The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

34th Meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee

CONVENTION ON WETLANDS (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) 34th Meeting of the Standing Committee Gland, Switzerland, 10-13 April 2006

DOC. SC34-5

Agenda item 7

i) reducing duplication required and/or requested in relevant Resolutions adopted by this and previous COPs;
ii) ensuring that any new reporting requirements are compensated for by removal of existing requirements, so as to ensure at least no net increase in reporting requirements;
iii) considering reporting requirements of other relevant conventions and agreements and ways to use the information collected for these purposes rather than requiring the collection of additional information; and
iv) also considering the contribution of Ramsar reporting to other conventions' equivalent processes including inter alia the 2010 biodiversity target.

§ the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico 2006;
§ achievement of Millennium Development Goals;
§ achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity targets; and
§ implementation of decisions from the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD13) policies on water and sanitation.

• Prepare guidelines on good agricultural practices and policies for different wetland types, drawing on information provided by the Comprehensive Assessment on water management in agriculture (CA) and other initiatives, and in line with existing legal frameworks.

• Review the relationships and issues concerning the wise use of wetland ecosystems and human health.

• Review the case studies in Towards the Wise Use of Wetlands (Ramsar, 1993) and other relevant case studies, review subsequent implementation progress with these cases, and provide updated studies.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ All Parties without completed inventories to have initiated action in line with the Ramsar Framework for Wetland Inventory, and as far as possible to have completed and disseminated comprehensive national wetland inventories, including information on wetland importance, potential Ramsar sites, wetlands for restoration, location of under-represented wetland types, and ecosystem benefits/services, in particular in relation to poverty eradication strategies.
§ A Web-based metadatabase in place and populated with information on all national wetland inventories, managed by the Secretariat.

KPM
§ All stakeholders to have access to wetland inventories.

• Conduct a review of data and information needs for Ramsar sites and of the implications for official reporting, the further development of the Ramsar Sites Information Service, and the scope for harmonizing such reporting with the needs of other multilateral environmental agreements.

• In light of the conclusions of this review, conduct a fundamental review of the structure of the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS), having regard to Resolution VIII.6 on a Framework for wetland inventory, Resolution IX.1 Annex A on a Conceptual Framework for the wise use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character, including its revised definition of the term "ecological character", and other relevant COP9 decisions. Priority issues to address include:

• preparation of guidance for the description of the ecological character of wetlands;
• development of protocols for the electronic submission of Ramsar Information Sheets;
• harmonization of the layout and information fields of the RIS with the core data fields of the Framework for wetland inventory and the description of ecological character;
• approaches to handling transboundary sites; and
• investigation of the possible inclusion of a core data field in the RIS to allow for the insertion of a precise site boundary description.

• In conjunction with these reviews, develop a scheme of data needs for wetlands more generally, addressing separately both the global level and the site level.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ At least 50 CPs to have undertaken water quality and quantity assessments relating to wetland management.
§ National Wetland Policy or equivalent instrument fully integrated into other strategic and planning processes by all Parties, including poverty reduction strategies, water resources management and water efficiency plans, and national strategies for sustainable development in line with WSSD targets. SC/Secretariat to identify at least 100 Parties to initiate and if possible complete comprehensive reviews of their laws and institutions as they relate to implementing the Convention.
§ SC/Secretariat to have identified at least 50 Parties to have in place a strategic Environmental Assessment process in place for policies, programmes and plans impacting on wetlands.

KPM
§ Number of policies, strategies and programmes in place and being implemented by CPs.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ Development and implementation of wise use wetland programmes and projects that contribute to poverty reduction objectives and food and water security plans at local and national levels in place.
§ Full implementation of the Guidelines for global action on peatlands (VIII.17) through the activities of the Coordinating Committee for Global Action on Peatlands.
§ The social and cultural heritage of wetlands to be fully taken into account in their wise use and management.

KPM
§ An analysis of the ecosystem benefits/services provided from Ramsar sites achieved for all CPs.

• Further review the harmonization of definitions and terms related to ecosystem benefits/services (with reference to Resolution VIII.7 paragraph 15 and COP9 DOC. 16, and taking into account the usage of such terms in other international fora).

KRAs
By COP10
§ All CPs to have made available to civil society guidance on water allocation and management for ecosystems to support decision-making on water resource management, as a contribution to achieving the WSSD target on water resources management and water efficiency plans.
§ River Basin Initiative (RBI) fully operational.
§ Information on wetlands and their role in mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change completed.

KPM
§ The Convention's role in IWRM plans established as part of international environmental governance.

• Undertake a strategic review of water quality and wetland issues; develop a medium-term plan and terms of reference for addressing water quality issues in Ramsar guidance; and subsequently prepare guidance for Parties on including water quality in environmental water requirement determination and implementation.

• Develop in more detail an adaptation to the Ramsar context of the "Critical Path" approach for river basin management and (as appropriate) coastal zone management, including case study analysis, and prepare operational guidance, including for the application of CEPA tools.

• Develop guidance on good practice in the integration of wetlands into Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), based on case studies to be sought from Parties.

• Prepare guidelines for Parties on the implementation of environmental water requirements for wetlands.

• Prepare technical review reports on: i) groundwater-wetland interactions and ii) the use and management of groundwater to maintain ecosystem functions. Once these reports are complete, review the present Integrated Framework for Ramsar's water-related guidance (Resolution IX.1 Annex C) and prepare detailed technical guidance on developing groundwater management strategies which aim at maintenance of wetland ecosystems and minimizing or mitigating the impacts of groundwater abstraction, and make other updating amendments as necessary.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ All CPs with lost or degraded wetlands to have identified priority sites for restoration; restoration projects underway or completed in at least 100 CPs.
§ New case studies and methods added to Ramsar wetland restoration pages on the Web site.

KRA
§ By COP10 CPs to have identified problems posed by invasive species in wetland ecosystems documented in a decisive and holistic manner, and formulated potential solutions.

KPM
§ Comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on invasive species management in use for especially protected areas and other important land zones.

• Elaborate and update the list of appropriate population estimates and 1% thresholds for non-avian animal species for the application of Criterion 9 (Resolution IX.1Annex B).

• Develop an interpretation of the term 'under-represented' wetland type and investigate methods for defining targets for representation of wetland types in the Ramsar List.

• Review existing guidance on designation of specific wetland types, assess the need for additional guidance, and as necessary develop such guidance.

• Keep the Ramsar Criteria and guidelines as a whole under review to ensure that they reflect global wetland conservation and wise use priorities.

KRA
§ By COP10 all CPs implementing the Strategic Framework for Ramsar sites, adapted as required for the domestic situation in each Contracting Party.

KPM
§ Adequate management planning processes submitted with all new site nominations.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ The Secretariat to have received all necessary updated Ramsar Information Sheets, and all new designations to conform to the latest version of the RIS.
§ Ramsar Sites Database to have improved its functionality and accessibility to stakeholders, including through links between the Database, the Ramsar Sites Directory Web presentation, the Ramsar Web site, and other interactive systems, as well as the publication of special reports and other outputs.

KPM
§ The Ramsar Sites Database information used as a key resource by all Ramsar stakeholders.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ Zoning measures for larger Ramsar sites, wetland reserves, and other wetlands (Recommendation 5.3 and Resolution VIII.14) and strict protection measures for certain Ramsar sites and other wetlands of small size and/or particular sensitivity in place.
§ Cross-sectoral site management committees in place for Ramsar sites, involving relevant government agencies, local community representatives, and other stakeholders, including the business sector in place.

KPM
§ CPs in implementing their obligations under Articles 3 and 8.2 using the integrated package of Convention tools for site management, as presented in Ramsar Handbook 8, as well as the supplementary guidance adopted by COP9.

• Prepare advice on delineating and mapping wetlands, in conjunction with the description of their ecological character, including issues concerning digital mapping.

• Prepare further consolidated guidance on the overall process of detecting, reporting and responding to change in ecological character.
  

KRAs
§ All CPs with Ramsar sites whose ecological character has changed, is changing or is likely to change owing to human-induced actions to have reported this, without delay, to the Ramsar Secretariat, in line with Article 3.2.
§ For sites on the Montreux Record which have not been subject to a Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM), a Mission be mounted should the CP desire, prior to COP10.
§ Finalisation of STRP outcome-oriented indicators.

KPM
§ The Montreux Record being used as part of the Convention's governance process, in parallel with nomination and management planning of sites.

• Establish and implement mechanisms for the collection, collation, analysis, assessment, reporting, publishing and disseminating of the results and conclusions of the indicators of effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention.
  

• Develop, test and put forward for use by Parties further indicators of effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention.

KRAs
ByCOP10:
§ All CPs to have identified their transboundary wetlands; where appropriate, CPs to have identified cooperative management mechanisms.
§ Where appropriate CPs with shared basins and coastal systems to be part of joint management commissions or authorities.

KPM
§ Regional site networks and initiatives in place for wetland-dependent migratory species, as exemplified inter alia by the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy, the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, and the Central Asian Flyway Initiative.

KRAs
§ Mediterranean Wetlands Committee (MedWet/Com) and its related action programme, the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet) and its Coordination Unit continuing to develop.
§ Development of regional arrangements under the Convention, applying the Guidance for the development of Regional Initiatives in the framework of the Convention on Wetlands (Resolution VIII.30), resulting in the establishment of new regional initiatives and/or centers.

KPM
§ Effectiveness of the Convention working in a regional way, within a global context.

KRAs
§ CBD-Ramsar Joint Work Plan and CMS/AEWA Joint Work Plan being implemented and full participation in the CBD Biodiversity Liaison Group. UNESCO-MAB Joint Work Plan being delivered. Joint activities developed with UNCCD and UNFCCC, including through participation in the Joint Liaison Group and the Biodiversity Liaison Group.
§ NEPAD's Action Plan to have fully incorporated Ramsar issues and mechanisms and being implemented by relevant CPs, in lines with WSSD targets.
§ Partnership approaches initiated with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant UN agencies, as well as through UN Water.

KPM
§ Effectiveness of partnerships with biodiversity-related conventions at national, regional and international level.

KRA
§ Less time spent by CPs on managing information for national reports, but better quality and more timely reports produced.

KPM
§ Harmonized information management and reporting systems available and widely used with the appropriate MEAs.

• Perform a true "review" function of addressing issues of strategic scientific and technical direction for the Convention, acting as a response mechanism to give scientific and technical advice to the Convention on emerging issues, with an overall aim of achieving a balance between these proactive guidance and reactive advice functions;

• Maintain an overview of progress with scientific and technical aspects of the implementation of COP Resolutions;

• Review the range of existing Ramsar guidance (in conjunction with actions requested in Resolution IX.17), with a view to:
  o identifying gaps;
  o repackaging older guidance into updated documents, and proposing retiring or withdrawing outdated documents.

KRAs
§ By COP10 further guidance developed 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).
§ By COP10 an approach developed to including cultural benefits/services of wetland ecosystems in aspects of the Convention's work.

KPM
§ More participative management of wetlands seen in all CPs, and greater awareness of the importance of cultural ecosystem benefits/services in wetlands developed.

KRA
§ By COP10, private sector applying the wise use principle (Ramsar Handbooks 1 to 6) in their activities and investments affecting wetlands.

KPM
§ Increased private sector engagement in the wise use of wetlands, particularly at Ramsar sites.

KRA
§ By COP10, 50 CPs to have reviewed policy and legal and institutional frameworks to give effect to the promotion of the wise use of wetlands.

KPM
§ Better design, implementation, monitoring and assessment of positive and negative incentive measures.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ At least 50 CPs to have established national Ramsar-CEPA action plans.
§ At least 75 CPs to have established at least one wetland education centre at a Ramsar site.
§ Complete re-design of Secretariat's outreach strategy, including re-designed Web site, comprehensive media strategy, and novel approaches to promoting WWD.

KPM
§ Extent to which CEPA is used throughout all aspects of the Convention's activities.

• Seek opportunities to prepare materials for outreach purposes, particularly for decision-makers and those in other sectors, on topics which are the subject of substantive guidance prepared by the STRP, including on mainstreaming Ramsar issues within the water sector.

• Ensure that CEPA issues are fully covered in each of the substantive guidance documents prepared by the STRP through input to the Panel's work from CEPA experts.

KRA
§ Each CP with a bilateral donor agency to have encouraged it to give priority for funding for wetland conservation and wise use projects in relation to poverty reduction and other WSSD and MDG targets and priorities.

KPM
§ Proposed grants, loans, and development projects from international development agencies, including banks, financial institutions and private investors and developers, include environmental safeguards and environmental assessments of possible impacts.

KRA
§ Better governance of the Convention and more effective promulgation of decisions by COP10.

KPM
§ Adequate resources and supporting financial policies in place to enable the Convention to discharge its responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ A comprehensive and flexible staffing policy for the Secretariat in place allowing response to key issues as they emerge.
§ National Reports used to evaluate and report on the implementation of the Strategic Plan at each meeting of the COP, and to prepare an updated Framework for the forthcoming triennium within a rolling six-year plan.

KPM
§ The organs of the Convention have adequate funding and logistic support to deliver their agreed modus operandi and work plans, with full use of the staff time targets.

• Establish and implement mechanisms for the collection, collation, analysis, assessment, reporting, publishing and disseminating of the results and conclusions of the indicators of effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention.

• Develop, test and put forward for use by Parties further indicators of effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention.

KRA
§ By COP10, CPs to have undertaken reviews of existing national institutions responsible for the conservation and wise use of wetlands with a view to improving cooperation internally.

KRA
§ By COP10, each IOP and the Secretariat to have established a programme of joint work in support of the Convention, including, where relevant and appropriate, joint actions by several IOPs.

KPM
§ Support for the Convention's scientific, technical and policy work integrated into the ongoing programmes of IOPs.

KRAs
By COP10:
§ The RIZA-Ramsar cooperative effort being fully implemented, linking existing and proposed training centres.
§ At least half of CPs to have assessed national and local training needs.
§ An appropriate capacity-building effort in place for all CPs.

KPM
§ Capacity-building accepted and understood as part of the Convention's activities.

KRA
§ Achieve membership of at least 160 parties by COP10.

KPM
§ Rate of new parties joining the Convention increasing over the last triennium.

Plan and review all outcomes from COP9 - completed, and available as DOC. SC34-05 annex 2;

Organise and hold Standing Committee 34 - in progress;

Organise STRP for May 2006;

Develop and maintain an adequate system for communication amongst STRP members;

Work with IOPs to ensure a common framework for assistance in delivering the Convention's implementation;

Develop a new approach to improving the financial base for the Convention's implementation;

Arrange for occasional briefings of Missions in Geneva on activities taking place between Standing Committee meetings;

Arrangements for briefings to Standing Committee members as required during the year, but at least in July and October.

Using the CEPA Oversight Panel, continue implementing the CEPA Action Plan, and develop a more comprehensive plan for CEPA internally, including the activities we may undertake with Danone Group and other private sector actors;

Seek to enhance the development of capacity building through the Ramsar advisory board on capacity building and developing regional centres;

Prepare materials and advice for WWD 2007;

Continue to work with the Convention on Biological Diversity on the joint work programme;

Use proactively the Biodiversity Liaison Group and the Joint Liaison Group for the Rio Conventions to improve synergies;

Promote the work of the Convention at important international meetings;

With the working group, develop a new National Report framework for COP10;

Begin the planning process for the Strategic Plan for 2009 - 2014, with the working group;

With the Management Working Group, review the existing management structures of the Secretariat and Convention;

With the Host Government and with relevant bodies and agencies, develop options for the change of status of the Secretariat (Resolution IX.10);

Manage the core funding support for, and evaluate the implementation of, agreed regional initiatives;

Monitor implementation of COP9 Resolutions, especially IX.3, IX.4, IX.9, and IX.14 which need some new action;

With the Republic of Korea, develop and sign the memorandum of understanding for COP10, make an initial visit to Korea, and start the COP10 planning process;

Continue to review the effectiveness of memoranda of understanding with other organisations;

Assist countries in the process of accession with any issues of clarification and development of the first RIS if necessary;

Organise SC35.