, the Convention’s bodies (Standing Committee, Scientific and Technical Review Panel, Bureau, MedWet/Com), International Organization Partners, and a range of other bodies and organizations with which the Convention works, including in particular the other multilateral enviornmental agreements.

21. This second Strategic Plan is organized into three Sections:

a) Section I provides the background, rationale and overall strategy for the Plan;

b) Section II establishes five General Objectives that provide the long-term targets which, taken together, will deliver the Convention’s Mission, and outlines the rationale and strategy for each General Objective; and

c) Section III provides the Implementation Plan for the delivery of the General Objectives over the six-year life of this second Strategic Plan. Implementation is addressed through 21 ‘thematic areas’ of activity which together cover 30 more specific ‘action-oriented’ Operational Objectives. Implementation is to be achieved through the delivery of one or more specific Actions under each Operational Objective.

6. Using the Strategic Plan

22. As indicated in the Actions in Section III, achieving full implementation of the Strategic Plan requires the involvement of a number of different bodies and organizations. The process of planning and undertaking this implementation by the different bodies and organizations is outlined below.

The Contracting Parties, STRP National Focal Points, and National CEPA Focal Points

23. A substantial part of the implementation of this Strategic Plan is the responsibility of the Contracting Parties to the Convention. It is fully understood that each Contracting Party is free to choose the extent to which it will implement the Strategic Plan, the resources it will allocate to the implementation, and the timeframes to be used.

24. To assist Contracting Parties in planning their implementation, the Standing Committee has adopted, in fulfillment of COP7 Resolution VII.27, a Ramsar National Planning Tool and National Report Format for reporting to COP8. This was based on the structure and content of the first Strategic Plan and was first issued, in electronic format, to Contracting Parties in 2000. For national action planning and reporting to COP9 in 2005 and COP10 in 2008, the National Planning Tool and National Report Format will be revised so as to conform with the structure and content of this second Strategic Plan, taking into account the experience of Contracting Parties in its use for planning and reporting to COP8.

25. As well as providing a standard format for national reporting to the Conference of Contracting Parties, this National Planning Tool provides a procedure for Parties, through their National Ramsar Committees or other mechanisms, to determine their national priorities and targets for action under the relevant Objectives and Actions of the Strategic Plan.

26. Using the Strategic Plan, Contracting Parties will have prepared and announced their national targets for each triennium prior to COP8 and COP9, such that realistic global and regional targets can be established for the Convention’s Work Plans for 2003-2005 and 2006-2008 which are to be adopted by COP8 and COP9 respectively.

27. Government-designated National Focal Points for the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) contribute to the implementation of the STRP work plan (see below).

28. Government-designated National Focal Points (governmental and non-governmental) for Wetland Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) contribute to the implementation of the Actions in the Strategic Plan related to the Ramsar Outreach Programme (Resolution VII.9).

The Standing Committee and the Regional Representatives

29. Actions identified for the Standing Committee in the Strategic Plan and COP Resolutions are brought onto the Agenda of its annual meetings in each triennium, and procedures for their delivery are established through Decisions of the Standing Committee. The Regional Representatives in the Standing Committee have a special responsibility in promoting the implementation of the Strategic Plan in their respective regions.

The Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP)

30. From the Actions identified for it in the Strategic Plan and those embodied in COP Resolutions, the STRP prepares its triennial Work Plan at its first meeting of each triennium. The STRP reports to the Standing Committee at each of its annual meetings.

The Ramsar Bureau (the Convention’s secretariat)

31. On the basis of the Actions identified for it in the Strategic Plan, the Ramsar Bureau prepares its annual Work Plan, which is approved by the Standing Committee. Included in the Bureau’s Work Plan is that of the MedWet Coordination Unit, which operates under the aegis of the Convention and reports to the Secretary General.

The International Organization Partners (IOPs)

32. Through Action 19.1.1 of this Strategic Plan, each International Organization Partner of the Convention is encouraged to develop a triennial Joint Work Plan based on the Actions in the Strategic Plan that the IOPs are expected to contribute to or undertake, and to establish the targets for the delivery of these Actions.

33. Other organizations with which the Convention has established a Memorandum of Cooperation or Agreement are encouraged to develop similar joint action plans which contribute to the delivery of Actions under the Strategic Plan.

Other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)

34. A key activity identified for further progress under General Objective 3 on International Cooperation is the establishment of harmonized working frameworks for the delivery of common elements of activity among MEAs. To this end the Ramsar Bureau will continue to develop bilateral joint work plans between the Ramsar Convention and other relevant MEAs, and will seek to further establish multilateral work plans and activities among them, for example, in relation to harmonized reporting requirements.

35. This harmonized-implementation approach is designed to assist Contracting Parties in their delivery of commitments to all related MEAs, and to minimize the duplication of effort in doing so.

SECTION II

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

7. General Objectives of the Strategic Plan

36. The five General Objectives of the second Strategic Plan are in two groups:

a) General Objectives 1 to 3 are ‘General Strategic Objectives’ defining the strategy for the delivery of each of the three central pillars of the Ramsar Convention: wise use of wetlands, the List of Wetlands of International Importance, and international cooperation; and

b) General Objectives 4 and 5 are ‘General Means Objectives’ designed to ensure the effective delivery of the objectives related to the three pillars of the Convention.

37. The General Objectives of this Strategic Plan, and the Articles of the Convention to which they refer, are presented below, with the rationale, strategy and priority issues for each general Objective that are to be addressed through the Implementation Plan (Section III).

A. General Strategic Objectives

38. The wise use of all wetlands

General Objective 1. To stimulate and assist all Contracting Parties to develop, adopt and use the necessary and appropriate instruments and measures to ensure the wise use of all wetlands within their territories.

39. Wetlands of International Importance

General Objective 2. To stimulate and support all Contracting Parties in the appropriate implementation of the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance, including the appropriate management of listed sites.

40. International cooperation

General Objective 3. To promote international cooperation through the active application of the Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention, and in particular to mobilize additional financial and technical assistance for wetland conservation and wise use.

B. General "Means" Objectives

41. Implementation capacity

General Objective 4. To ensure that the Convention has the required implementation mechanisms, resources and capacity to achieve its mission.

42. Membership

General Objective 5. To progress towards the accession of all countries to the Convention.

8. Rationale for the General Objectives

43. GENERAL OBJECTIVE 1
To stimulate and assist all Contracting Parties to develop, adopt and use the necessary and appropriate instruments and measures to ensure the wise use of all wetlands within their territories.

44. Under Article 3.1 of the Convention, Contracting Parties agree to "formulate and implement their planning so as to promote as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their territory". Through this concept of "wise use", the Convention continues to emphasize that human use on a sustainable basis is entirely compatible with Ramsar principles and wetland conservation in general. The Ramsar wise use concept applies to all wetlands in a Contracting Party, not only to those designated as Wetlands of International Importance.

45. The Conference of the Contracting Parties has determined that the concept of wise use applies to broad planning affecting wetlands, and has therefore adopted Guidelines for the implementation of the wise use concept (Recommendation 4.10) and Additional guidance for the implementation of the wise use concept (Resolution 5.6). The "wise use" of wetlands has become one very important concept and modus operandi of the Convention, of particular relevance to developing countries where fighting poverty and social exclusion continues to be the highest priority.

46. In the coming triennia, the greatest emphasis in Ramsar implementation will be placed upon wetlands in the context of territorial spatial planning, water resource management, and other decisions affecting wetlands. Where Contracting Parties are developing National Wetland Policies (or other policies encompassing conservation and wise use of wetlands), such policies should be cross-referenced to other national environmental and development planning measures. National Wetlands Policies should aim to integrate and adapt existing environmental and development planning measures to promote more effectively the wise use of wetlands.

47. This General Objective of the Strategic Plan also addresses the interaction between wise use and public awareness and education, public participation, legislation, institutions, training, policy development, planning, and general decision-making.

48. For the effective delivery of wise use, it is essential to recognize fully the values and functions of wetlands, including the wide range of social benefits and cultural significance embodied in them, particularly for people directly dependent upon wetlands. In recognition of this, the Conference of the Contracting Parties has adopted Guidelines for establishing and strengthening local communities’ and indigenous people’s participation in the management of wetlands (Resolution 7.8), [and has placed further emphasis upon this issue through the adoption of guiding principles for incorporating the recognition of cultural values in wetland wise use and management (Resolution VIII.xx)].

49. Public support is essential to generate political and legislative action, to allocate the required financial resources, and to ensure the successful implementation of wetland legislation and management. In turn, public support can only be achieved through information about, and understanding of, the issues, including the benefits that individuals and societies can derive from wetlands.

50. In order to achieve the Convention’s mission, it is essential that wetland values and functions, the Convention itself, and its activities become better known, appreciated and supported, as the Contracting Parties recognized in Recommendations 5.8 and 5.10 and Resolution VII.8.

51. In the coming triennia, special priority will be placed also on the conservation and wise use of peatlands, through the implementation of the Guidelines for global action on peatlands [(Resolution VIII.xx)], in recognition of the severe pressures on peatlands worldwide and their role in mitigating impacts of climate change, and as a demonstration of an ecosystem-based conservation approach under the Convention.

52. GENERAL OBJECTIVE 2
To stimulate and support all Contracting Parties in the appropriate implementation of the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance, including the appropriate management of listed sites.

53. The List of Wetlands of International Importance (the Ramsar List) constitutes the flagship of the Convention. As such, it deserves special attention by all those responsible for, or interested in, the implementation of the treaty.

54. The inclusion of wetlands in the List has proved to be an effective means of conserving wetlands, especially in cases where they have not been otherwise formally designated as protected areas. The number of sites on the List has grown at a steady pace over the years as new Contracting Parties have joined the Convention and existing Parties have designated additional sites. As of the date of the close of Ramsar COP8, the List includes [XXX] sites, covering [XXX hectares].

55. While this is a welcome development, over 500 ([XX]% of the total) of these sites are in only 24 Contracting Parties, which are developed countries. Much greater effort is required to promote the listing of sites by developing countries and countries in economic transition.

56. The listing of wetland types under-represented in the List and transfrontier sites also requires priority attention.

57. Criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance have been adopted by the Conference of the Parties and reviewed over the years, and will continue to be kept under review as circumstances evolve and the Convention is able to adopt further guidance on this matter.

58. Designation of a wetland for the Ramsar List is only the starting point, since Contracting Parties accept an undertaking to conserve listed sites. Articles 2.5; 2.6; 3.1, 3.2; 4.1; and 4.2 of the Convention contain provisions related to the designation and conservation of Ramsar sites.

59. The Conference of the Parties has placed increasing emphasis upon maintaining the ecological character of Ramsar sites as a key to their conservation. This does not preclude human use but is intended to avoid fundamental adverse changes to wetland functions, values or attributes. The aim is to maintain, at least, the ecological character recorded at the time of designation. In many cases, additional measures will be required to restore functions, values or attributes lost prior to designation.

60. Working definitions of "ecological character" and "change in ecological character" and Guidelines for describing and maintaining the ecological character of listed sites were adopted at COP6 in 1996 and further refined at COP7 in 1999. The COP has also adopted mechanisms to assist the Contracting Parties with listed site issues:

a) [the Valencia Register for the application of Article 3.2 (Resolution VIII.xx) lists all Ramsar sites undergoing change, or likely to undergo change, in their ecological character];

b) the Montreux Record (Recommendation 4.8, Resolutions 5.4, VI.1, VII.12 [and VIII.xx]) identifies Ramsar sites [in the Article 3.2 Register] in need of priority action;

c)    the San José Record highlights Ramsar sites where exemplary management plans are being well applied (Resolution VIII.xx); and

d) the Ramsar Advisory Missions (Recommendation 4.7, Resolutions VI.14 and VII.12) enable the Ramsar Bureau to provide Parties with expert advice.

61. In the coming triennia, particular attention will be given to the requirements of Article 3.2 of the Convention for Contracting Parties to arrange to be informed at the earliest possible time if the ecological character of a Ramsar site in their territory has changed, is changing or is likely to change, and to report this without delay to the Ramsar Bureau.

62. The following Recommendations and Resolutions are also relevant to the management of Ramsar sites:

• Recommendation 4.8 on Change in ecological character of Ramsar sites;
• Recommendation 5.3 on The essential character of wetlands and the need for zonation related to wetland reserves;
• Recommendation 6.2 on Environmental impact assessment, Resolution VII.16 on The Ramsar Convention and impact assessment: strategic, environmental and social, [and the additional guidance on impact assessment adopted by (Resolution VIII.xx)];
• Resolution VII.10 on Wetland Risk Assessment Framework;
• [Resolution VIII.xx providing a Wetland Ecosystem Assessment Framework;]
• [Resolution VIII.xx on recognizing cultural issues in wetlands and their management]; and
• [Resolution VIII.xx on New Guidelines on management planning for Ramsar Sites and other wetlands].

63. At COP7 the Parties made significant progress by adopting a Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Resolution VII.11). "Its purpose is to provide a clearer view, or vision, of the long-term targets or outcomes which the Convention is seeking to achieve through the Ramsar List." This General Objective aims at implementing the Strategic Framework, [as complemented by COP8].

64. The Operational Objectives related to this General Objective place particular emphasis on further systematic implementation of the Strategic Framework and guidelines, so as to move closer to a globally consistent representation of wetlands in the Ramsar List, and on the provision of enhanced tools and mechanisms for management planning and implementation on Ramsar sites[, including the establishment of a ‘San José Record’ designed to assist information sharing and demonstration of good practice in Ramsar site management].

65. This provides for a more systematic implementation of management planning, in particular to identify, monitor and address changes in ecological character of sites. The enhanced functionality of the Ramsar Database will provide a key tool for assisting and reporting to Contracting Parties on their delivery of the designation of Ramsar sites; the management and monitoring processes that they require for the maintenance of their ecological character; and reporting and addressing change, and likely change, in ecological character under Article 3.2 of the Convention.

66. GENERAL OBJECTIVE 3
To promote international cooperation through the active application of the Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention, and in particular to mobilize additional financial and technical assistance for wetland conservation and wise use.

67. Under Article 5 of the Convention, Contracting Parties have committed themselves to consult one another over implementation of the obligations arising from the Convention, especially in the case of wetlands extending over the territories of more than one Party or where the water system is shared by Contracting Parties. This Article also refers to Parties coordinating their present and future policies and regulations concerning the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna.

68. At COP7 the Parties adopted the Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention (Resolution VII.19), upon which this General Objective of the Strategic Plan is largely based.

69. Through Operational Objectives and Actions designed to deliver this General Objective, the Convention will:

a) intensify its international cooperation activities, inter alia those related to transboundary freshwater and coastal wetlands and river basins, as well as shared wetland-dependent migratory species;

b) develop further the coordination of activities with other relevant global and regional conventions and organizations;

c) promote the sharing of expertise and information, particularly through enhanced training opportunities, twinning and site networks, and Internet-based resource kits and knowledge and information sharing;

d) encourage growth in the flow of international financial resources to eligible Parties;

e) promote the application of sustainable harvesting practices where wetland-dependent plants and animals are being traded internationally; and

f) make efforts to ensure that wetland-related investment is consistent with the principles of their the conservation and wise use.

70. Actions under this General Objective provide mechanisms to allow Contracting Parties to assist each other in their development of capacity for, and consistent application of, the wise use of all wetlands, and the designation and management of Wetlands of International Importance, through General Objectives 1 and 2.

71. GENERAL OBJECTIVE 4
To ensure that the Convention has the required implementation mechanisms, resources, and capacity to achieve its mission.

72. This General Objective relates to the operation of the Conference of the Contracting Parties and of Ramsar subsidiary bodies and mechanisms, including the Standing Committee, Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP), Mediterranean Wetlands Committee (MedWet/Com), Ramsar Bureau and its MedWet Coordination Unit, Small Grants Fund [and its Trust Fund], Voluntary Fund for the Convention’s Outreach Programme, [Valencia Register and its] Montreux Record, [San José Record], Ramsar Advisory Missions, and partnerships with national, regional and international bodies. It also relates to the resources and capacity required for the effective functioning of the Convention.

73. This General Objective aims to:

a) ensure that the Conference of the Contracting Parties, subsidiary bodies and other Convention mechanisms are able to support efficiently the implementation of this Strategic Plan;

b) ensure that Contracting Parties establish effective and efficient institutional mechanisms for implementing the Convention;

c) provide the necessary financial resources to enable the Convention’s mechanisms and programmes to achieve the expanding expectations of the Contracting Parties;

d) maximize the mutual benefits of working with the Convention’s International Organization Partners and their membership and expert networks, and other collaborating organizations; and

e) provide effective mechanisms for training and capacity-building to equip Contracting Parties to implement the Convention.

74. The Wise Use Guidelines emphasize that the conservation and wise use of wetlands require appropriately structured institutions in each Contracting Party. There is a need in all regions and at all levels, particularly in developing countries and countries in transition, to strengthen the capacity of the institutions responsible for achieving the Convention’s mission and objectives.

75. In order to strengthen existing institutions, an extensive programme of training and exchange of experiences is required. A strategic approach to identifying the precise training needs and target audiences will take account of the differences among regions, countries and sites. Furthermore, existing training opportunities need to be developed and supported, and new initiatives begun in regions and subjects where such opportunities are lacking. A high level of international cooperation, including the transfer of environmentally sound technology and the exchange of information, will be a significant feature of this approach.

76. GENERAL OBJECTIVE 5
To progress towards the accession of all countries to the Convention.

77. In order for the Convention to achieve its mission, all States should become Contracting Parties. While membership has grown steadily to encompass all regions of the world, there remain notable gaps, namely in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and amongst the Small Island Developing States.

78. Decisive efforts will continue to encourage non-Contracting Parties to join the Convention to benefit from the available tools and resources, and to ensure that the future work of the Convention is based on a comprehensive global dialogue of priorities and needs.

SECTION III

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN 2003-2008

THEMES, OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS

79. This section lists the Operational Objectives and the specific Actions to deliver them, grouped into 21 areas of activity (Themes) that together should deliver the General Objectives of this Strategic Plan presented in Section II.

80. The areas of activity are:

1. Inventory and assessment
2. Policies and legislation, including impact assessment and valuation
3. Integrating wetlands into sustainable development
4. Restoration and rehabilitation
5. Invasive alien species
6. Local communities, indigenous people and cultural values
7. Private sector involvement
8. Incentives
9. Communication, education and public awareness
10. Designation of Ramsar sites
11. Management planning and monitoring of Ramsar sites
12. Management of shared water resources, wetlands and wetland species
13. Collaboration with other institutions
14. Sharing of expertise and information
15. Financing the conservation and wise use of wetlands
16. Financing of the Convention
17. Institutional mechanisms of the Convention
18. Institutional capacity of Contracting Parties
19. International Organization Partners and others
20. Training
21. Membership of the Convention

81. Each Action contributes to the delivery of one or more of the General Objectives of this Strategic Plan. The General Objective(s) to be delivered by each action are indicated in bold at the end of each Action (e.g. GO1, 3). A substantial number of the specific Actions identified under each Operational Objective deliver implementation of more than one General Objective.

82. The Actions in this Implementation section of the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 are addressed to the following responsible bodies of the Convention:

CPs: The Contracting Parties to the Convention, in particular the Administrative Authority in each country and the Ramsar/Wetlands National Committees (or equivalent bodies) that should be in place in each Party

CEPA The Convention’s Communications, Education and Public Awareness National Focal Points

SC: The Standing Committee of the Convention

STRP: The Scientific and Technical Review Panel and its network of National Focal Points

Bureau: The Ramsar Bureau (the Convention’s secretariat)

MedWet: The Mediterranean Wetlands Committee and/or the Coordination Unit of the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative

83. The Plan also identifies actions involving collaborative partners of the Convention:

IOPs: International Organization Partners. At present they are: BirdLife International, IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Wetlands International, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

MEAs Other Multilateral Environmental Agreements, in particular CBD, CCD, UNFCCC, CMS, World Heritage, and regional conventions with which Ramsar has agreements in place

OCs Other collaborators with which Ramsar has agreements in place, in particular UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB); Eurosite (the network of European natural heritage management bodies); The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS), Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University, USA (CIESIN), The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), and Ducks Unlimited (Canada, Mexico and USA)

84. Those responsible for implementing, or who are urged to assist in implementing, each Action in the Implementation Plan are indicated in square brackets [ ] (e.g. [CPs, STRP, Bureau]).

[Drafting note: For comparison during the drafting process, numbers between [ ] after the number of an Operational Objective or Action refer to the relevant Objective or Action of the Strategic Plan 1997-2002. Where no [ ] is shown, the Objective or Action is new or substantially changed from the previous Strategic Plan.]

Theme 1. Inventory and assessment

Operational Objective 1.1:

Describe and monitor the extent and condition of wetland resources, especially at global and national (or, where appropriate, provincial) scales, in order to inform and underpin implementation of the Convention and in particular the application of the wise use principle

Actions

1.1.1 [6.1.2] Promote and encourage the use of standard wetland inventory methodologies [following the Ramsar Framework for Wetland Inventory adopted at COP8], to undertake, update and disseminate national (or, where appropriate, provincial) scientific inventories of wetlands. GO1, 2 [CPs, IOPs, Bureau, MedWet]

1.1.2 [6.1.2] Include in national wetland inventories information which identifies: a) potential Ramsar sites; b) wetlands of national, provincial or local importance in the territory of each Contracting Party; and c) wetlands that need restoration and rehabilitation, with a list of priorities, giving particular priority to inventories of karst and caves, intertidal wetlands, coral reefs, peatlands, sites supporting globally threatened species, and other wetland types and features under-represented in the Ramsar List. GO1, 2 [CPs, IOPs]

1.1.3 Ensure that national arrangements for the custodianship, storage and maintenance of wetland inventory data and information, including metadata, are in place and introduce the necessary measures to ensure that this resource is both as comprehensive as possible and readily accessible to the full range of stakeholders. GO1 [CPs]

1.1.4 Encourage the use of relevant information from wetland inventories by decision-makers, wetland managers and wetland users in the development and implementation of national wetland policies and national and local wetland programmes. GO1 [CPs]

1.1.5 Give high priority in the ‘Operational Guidelines’ of the Small Grants Fund to support for inventory activities. GO1 [CPs, SC] (Refer also to Action 15.1.5)

1.1.6 [6.1.3] Actively contribute to the work of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment project by serving on its Board and on its various working groups. Analyze the Assessment’s methodologies, results and findings at Ramsar COP9, and review the necessary actions, if any, to update and make comprehensive the global assessment of wetland resources and their condition. GO1 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet, STRP, IOPs]

1.1.7 Establish a repository for the contribution by Contracting Parties of summarized national (or, where appropriate, provincial) assessments of changes in the status of wetland resources, as the basis for regular analysis and improved reporting on the status of global wetland resources. GO1 [STRP, Bureau, IOPs, CPs, OCs]

1.1.8 Develop for consideration by COP9 guidelines for rapid assessment of wetland biodiversity and functions and for monitoring change in ecological character. GO1, 2 [STRP, Bureau, CBD]

1.1.9 Develop methodologies for the assessment of the vulnerability of wetlands to change in ecological character, including their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, sea-level rise and invasion by alien species. Apply for this purpose the Convention’s Risk Assessment Framework (Resolution VII.10), its guidance on impact assessment (Resolution VII.16) [and the further guidance on assessing change in ecological character adopted at COP8]. GO1, 2 [Bureau, STRP, MedWet, IOPs, MEAs]

1.1.10 Undertake assessments of the vulnerability of wetlands to change in ecological character, including their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise. GO1, 2 [CPs, MedWet, IOPs]

(Refer also to Action 4.1.1 in relation to inventories of appropriate wetlands for restoration and rehabilitation.)

Theme 2. Policies and legislation, including impact assessment and valuation

Operational Objective 2.1:

Specify the most appropriate policy instrument(s) to be used in each country to ensure the wise use of wetlands.

Actions

2.1.1 If not yet done, develop and implement a National Wetland Policy using the guidelines adopted by COP7 for this purpose (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 2), so as to ensure that policy goals are explicit, comprehensive and accessible. GO1 [CPs]

2.1.2 Ensure that wetland policies are fully integrated into other strategic or planning processes and documents, in particular those related to biodiversity, desertification, climate change, and environmental planning in general. When these documents include chapters or sections on different ecosystems, one of them should be devoted to wetlands. GO1 [CPs, MEAs]

Operational Objective 2.2 [2.1]:

Develop, review, amend when necessary, and implement national or supra-national policies, legislation, institutions and practices in all Contracting Parties, to ensure that the Convention, and especially the wise use principle, is being fully applied.

Actions

2.2.1 [2.1.1] Apply the guidelines in Reviewing laws and institutions to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 3) to carry out a review of legislation and institutions and, as necessary, amend or modify legislation and institutional procedures to preclude unwise use of wetlands. GO1 [CPs]

2.2.2 [based on 2.5.4] Apply Strategic Environmental Assessment practices when reviewing national and provincial policies, programmes, and plans that may impact upon wetlands. GO1 [CPs]

2.2.3 [2.5.3] Ensure that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is carried out at all wetlands, including Ramsar sites, where adverse impacts may occur due to a proposed development, change in land/water use, invasive species, etc., [in line with additional guidance adopted by COP8 and] enlisting the collaboration, if required, of the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA). Ensure that these include full and appropriate consideration of the environmental, social, and economic impacts. (Refer also to Action 1.1.7) GO1, 2 [CPs, OCs]

2.2.4 [2.4.1] Promote the continuing development, wide dissemination – primarily through the Internet-based resource kit [add URL]– and application of methodologies to undertake valuations of the economic, social and environmental benefits and functions of wetlands, in collaboration with the International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA), Ramsar’s International Organization Partners, and interested Parties and organizations. GO1 [CPs, STRP, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs, OCs]

Theme 3. Integration of  wetland wise use into sustainable development

Operational objective 3.1:

Develop and disseminate methodologies to achieve the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Actions

3.1.1 Review the Wise Use concept, its applicability, and its consistency with the objectives of sustainable development. GO1 [STRP, CPs]

3.1.2 Compile advice, methods and best practice studies for the wise use of wetlands, including the application of the ecosystem management approach, and disseminate these to wetland managers. GO1 [STRP, CPs, Bureau]

3.1.3 Ensure that the principles embodied in the Convention’s management planning guidelines [adopted at COP8 (Resolution VIII.xx)] are applied to decision-making about, and the wise use of, all wetlands. GO1 [CPs]

Operational Objective 3.2:

Make effective use of the Guidelines for global action on peatlands.

Actions

3.2.1 Review the Guidelines for global action on peatlands [as adopted by Resolution VIII.xx of COP8], noting the priority sought therein for inventories of peatlands, the protection and possible designation of peatlands as Ramsar sites, especially tropical and boreal peatlands, and the transfer of peatland restoration technology, and implement those actions identified as national priorities. GO1, 2 [CPs] (Refer also to Operational Objectives 1.1, 4.1 and 10.1)

3.2.2 Report to COP9 on the progress in implementing the Guidelines for global action on peatlands [as adopted by Resolution VIII.xx of COP8] [ GO1, 2 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs]

Operational Objective 3.3:

Seek, and increase recognition for, wetlands with significance for reasons of water supply, coastal protection, flood defense, food security, poverty alleviation, cultural heritage, or scientific research.

Actions

3.3.1 As part of national (or, as appropriate, provincial) wetland inventories, assess and document wetlands which are of special significance for reasons of water supply, coastal protection, flood defense, food security, poverty alleviation, cultural heritage, or scientific research, and, where appropriate, seek to have these sites protected in recognition of these values. GO1 [CPs] (Refer also to Operational Objective 1.1)

3.3.2 Prepare, based upon the available information contained in the Ramsar Sites Database, an analysis and promotional summary of the values and functions of Ramsar sites, giving particular attention to those that have importance for reasons of water supply, coastal protection, flood defense, food security, poverty alleviation, cultural heritage or scientific research. GO1, 2 [Bureau, MedWet, Wetlands International] (Refer also to Operational Objective 10.2)

3.3.3 Promote [through the application of the guidelines adopted by COP8] full recognition of the social and cultural heritage of wetlands, and ensure that this is fully appreciated and taken into account in their wise use and management. GO1, 2 [CPs]

3.1.4 Develop and implement wise use wetland programmes and projects that contribute to poverty alleviation objectives and food and water security plans at local, national and regional levels. GO1 [CPs, IOPs, OCs, Bureau]

Operational Objective 3.4 [2.2]:

Integrate policies on the conservation and wise use of wetlands in all Contracting Parties in their planning activities including decision-making processes at national, regional, provincial and local levels, particularly concerning territorial management, groundwater management, catchment/river basin management, and coastal zone planning.

Actions

3.4.1 [2.2.2] Ensure the inclusion of wetland conservation, wise use and restoration/rehabilitation in general and sectoral planning at national, regional, provincial and local levels, including the necessary budgetary provisions to enable their implementation. GO1 [CPs]

3.4.2 [2.2.1] Apply the guidelines in Integrating wetland conservation and wise use into river basin management (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 4) and, where appropriate and feasible, participate in the related CBD-Ramsar project entitled the "River Basin Initiative". GO1, 3 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

3.4.3 Review, from case studies and other materials compiled through the CBD-Ramsar River Basin Initiative, lessons learnt and good practice experience, and report this to COP9, including the preparation of additional guidance, as appropriate, on integrating wetlands, biodiversity and river basin management. GO1, 3 [Bureau, STRP, MEAs, Ocs] (Refer also to Operation Objective 12.1)

3.4.4 Develop, for consideration at COP9 and based upon the report of the World Commission on Dams, guidelines to assist Parties in considering the full environmental, social and economic impacts of constructing large dams on wetland and river systems. GO1, 3 [STRP, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

3.4.5 Apply the [Guidelines for integrating wetlands conservation and management into coastal zone management as adopted by COP8]. GO1 [CPs]

3.4.6 In decision-making processes related to freshwater resources, apply the [Principles and guidelines for the allocation of water for maintaining the ecological functions of wetlands, as adopted by COP8]. GO1 [CPs]

3.4.7 Develop, for consideration at COP9, guidance on the sustainable use of groundwater resources to maintain wetland ecosystem functions. GO1 [Bureau, MedWet, STRP, IOPs]

3.4.8 In collaboration with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (refer also to Action 13.1.1), [promote and implement the guidance adopted by COP8] for the management of wetlands in relation to adaptive management and mitigation of the impacts of climate change, particularly in the context of land use, land use change and rising sea levels, forestry and peatlands. GO1, 2 [STRP, Bureau, MedWet, IPCC of the UNFCCC]

(Refer also to Operational Objective 12.1 in relation to transboundary wetlands and river basins.)

Theme 4. Restoration and rehabilitation

Operational Objective 4.1 [2.6]:

Identify wetlands where restoration or rehabilitation would be cost-effective and yield long-term environmental, social or economic benefits, and implement the necessary measures to recover these sites

Actions

4.1.1 [2.6.1] Use national scientific inventories of wetlands to identify those where restoration or rehabilitation would be appropriate because of their present and/or former values and functions [using the guidelines on this matter adopted by COP8 (Resolution VIII.xx)]. GO1 [CPs, IOPs] (Refer also to Action 1.1.1)

4.1.2 [2.6.3] Establish wetland restoration/rehabilitation programmes, where feasible, at destroyed or degraded wetlands, especially in those associated with major river systems or areas of high nature conservation value, in line with Recommendation 4.1 and Resolutions VII.17 and VII.20. GO1 [CPs, MedWet, IOPs]

4.1.3 [2.6.2] Compile information on new research and methodologies for the restoration and rehabilitation of lost or degraded wetlands and disseminate this information. GO1 [CPs, STRP, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

Theme 5. Invasive alien species

Operational Objective 5.1:

Develop guidance and promote protocols and actions to prevent, control or eradicate invasive alien species in wetland systems.

Actions

5.1.1 [Give priority to implementing the guidelines relating to the prevention, control and eradication of alien species, as adopted by Resolution VIII.xx of COP8.] GO1 [CPs]

5.1.2 In collaboration with the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP), the Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar’s International Organization Partners, and interested Parties, continue to develop and disseminate practical guidance for the prevention, control and eradication of alien species, based on case studies and documented experiences from around the world. GO1 [CPs, STRP, Bureau, MedWet, GISP, IOPs, MEAs]

5.1.3 Ensure that national and, where necessary, international action plans for the prevention, control and eradication of invasive alien species fully incorporate wetland issues. GO1 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs]

Theme 6. Local communities, indigenous people, and cultural values

Operational Objective 6.1 [2.7]:

Encourage active and informed participation of local communities and indigenous people, in particular women and youth, in the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Actions

6.1.1 Apply the Guidelines for establishing and strengthening local communities’ and indigenous people’s participation in the management of wetlands (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 5), giving particular attention to the importance of incentive measures (refer to Operational Objective 8.1), the building of trust, the need for flexible approaches, the exchange of knowledge, capacity building and the continuity of resources and efforts. GO1 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet]

6.1.2 [2.7.4] In consultation with and with the full support of indigenous people, document and encourage the application of appropriate traditional knowledge and management practices of indigenous people and local communities in the conservation and wise use of wetlands, particularly where wetlands are under the traditional ownership of local communities and indigenous people. GO1, 2 [CPs, MedWet, OCs]

6.1.3 Resources permitting, continue to support the Participatory Management Clearinghouse (PMC), a joint service of IUCN–The World Conservation Union, the Ramsar Bureau, and WWF International (www.iucn.org/themes/pmns). GO1 [Bureau, MedWet, IUCN, WWF]

6.1.4 Promote public participation in decision-making processes with respect to wetlands and their conservation and ensure that there is full sharing with the stakeholders of technical and other information related to the selection of Ramsar sites and management of all wetlands. GO1, 2 [CPs]

6.1.5 Elaborate for consideration by COP9 further guidance on the application of the Guidelines for establishing and strengthening local communities’ and indigenous people’s participation in the management of wetlands (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 5), based on experiences gained at the field level, and in particular the experience of Pacific Island States and other Small Island Developing States. GO1 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

6.1.6. [Apply the Guiding principles on the incorporation of cultural values of wetlands in wetland management adopted by COP8], continue to document case studies on social and cultural values of wetlands and how they can be incorporated into the effort to conserve and sustainably use wetland resources. GO1, 2 [CPs, CEPA, MedWet, Bureau, IOPs. OCs]

Theme 7. Private sector involvement

Operational Objective 7.1 [2.8]:

Promote the involvement of the private sector in the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Actions

7.1.1 [2.8.2] Encourage the private sector to apply the Wise Use Guidelines (Ramsar Handbooks 1 to 6) in their activities and investments affecting wetlands. GO1 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

7.1.2 Seek opportunities to involve the private sector, national science academies, and other professional, scientific, and technical societies of recognized merit in wetland-related decision-making, through vehicles such as National Ramsar/WetlandsCommittees, site or river basin management authorities/committees, and outreach activities. GO1 [CPs, CEPA, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

7.1.3 Establish an international private-sector "Friends of Wetlands" forum where major international and national companies can seek advice on applying wise use practices in their business activities, and can also identify opportunities for supporting the activities of the Convention, either at the national, regional or international levels. GO1 [SC, Bureau, IOPs, COs]

7.1.4 Review, in cooperation with the private sector, domestic and international trade in wetland-derived plant and animal products, both exports and imports, and as appropriate implement the necessary legal, institutional and administrative measures to ensure that harvesting is sustainable, and in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). GO1 [CPs, CITES] (Refer also to Operational Objectives 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 and Action 13.1.4)

Theme 8. Incentives

Operational Objective 8.1:

Promote incentive measures that encourage the application of the wise use principle.

Actions

8.1.1 Review existing, or evolving, policy, legal and institutional frameworks to identify and promote those measures which encourage conservation and wise use of wetlands and to identify and remove measures which discourage conservation and wise use. GO1 [CPs]

8.1.2 Continue to develop and improve upon the Internet-based resource kit [add URL] on incentives prepared and maintained by IUCN–the World Conservation Union. GO1 [STRP, IUCN, Bureau]

8.1.3 Report to COP9 on progress in the design, implementation, monitoring and assessment of incentive measures and the identification and removal of perverse incentives. GO1 [STRP, Bureau]

Theme 9. Communication, education, and public awareness (CEPA)

Operational Objective 9.1 [3.1]:

Support and assist in implementing at all levels the Convention’s Outreach Programme (Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 6) for promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands through public participation and communication, education, and public awareness (CEPA).

Actions

9.1.1 Ensure that a suitable national government and non-government focal point for wetland communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) is in place and, as much as possible, with the required resources for action. [CPs]

9.1.2 Ensure that, based on a review of relevant activities, target groups, and threats, a national action plan for wetlands CEPA has been formulated, has been made widely available, and is being implemented (Resolution VII.9). GO1 [CPs, CEPA]

9.1.3 Ensure that national wetland CEPA action plans do not overlook communication within the government (i.e., between ministries and among the focal points of all environmental conventions) and among the government and the major private sector stakeholders. GO1 [CPs, CEPA]

9.1.4 Develop at the national level appropriate mechanisms for ongoing communication, exchange of ideas, and the sharing of knowledge among the actors in wetland management, in particular of Ramsar sites, and endeavour to link this national network with similar networks in other countries and globally through electronic means. GO1, 3 [CPs, CEPA, MedWet, Bureau, OCs]

9.1.5 Undertake campaigns, ideally linked to World Wetlands Day (2 February), to raise awareness of wetlands conservation and wise use issues, and seek further national and international recognition of World Wetlands Day, e.g. through the UN General Assembly. GO1 [CPs, CEPA, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

9.1.6 Provide the Bureau with advice on, and samples of, the wetlands CEPA resources available in each Party, so that the Bureau can enhance its clearing house function and facilitate the sharing of this information. GO1 [CPs, CEPA, Bureau]

9.1.7 Continue to produce CEPA materials of relevance to all CPs, including through private sector sponsorship, and make use of them in national wetlands CEPA activities. GO1 [Bureau, MedWet, CPs, CEPA,]

9.1.8 Review the extent to which formal education curricula include the Ramsar principles of wetland conservation and wise use and, where necessary, seek to have such information added. GO1 [CPs, CEPA, IOPs, Ocs]

9.1.9 Seek to establish, or develop further, education centres based at Ramsar sites and other wetlands, and where appropriate, also use these as centres for training in wetland management. [CPs, CEPA]

9.1.10 Enlist a range of centres of learning (museums, aquaria, botanic gardens, etc.) in promoting enhanced awareness and understanding of the importance of wetlands. GO1 [CPs, CEPA]

9.1.11 Encourage the facilities referred to in 9.1.10 above to participate in Wetlands Link International as a way to increase the flow of information and the sharing of resource materials among such centres (Resolution VII.9). GO1, 3 [CPs, CEPA, Bureau, IOPs, OCs]

[9.1.12 Undertake efforts to resource the Voluntary Fund for the Ramsar Outreach Programme, with the aim of generating a minimum of half million US dollars annually for this purpose. GO1, 4 [Bureau, CPs, CEPA, IOPs, OCs] (Refer also to Action 15.1.5)]

Theme 10. Designation of Ramsar sites

Operational Objective 10.1:

Apply the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Handbook 7) with the aim of reaching 2000 Ramsar sites by COP9 (2005) and 2500 Ramsar sites by COP10 (2008).

Actions

10.1.1 [6.1.1] At the national level, use the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the Ramsar List to undertake the systematic designation of additional Ramsar sites. GO2 [CPs, IOPs]

10.1.2 [6.2.3] In undertaking Action 10.1.1, give priority attention to the designation of wetland types that are unique or represent a significant proportion of the global extent of these wetland types, as well as to wetland types currently under-represented in the Ramsar List, including, inter alia, karst and other subterranean hydrological systems, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, salt marshes, intertidal coastal flats, peatlands, wet grasslands, and arid-zone wetlands, and in so doing apply the guidelines so far approved by the COP to assist in the designation of some of these wetland types. GO2 [CPs]

10.1.3 In addition to the priority established in 10.1.2, also assign priority to the designation as Ramsar sites of wetlands hosting globally threatened species and species that are unique or endemic to the territory of a Contracting Party or for which the territory supports a significant proportion of the global extent of the species. GO2 [CPs] (See also Action 12.2.1)

10.1.4 [6.2.4] Afford highest priority to designating those eligible sites that are not under any form of protective or sustainable use management regime, as the basis for accelerating the establishment of such regimes, and ensure that this is done soon after designation. GO2 [CPs]

10.1.5 [6.2.5] Consistent with the Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Handbook 9), designate the national area of transboundary wetlands as a Ramsar site and invite the concerned neighboring country(ies) to do likewise, with a view to establishing a harmonized management regime for the entire wetland. GO2, 3 [CPs] (Refer also to Operational Objective 12.1)

10.1.6 [6.1.4] Continue to support the work of Wetlands International and others in providing analyses and information to help Parties to apply the Strategic Framework to identify and designate Ramsar sites, including further identification of under-represented wetland types. GO2 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs]

10.1.7 [6.1.4] Continue to support the work of Wetlands International and others in the updating for each COP of the 1% thresholds for waterbird populations for the application of Criterion 6 for Ramsar site designation; seek to provide such population information for other wetland-dependent taxa; and apply this information for the designation of Ramsar sites. GO2 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs]

Refer also to Operational Objective12.2

Operational Objective 10.2:

Maintain the Ramsar Sites Database and constantly update it with the best available information, and use the database as a tool for guiding the further designation of wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Actions

10.2.1 [5.3.1] Ensure that the maps and descriptions of Ramsar sites submitted by Contracting Parties at the time of designation are complete, in the approved standard format of the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands [as amended by COP8], and provide sufficient detail to be used for monitoring the ecological character of designated wetlands (refer to Operational Objective 11.1 below). GO2 [CPs, Bureau, Wetlands International]

10.2.2 Ensure that the social and cultural values and features of listed sites are fully recognized in the descriptions of Ramsar sites in the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands, as the basis for their incorporation in site management planning. GO2 [CPs]

10.2.3 [5.3.2] Submit missing or incomplete data sheets and/or maps of listed sites as a matter of utmost urgency, and also ensure that all previously submitted site descriptions are in the format of the approved Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands. GO2 [CPs]

10.2.4 [5.3.3] Fully update and submit revised Ramsar Information Sheets as frequently as necessary to record changes in the status of sites, and at least for every second meeting of the COP, so that they can be used for reviewing change in ecological character and progress in achieving the Vision and Objectives of the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Handbook 7) at each COP. GO2 [CPs, STRP, Bureau, Wetlands International]

10.2.5 Enhance the interactive capacity of the Ramsar Sites Database and its accessibility to stakeholders, including through links between the Database, the Ramsar Sites Directory Web presentation, the Ramsar Web site, and other interactive systems such as the Ramsar Data Gateway, as well as the publication of special reports and other outputs. GO2 [Bureau, Wetlands International, OCs]

10.2.6 [5.3.4] Maintain, and make available and easily accessible, the Directory of Ramsar Sites in electronic format, including the preparation of a fully up-to-date version for each Conference of Parties, and the Annotated Ramsar List in the three official languages. GO2 [Bureau, Wetlands International]

Theme 11. Management planning and monitoring of Ramsar sites

Operational Objective 11.1 [5.1]:

Maintain the ecological character of all Ramsar sites.

Actions

11.1.1 [5.1.1] Consistent with Article 3.1 of the Convention, define and apply the measures required to maintain the ecological character of each listed site, using as the basis for this the official definitions of "ecological character" and "change in ecological character" adopted by Resolution VII.10 and the integrated package of Convention tools for site management as presented in the Ramsar Handbook 8 [as well as the supplementary guidance adopted by COP8], and ensure that this information is included in the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (refer also to Actions 2.2.1. and 2.2.3). GO2 [CPs]

11.1.2 [5.2.3] Apply the [Convention’s New Guidelines for management planning for Ramsar sites and other wetlands adopted by COP8] to develop management plans or strategies for all Ramsar sites. GO2 [CPs, IOPs, OCs]

11.1.3 [Develop and publicize the "San José Record" for Ramsar sites [Resolution VIII.xx] whose management plans and their implementation fully meet the Ramsar management planning guidelines [adopted by COP8]), and create an Internet-based resource kit and knowledge and information exchange for the sites accepted onto the Record. GO2 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet, STRP]

11.1.4 [5.2.4] Promote, as necessary, the establishment and implementation of zoning measures for larger Ramsar sites, wetland reserves, and other wetlands (Recommendation 5.3 and the guidance adopted by Resolution VIII.xx) and strict protection measures for certain Ramsar sites and other wetlands of small size and/or particular sensitivity (Recommendation 5.3). GO1, 2 [CPs, IOPs, MEAs, OCs]

11.1.5 Consider as a matter of priority the establishment of cross-sectoral site management committees for Ramsar sites, involving relevant government agencies, local community representatives, and other stakeholders, including the business sector. GO2 [CPs]

11.1.6 [5.2.6] Continue to give high priority in the Operational Guidelines for the Small Grants Fund to support for management planning at Ramsar sites. GO2 [CPs, SC]

Operational Objective 11.2 [5.2]:

Monitor the condition of Ramsar sites, notify the Ramsar Bureau without delay of changes affecting Ramsar sites as required by Article 3.2, and apply the Montreux Record and Ramsar Advisory Mission ‘tools’ to address problems

Actions

11.2.1 [5.1.2] Establish for each Ramsar site an effective monitoring programme, ideally as part of the site management plan, which is designed to detect and provide early warning of changes in ecological character. In so doing, use the Convention’s framework for designing an effective monitoring programme (Resolution VI.1) and its Wetland Risk Assessment Framework (Resolution VII.10) (Ramsar Handbook 8). GO2 [CPs, MAB, Eurosite]

11.2.2 [2.5.2] Ensure that, at Ramsar sites where change in ecological character may occur as a result of proposed developments or changes in territorial and/or water use which have potential to affect them, an impact assessment is carried out which considers the full range of environmental, social and economic benefits and functions provided by the wetland, and that the resulting conclusions are communicated to the Ramsar Bureau and fully taken into account by the authorities concerned. GO2 [CPs] (Refer also to Actions 1.2.3 and 1.2.4)

11.2.3 In fulfillment of Article 3.2 of the Convention, report to the Ramsar Bureau without delay all actual or likely changes in ecological character on Ramsar sites, and include all Ramsar sites "where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur" (Recommendation 4.8) in the [Valencia Register and on the Montreux Record as appropriate, in line with the procedures adopted by COP8 in Resolution VIII.xx]. GO2 [CPs, Bureau]

11.2.4 [5.1.4] For sites included in the Montreux Record, request a Ramsar Advisory Mission of independent experts, where appropriate, to review the problems affecting the site and offer recommendations for remedial actions. GO2 [CPs, Bureau]

11.2.5 [5.1.5] Where a Ramsar Advisory Mission has been completed for a Montreux Record site, take all necessary steps to implement the recommendations, and report at regular intervals to the Bureau on the results of these actions. At the appropriate time, seek the removal of the site from the Montreux Record, having provided the Bureau and STRP with details of the site condition using the approved questionnaire (Ramsar Handbook 7). GO2 [CPs, STRP, Bureau]

Theme 12. Management of shared water resources, wetlands and wetland species

Note: Where actions are drawn directly from the Guidelines for international cooperation (Ramsar Handbook 9), the cross-reference is indicated.

Operational Objective 12.1:

Promote inventory and integrated management of shared wetlands and hydrological basins.

Actions

12.1.1 [7.1.1] Identify all wetland systems in each Contracting Party shared with other Parties and with non-parties and cooperate in their management with the adjoining jurisdiction(s), applying, where appropriate, the Guidelines on integrating wetland conservation and wise use into river basin management (Ramsar Handbook 4, Section A1 of the Guidelines), and, as appropriate, the [Principles and Guidelines for integrating wetlands into integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) adopted at COP8] GO1, 3 [CPs]

12.1.2 Pursue cooperation on shared hydrological basins, lake systems and coastal systems through the establishment of bi- or multilateral management commissions. (Section A2 of the Guidelines). GO1, 3 [CPs]

12.1.3 As necessary, engage in joint impact assessment processes with neighbouring countries that share wetlands, international river basins, or coastal systems, taking note, where applicable, of the terms of the Espoo Convention on impact assessment in a European transboundary context. GO1, 3 [CPs] (Refer also to Actions 2.2.3 and 2.2.4)

12.1.4 Ensure enhanced accessibility to information, analyses, good practice examples, and experience-sharing on integrating wetlands and biodiversity into integrated river basin management, including through the Ramsar/CBD River Basin Initiative. GO1, 3 [CPs, Bureau, CBD, IOPs, OCs]

Operational Objective 12.2:

Promote cooperative monitoring and management of shared wetland-dependent species.

Actions

12.2.1 Give priority to the identification and designation as Ramsar sites of all wetlands which satisfy the relevant Ramsar Criteria in relation to wetland-dependent migratory species, giving priority in the first instance to waterbirds, fish, and marine turtles, especially those that are globally threatened. (Section B1 of the Guidelines) GO2, 3 [CPs, IOPs, CMS]

12.2.2 Continue to promote and support the development of further regional site networks and initiatives for wetland-dependent migratory species, as exemplified by the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy, the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network , and others. (Sections B2 and B4 of the Guidelines) GO3 [CPs, IOPs, CMS, OCs] (refer also to Operational Objective 12.1)

12.2.3 Through the Memorandum of Understanding and associated Joint Work Plan with the Convention on Migratory Species, work cooperatively to identify and manage important sites for wetland-dependent migratory species, and promote jointly, where appropriate, the development of site networks referred to in the previous Action. (Section B3 of the Guidelines), (refer also to Operational Objective 12.1). GO2, 3 [STRP, Bureau, MedWet, CMS, OCs]

12.2.4 Promote and disseminate research into the population dynamics and sustainable harvesting of wetland dependent species, especially migratory waterbirds. GO1, 3 [STRP, Bureau, IOPs, MEAs]

12.2.5 Ensure that national hunting legislation is consistent with the wise use principle for migratory waterbird and other wetland-dependent species, taking into account geographical range, life-history characteristics of species, and research on sustainable harvesting. GO1, 3 [CPs, Bureau, CMS]

Operational Objective 12.3:

Support existing regional arrangements under the Convention and promote additional ones.

Actions

12.3.1 Continue to support the operation of the Mediterranean Wetlands Committee (MedWet/Com) and its related action programme, the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet) and its Coordination Unit. GO3 [MedWet/Com members, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

12.3.2 Encourage development of similar regional arrangements under the Convention where appropriate, for example in the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and the Caribbean. GO3 [Concerned CPs, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs]

Theme 13. Collaboration with other institutions

Note: Where actions are drawn directly from the Guidelines for international cooperation (Ramsar Handbook 9), the cross-reference is indicated.

Operation Objective 13.1:

Work as partners with international and regional multilaretal enviornmental agreements (MEAs) and other agencies.

Actions

13.1.1 [7.2.3] Continue to strengthen cooperation and synergy with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on Migratory Species and its Agreements, the World Heritage Convention, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, in particular through the vehicles of Joint Work Plans and collaboration among the respective subsidiary scientific bodies of the conventions and the secretariats, and at national level among the Administrative Authorities and Focal Points of the different MEAs. GO3 [STRP, CPs, Bureau, IOPs, MEAs]

13.1.2 [7.2.4] Maintain and, where appropriate, seek opportunities to further promote cooperation with UNESCO, in particular its Programme on Man and the Biosphere (MAB), especially as regards wetlands within Biosphere Reserves, and in the area of the development of curricula to integrate wetland issues. GO2, 3 [CPs, CEPA, Bureau, IOPs, UNESCO]

13.1.3 Give priority to the implementation of the Memoranda of Cooperation or Understanding with the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention), the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona Convention), the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea, other regional seas conventions, and the Danube River Protection Convention, and seek to establish similar cooperative arrangements with other regional instruments, such as the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). GO3 [Concerned CPs, Bureau, IOPs, MEAs]

13.1.4 Noting Sections F2 – F6 of the Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, establish working relations with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). GO3 [Bureau, CITES]

13.1.5 Develop closer working relationships with appropriate regional bodies or programmes which have an interest in wetland conservation and wise use, including the Association of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union (EU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and the Organization of American States (OAS). GO3 [CPs, SC, Bureau, MEAs, OCs]

[13.1.6 Review the advantages and disadvantages and, as appropriate, investigate the feasibility of regional economic integration or similar organizations/ institutions gaining Contracting Party status under the Convention, including the possibility of amending the Convention to that effect if necessary. GO3 [Bureau, SC, COP]. ]

13.1.7 Review the feasibility of promoting a UN General Assembly Resolution formally recognizing the Convention. In the meantime, pursue partnership approaches with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant UN agencies, as well as the Subgroup on Water of the UN Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC). (Section C2 of the Guidelines.) GO3 [Bureau, SC]

13.1.8 [7.2.9] Further develop working partnerships with other specialized bodies that deal with wetland-related issues, such as the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the World Water Council, the Global Water Partnership, and the Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA). GO3 [Bureau, OCs]

13.1.9 Continue to contribute to the development and testing of harmonized information management and reporting systems with the appropriate MEAs, including exploration of modular-style national reporting formats, consolidated reporting formats, state of the environment reporting, and regional reporting. GO3, 4 [Bureau, UNEP, MEAs]

Theme 14. Sharing of expertise and information

Note: Where actions are drawn directly from the Guidelines for international cooperation (Wise Use Handbook 9), the cross-reference is indicated.

Operational Objective 14.1:

Promote the sharing of expertise and information.

Actions

14.1.1 Using mechanisms such as the national focal points for communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) and for the STRP, promote the sharing of knowledge (traditional, indigenous, and more recently derived technologies and methods) at the global, regional, and national levels. (Section D1 of the Guidelines.) GO1, 3 [CPs (CEPA & STRP Focal Points, Bureau].

14.1.2 Recognize training as an important element of international cooperation under the Convention and provide access to such training, especially for wetland managers and those responsible for implementing the Convention, from other countries that would benefit from these opportunities. (Sections D2 and D3 of the Guidelines). GO3, 4 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs] (Refer also to Operational Objective 20.1).

14.1.3 [7.1.2] Develop twinning and/or networks of transboundary wetlands and wetlands sharing common features, as an important mechanism for sharing knowledge and providing training opportunities. GO2, 3 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs, Eurosite, MAB]

14.1.4 Further review and develop Internet-based resource kits and knowledge and information sharing, including the Convention’s Wetland Expert Database, on topics including impact assessment, incentives, management planning, river basin management, and Ramsar sites. GO1, 2, 3 [CPs, Bureau, IOPs]

14.1.5 Further develop, use and advertise the availability of the Convention’s Wetland Expert Database. [Bureau, CPs, IOPs, OCs]

Theme 15. Financing the conservation and wise use of wetlands

Note: Where actions are drawn directly from the Guidelines for international cooperation (Wise Use Handbook 9), the cross-reference is indicated.

Operational Objective 15.1:

Promote international assistance to support the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Actions

15.1.1 [7.4.4] Mobilize direct funding support from multilateral and bilateral development assistance agencies, in order to assist developing countries and countries whose economies are in transition in the conservation and wise use of wetlands and in implementation of the present Strategic Plan. (Based on Section E1 of the Guidelines) GO1, 3, 4 [CPs, Bureau]

15.1.2 Mobilize resources to support the implementation of management plans for Ramsar sites in developing countries and countries whose economies are in transition. GO2, 3 [CPs, Bureau, MedWet, IOPs] (Refer also to Operational Objective 11.1)

15.1.3 For those Parties with bilateral development assistance agencies, respond to sections E1, E2, E5, E7, E10, E11, E14 and E15 of the Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Handbook 9), and especially consider issues such as