Standing Committee Subgroup on COP9

10. In addition, as is outlined in DOC. COP9 SG-3, the Panel has approved the establishment of a new Ramsar Technical Report series of publications to be prepared by the Secretariat, and recommends that the Standing Committee agree to the establishment of this series. An outline of the purpose and process for these volumes is provide in Annex 4 to this paper. The Secretariat will publish in this series a number of the more detailed technical guidance, reports and reviews being prepared by the STRP in support of its materials which will go forwards for COP9 consideration. Such papers would for previous COPs have been provided to Parties as COP Information Papers, and this new approach will have two benefits: a) it will reduce the volume of COP papers which will not be the subject of consideration for adoption; and b) it will make this important material more accessible and for a longer term to Parties and other users and stakeholders. A list of the anticipated Technical Report topics from STRP's current work is included in Annex 2.

11. Some aspects of the STRP's work have led to it preparing proposals for updates and modifications to some existing key Convention guidance and definitions, and the Panel is preparing short Information Papers for COP9 which explain the rationale and thinking behind bringing forward these proposals for COP consideration.

12. In particular, the Subgroup's attention is drawn to STRP Working Group 2's work responding to tasks requesting the Panel to review, and as necessary update, the Convention's definitions of "wise use" and "ecological character" in the light of other more recent developments and terminologies. The Panel has approved the finalisation of proposals to COP9 to amend these definitions in the context of establishing a conceptual framework to assist Parties in their achievement of wetland wise use under Article 3.1 of the Convention, and it is preparing a COP9 Information Paper in support of these proposals.

13. A working draft of these materials is provided to the Subgroup on COP9 in DOC. COP9 SG-5. In undertaking this work, the Panel has recognised the value of the work of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and its development of a conceptual framework for ecosystems and human well-being. The Subgroup on COP9 is invited to consider and provide its advice on these materials so that the STRP can finalise them for consideration by the 31st meeting of the Standing Committee.

14. Another significant area of advance in the STRP's work is its preparation of a number of additional guidance on matters concerning the inter-relationship between water and wetland ecosystems, chiefly in response to instructions in COP8 Resolutions VIII.1 and VIII.2. Specific guidance concerns a) wetlands and groundwater management; b) supplementary guidance on river basin management; and c) environmental water requirements. These will be supported by a number of Ramsar Technical Reports.

15. In support of this increasingly important area of the Convention's attention, the Panel has prepared a "Framework for Ramsar's water-related guidance". A working draft of this important guidance, prepared by Heather Mackay of South Africa's Water Research Commission and Vice-Chair of the STRP, is provided in DOC. COP9 SG-6. The Subgroup on COP9 is invited to consider and provide its advice on this framework, so that the STRP can finalise it for consideration by the 31st meeting of the Standing Committee.

16. A number of the Panel's priority tasks concern reviewing and preparing further guidance for Ramsar site designation, notably in response to Resolution VIII.10, and within the framework of the CBD/Ramsar 3rd Joint Work Plan and related requests from CBD COP7 (Decision VII/4) on its programme of work on inland water biodiversity. STRP's Working Group 2 is now finalising a number of amendments and additions to the Strategic Framework and guidelines for the further development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance. This will include proposals for a new quantitative Criterion for non-avian wetland-dependent fauna.

17. Concerning existing Criterion 1, the STRP is proposing a minor change in wording of the Criterion so as to facilitate its application in situations where most wetlands are heavily human-modified, as well as an elaboration of the guidelines for the application of this Criterion so as to cover the full range of wetland ecosystem services as described by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA). At present the guidelines cover only hydrological services (functions). A COP9 Information Paper setting out the rationale for these proposals is also being prepared.

18. Inventory, assessment and monitoring is recognised by the Convention as key to the implementation of many aspects of wetland conservation and wise use. The Convention has already adopted guidance on several aspects of these topics, but COP8 recognised a number of gaps in this material, for which STRP's Working Group 1 has been developing further guidance. To assist Parties in distinguishing between the many different purposes and types of wetland assessment, an "Integrated Framework for Wetland Inventory, Assessment and Monitoring" (IF-WIAM) is being prepared for COP9 consideration. This will provide short summary guidance on each of the different inventory and assessment tools - both existing Ramsar tools and those additional guidelines being prepared by the Panel, including an explanation of the relationship between environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, risk assessment and vulnerability assessment. Annexed to this IF-WIAM will be summary guidelines for the rapid assessment of inland, coastal and near-shore wetland biodiversity, developed jointly by the CBD and Ramsar Conventions. In support of this, the Panel is finalising additional guidelines on economic valuation of wetlands, the use of low-cost Geographic Information Systems, and vulnerability assessment, which will be published as Ramsar Technical Reports.

19. In addition to its work on preparing guidance on different aspects of assessment tools, the Panel also has a priority task concerning fisheries: "Contribute to assessment of contribution of Ramsar sites and other wetlands to fisheries maintenance, and recommend sustainable management practices". To support this task, IUCN, WWF and the WorldFish Centre have commissioned a report on this issue, and are drafting a possible COP9 Resolution on the matter. STRP12 considered a first draft of this Resolution ("The Ramsar Convention and the conservation and sustainable use of fish resources"). The Panel have recommended that, since this is a major emerging issue which has not previously been the subject of substantive attention in the Convention, this draft Resolution should be developed further and considered by the Standing Committee as a stand-alone COP9 DR. The Panel has also recommended that the background report should be published as a Ramsar Technical Report.

20. COP8 instructed the STRP to develop a set of "indicators of the effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention". STRP's Working Group 6, working closely with the parallel CBD process that is developing indicators for assessing the CBD/WSSD 2010 biodiversity target of significantly reducing the rate of loss of biological diversity, has identified a first tranche of seven ecological "outcome-oriented" indicators for immediate development, and fact-sheets for each of these are now being prepared for consideration by the 31st meeting of the Standing Committee. These indicators are being designed to complement the largely "process-oriented" indicators in the COP9 National Report Format. The Subgroup on COP9 may wish to provide advice on how, when and in what form assessment analyses from these indicators should be presented to Parties, including as a contribution to assessing the 2010 biodiversity target.

21. Concerning wetland management planning, STRP's Working Group 5 with the support of WWF is drafting the requested management planning "field guide" for wetland managers. It is planned that, resources permitting, this will be published by the time of COP9 in the form of a 50-page booklet for field use, with sections and case studies outlining each of the steps embodied in the Convention's COP8 new guidelines for wetland management planning.

22. The Panel's agriculture cross-cutting group has provided advice on addressing agricultural issues in the other work of Panel, notably in relation to the preparation of water-related guidelines. In addition, it has developed a scope for the wetland-type specific management guidelines for agricultural wetlands requested by COP8 Resolution VIII.34. The Panel has not progressed these during this triennium, pending resources being found for the precursory review work by International Organisation Partners and others requested by Resolution VIII.34. It is anticipated, however, that much of this work can now be delivered through the preparation during 2005-2006 of a report to the Ramsar Convention from the IWMI-led "Comprehensive Assessment for Water and Agriculture" (CA). STRP12 prepared a detailed list of wetland-related questions to guide IWMI in the preparation of this report.

23. STRP12 reviewed the draft Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Ramsar Synthesis Report "Wetlands and Water: Ecosystem Services and Human Well-being". The Panel endorsed the report, subject to certain amendments and retentions, and the inclusion of a one-page "key messages" for decision-makers to head up the report's Summary for Decision-Makers. A copy of these "key messages" is included as DOC. COP9 SG-16, concerning progress in the work of the MA in relation to Ramsar. The full Ramsar Synthesis Report is now in final editing and will be published in mid-2005.

Resourcing the Panel's 2003-2005 work

24. There is no core budget allocation in this triennium for the work of the STRP in preparing its guidelines and other substantive advice. Much of the progress in preparing its guidance reported above has been achieved only through a significant amount of voluntary unpaid work and in-kind support from individual STRP members and observers and their host organisations. In addition, the drafting of a number of STRP's major new guidelines has been possible in this triennium through a generous voluntary funding contribution from the government of Sweden which became available in late 2003.

25. However, this has meant that the Panel was able to start work on many of its guidance only some considerable time into the triennium, and to progress work only as and when individuals could make time available on a voluntary basis. This has meant that its preparation of guidance destined for COP9 consideration has not progressed as rapidly as anticipated in the Panel's initial work plan, and most products are only now becoming available in form appropriate for consideration by the Standing Committee.

26. One consequence of this is that there will be less time and opportunity for consultation on draft documents with STRP National Focal Points (NFPs) and National Administrative Authorities than was anticipated in the terms of Resolution VIII.45. Increased involvement of STRP NFPs in STRP processes was scheduled to be facilitated during this triennium as part of the work of the STRP Support Service. However, this could not be progressed owing to the reduction in Support Service funding necessary as one of the core budget reductions decided by the 30th meeting of the Standing Committee.

27. Owing to its lack of capacity and resources, the Panel has not been able to progress a number of tasks in its approved 2003-2005 Work Plan. These include advice on:

Working Group 1. Inventory and assessment

STRP tasks 2003-2005 Strategic Plan Action and COP8 Resolution Action numbers are shown in square brackets [�].	Anticipated product(s) for COP9	Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion
A. Wetland Inventory
1.1 Contribute to update of the Global Review of Wetland Resources and Priorities for Wetland Inventory, reporting to COP9 [1.1.5]	None	No progress � deferred pending resourcing of �GRoWI-2�.
1.2 Further review application of remote sensing data, low-cost GIS, and classification systems in wetland inventory, reporting to COP9 [R1.1.i] (Resolution VIII.6)	Ramsar Technical Report issue on guidance for GIS applications for inventory, assessment and monitoring	Near-final draft Report available: WG co-lead (Max Finlayson) to review and provide final draft for STRP peer-review. Classification issues are covered under task 1.3 below.
B. Wetland Assessment
Further review and, as appropriate, develop guidance and report to COP9, concerning identified gaps and disharmonies in defining and reporting the ecological character of wetlands through inventory, assessment, monitoring and management of Ramsar sites and other wetlands, giving priority to advice and guidance on practical matters on issues that should include:	[see specific tasks below]
1.3 the Ramsar Classification System for Wetland Type, (bio)geographical regionalization schemes, and their application in defining and reporting the ecological character of wetlands	1. Ramsar Technical Report issue on review of wetland classification systems. 2. Additional text on biogeographic regionalization schemes to be incorporated into WG4�s work on updating Strategic Framework, in Explanatory Notes and guidelines for filling-in RIS.	1. Draft submitted by consultants Vic and Chris Semeniuk and considered during July 2004 workshop. Will now be further reviewed and edited by WG co-lead and secretariat, before circulation to STRP for peer-review. Proposal endorsed by STRP for next step to be the development and testing of a simple hydrogeomorphic classification, and publish � should be recognized as STRP task for next triennium, which will also benefit from classification outputs, in relation to remote sensing, from the ESA GlobWetland project. 2. Review considered by STRP; short text concerning appropriate regionalization scales to be applied etc. to be provided by WG co-lead and secretariat to WG4. Will urge Parties to apply a continental, regional, or supra-national biogeographical scheme rather than a national or subnational one, and an STRP recommendation that a further study be made of appropriate available schemes and advice on this provided to Parties.
1.4 determining the ecological character of Ramsar sites and other wetlands, including techniques for delineating and mapping wetlands and for evaluating their values and functions and goods and services	1. COP9 Information Paper: A proposed scheme for wetland ecological character data categorisation 2. delineating and mapping wetlands: None 3. Ramsar Technical Report issue on economic valuation methodologies.	1. Ecological character. Working Group 1 (led by Max Finlayson) will develop a scheme of data categorization, in an information paper for COP9, with a recommendation (in COP9 future implementation DR) on what the COP should ask to be done next. This would be taken forward in the next triennium as part of a broader STRP review of the Convention�s information needs. The STRP suggested that two levels of data should be sought for describing ecological character: 1) at the Convention level, semi-qualitative data useful for detecting change; and 2) at the site management level, quantitative and more detailed data, as determined by the particular needs of the site. The latter category should be field-tested. 2. Delineation & Mapping. Deferred pending completion of advice from ESA GlobWetland project: should be STRP task for 2006-2008. 3. Economic valuation. Draft guidelines considered by STRP, will now be finalized by authors, WG co-lead and Ramsar secretariat, then provide final draft for STRP peer-review.
1.5 Incorporation of assessment and management processes and practical methods (including multi-scalar methods for wetland assessment and monitoring) developed by other programmes, including the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), into the series of Ramsar Handbooks for the Wise Use of Wetlands	MA concepts and terms incorporated into STRP guidance on wise use and ecological character (see Working Group 2).
1.6 Practical methods, including indicators, for monitoring wetlands and for the rapid assessment of wetland biodiversity, including both inland waters and coastal and marine systems	1. Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: Summary guidelines for rapid assessment methodologies for inland, coastal and nearshore marine wetlands. 2. Ramsar Technical Report issue to include full set of detailed supporting tables from CBD materials.	1. Consolidated edition of three CBD separate guidelines documents on inland waters, and coastal and marine systems. Draft to be finalized by Secretariat for approval by STRP and SC. 2. Technical Report draft to be developed by Ramsar secretariat with assistance of CBD secretariat, for STRP peer-review.
1.7 incorporation of environmental impact and strategic environmental assessment into wetland risk assessment procedures	[Text explaining relationships between environmental impact, strategic environmental, risk and vulnerability assessment, to be included in �IF-WIAM� (see task 1.8).]	Draft text prepared by David Pritchard and Habiba Gitay agreed by STRP12 � some further editing and diagram construction needed for incorporation into �IF-WIAM�.
1.8 Consider consolidation of existing Convention guidance and develop an integrated framework for wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring [R1.2.ix] & Harmonization of definitions and terms throughout the suite of Ramsar guidance on inventory, assessment, monitoring and management of the ecological character of wetlands [R1.2.viii] (Resolution VIII.7)	Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: Integrated Framework for wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring (�IF-WIAM�).	Concept for framework, and its structure and contents agreed by STRP12. Text will include short standardized summary descriptions of each category of inventory and assessment approach (including those being prepared by STRP this triennium � vulnerability assessment, GIS usage, rapid assessment etc. - and those e.g. baseline inventory, risk assessment framework already COP approved). Will be drafted (Max Finlayson & Ramsar Secretariat) by 1 April 2005 and circulated to STRP for approval. Harmonisation of definitions and terms is covered in the COP9output from Working Group 2.
1.9 Contribute to, review, and utilize the work of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in reporting to COP9 on wetland status and trends [1.2.1]	Results of finalised MA Ramsar Synthesis Report are expected to be presented to COP9, and will contain summary assessment of wetland status and trends.	STRP members and observers have authored key underlying MA chapters, and formed a significant part of the MA Ramsar Synthesis Team; STRP12 endorsed the MA�s report to the Ramsar Convention �Water and wetlands ecosystems and human well-being�, subject to certain additions (including a one-page �Key messages for decision-makers�), amendments and retentions.
1.10 Contribute to assessment of contribution of Ramsar sites and other wetlands to fisheries maintenance, and recommend sustainable management practices [1.2.6]	1. COP9 DR for SC31 consideration on Ramsar sites, fisheries and sustainable management 2. Probable Ramsar Technical Report on review of role of Ramsar sites in fisheries and sustainable management. practices	Draft report prepared by consultant funded by IUCN, WWF and the WorldFish Centre. Will be further reviewed by these organisations and Ramsar secretariat, prior to peer-review consideration by STRP. Draft COP9 DR reviewed by STRP12, who have recommended that a revised draft should be submitted to SC31 for COP9 consideration, on those aspects concerning sustainable fisheries management practices. STRP has advised that aspects of the DR concerning Ramsar site designations and application of fish Criteria should be incorporated into the proposed COP9 DR on future scientific and technical implementation priorities, and may include a 2006-2008 STRP task.
1.11 Develop methodologies for vulnerability assessment of wetlands to change in ecological character (incl. to impacts of climate change, alien species invasion and agricultural practices) [1.2.4]	Ramsar Technical Report issue on vulnerability assessment approaches.	Drafted by consultant (Habiba Gitay), and approved by STR12 subject to further revision, then will go for STRP peer-review for Technical Report approval.
C. Monitoring the condition of Ramsar sites, including application of Article 3.2 and Montreux Record
1.12 Prepare further consolidated guidance on the overall process of detecting, reporting and responding to change in ecological character, including guidelines for determining when such a change is too trivial to require reporting, having regard to the reasons why a given site is important, and the conservation objectives set for it [R11.2.ii] (Resolution VIII.8)	None	Deferred for STRP 2006-2008 task: task will need to be re-assessed in light of completion of inter alia �IF-WIAM�
1.13 Prepare an analysis and report of the status and trends in the ecological character of sites in the Ramsar List, and set, as far as possible, the status and trends of Ramsar sites within the wider context of the status and trends of marine, coastal and inland wetlands, drawing upon the results of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and other assessment initiatives as appropriate [R11.2.ix] (Resolution VIII.8)	None � but see comments	Deferred, as consistent data sources for Ramsar sites not yet available. Some status and trends information are likely to be available at COP9: summary information on overall status and trends is provided in MA reports; STRP WG6�s proposals for indicators include assessment of status and trends of Ramsar sites, may include some provisional demonstration assessments for COP9 as Information Paper, plus a proposed time-schedule for indicators reporting. Wetlands International�s Ramsar Sites Database (RSD) to STRP12 includes proposals for future assessment of Ramsar site status.

Working Group 2. "Wise Use" concept

STRP tasks 2003-2005 Strategic Plan Action and COP8 Resolution Action numbers are shown in square brackets [�].	Anticipated product(s) for COP9	Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion
2.1 Review the Wise use concept, its applicability and consistency with sustainable development objectives [3.1.1]	1. Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: A Conceptual framework for the Wise Use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character 2. COP9 Information Paper: Rationale for proposals, as above.	Guidance and Information paper drafted, but requires some further explanatory text around definitions of ecological character and change in ecological character. Working Group will finalise drafts by 1 March. Note: delivery of this task will now include guidance under WG1 tasks 1.8 ii on harmonization of definitions and terms; and ecological character definition aspects of task 1.4.
2.2 Compile advice, methods and best practice studies on wise use of wetlands, including application of the ecosystem approach [3.12]	None	Not progressed � requires consultant contract, but funds not available
2.3 Develop new tools to assist Parties with the implementation of the wise use principle [17.1.5]	None	Considered to be premature to develop this work during current triennium � in part depends on outcomes of STRP WG6 work on indicators, on review of guidance gaps identified through task 2.1 products above, and on outcomes of Resolution VIII.45 review of utility of STRP guidances.
2.4 contribute to technology transfer initiatives for sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems [R3.1.iv]	None	No requests for contribution received.

Working Group 3. Water resource management

STRP tasks 2003-2005 Strategic Plan Action and COP8 Resolution Action numbers are shown in square brackets [�].	Anticipated product(s) for COP9	Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion
3.0 [new task] Prepare an integrated framework for Ramsar�s water-related guidance	Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: An integrated framework for Ramsar�s water-related guidance	At its July 2004 workshop, Working Group 3 recognised the need for an overarching framework to outline the links between wetlands and water resources management through the hydrological cycle, and to show how and when to use the different aspects of the Convention�s water-related already adopted, and to be prepared for COP9, and those identified as gaps requiring future work. A draft has been prepared by co-lead Heather MacKay, and will be finalized for SC31 consideration.
3.1 River basin management: Review case studies compiled through the River Basin Initiative and other sources and prepare additional guidance (as necessary) on integrating wetlands, biodiversity and river basin management [3.4.3]	Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: River Basin Management: additional guidance and framework for analysis of case studies	Guidance drafted and approved for finalization for SC31 consideration, to act as assistance in focusing on a �critical path� approach to elaborate the COP7-adopted guidelines on river basin management. STRP recommends that a task for its 2006-2008 triennium work should be to consider preparing a consolidation text of these two guidances. Case studies not compiled owing to lack of funding � should be undertaken as a 2006-2008 STRP task, applying the critical path approach.
3.2 Dams: Develop guidelines for considering full environmental, social and economic impacts of large dam construction on wetland and river systems, for COP9 [3.4.4]	None	Future proposed case studies on environmental flows will address dam examples, since the two aspects are closely linked. Future STRP work could be the preparation of an annotated bibliography identifying available guidance for considering impacts of dams on wetland and river systems.
3.3 Prepare report on environmental flow methodologies, to assist in management of dam-related impacts, for COP9 [R3.4.v] (Resolution VIII.2)	Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: Supplemental guidelines for the determination and implementation of environmental water requirements for wetlands Three Ramsar Technical Report issues: i) Review of environmental flow methodologies for rivers; ii) Review of environmental flow methodologies for estuaries and near-shore environments; and ii) Review of environmental flow methodologies for non-riverine inland wetlands.	Guidance drafted by Rebecca Tharme (IWMI), and approved by STRP12 for finalization for SC consideration. Will supplement the COP8-adopted guidelines on water allocation and management. Three supporting technical methodological reports are in various stages of preparation for the Ramsar Technical Report series, at least two of which should be ready by the time of COP9.
3.4 Water allocation and management: Contribute to report to COP9 on successes achieved and lessons learnt from demonstrating good practice in water allocation and management for maintaining ecological functions of wetlands [R3.4.ix] (Resolution VIII.1)	None	Deferred to next triennium, owing to lack of funding.
3.5 Review Resolutions VIII.1 and VIII.2 and prepare further guidance, if required, for COP9 [R3.4.xi] (Resolution VIII.1)	None	Effectively covered by new task 3.0 above on integrated framework, and the additional river basin management guidance, which identifies gaps and priorities for additional guidance.
3.6 Groundwater: Review and prepare guidelines, as appropriate, on the role of wetlands in groundwater recharge and storage and of groundwater in maintaining the ecological character of wetlands, and on the impacts of groundwater abstraction on wetlands [Resolution VIII.1]. Prepare guidance, as appropriate, on sustainable use of groundwater to maintain wetland ecosystem functions [3.4.5]	Annex to guidance COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: Guidelines for the management of groundwater to maintain wetland ecological character	Guidelines on the management of groundwater drafted by consultant Mike Acreman and reviewed by STRP12. Two technical background groundwater methodologies papers not progressed owing to lack of funding � should be considered for next triennium.

Working Group 4. Ramsar site designation

Note. WG4's main products for COP9 consideration will be:

1. An Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance (Revised Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance), with a set of Strategic Framework revisions and updates, including proposals for an additional quantitative Criterion, and amendments to guidelines for several existing Criteria, including addressing the full range of wetland services under Criterion 1, and updates to other aspects of the Strategic Framework.

2. COP9 Information Paper, providing the rationale for the proposed changes to the Strategic Framework.

In addition, a Ramsar Technical Report is in preparation which will review background information on the Convention's development of quantitative Criteria, and with a supporting first tranche tabulation for the application of proposed new Criterion 9 for non-avian wetland-dependent fauna.

STRP tasks 2003-2005 Strategic Plan Action and COP8 Resolution Action numbers are shown in square brackets [�].	Anticipated product(s) for COP9	Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion
4.1 Definition of �under-representation�. Provide interpretation of the term �under-represented type� in the context of available information on the global extent of different wetland types and representation of these in the Ramsar List, and investigate methods for defining targets for representation of wetland types in the Ramsar List in the context of the Strategic Framework for the future development of the List (Resolution VII.11), and report to COP9. [R10.1.iii] (Resolution VIII.11)	None	Not progressed � requires consultant contract (specification is drafted), but funds not available. Recommended as priority STRP task for 2006-2008 triennium.
4.2 RIS development
4.2 a) Prepare guidance for the clear definition of the ecological character features in the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS), including recommendations for change to the structure and content of the RIS and, as appropriate, further guidance on the application of the Criteria for the identification and designation of Wetlands of International Importance in the Strategic Framework and future development of the Ramsar List (Resolution VII.11) and the additional guidelines for the identification and designation of under-represented wetland types (Resolution VIII.11) in the definition of the ecological character of Ramsar [R10.1.x](Resolution VIII.7)	Additional text to be included in Explanatory Notes and Guidelines for filling in RIS � drawing on WG1 ecological character description	David Stroud (WG co-lead) to draft and circulate to STRP in context of revisions to these Guidelines.
4.2 b) Consider allocating an open field in section of the Ramsar Information Sheet concerning wetland types, to facilitate the process of review of the Ramsar wetland classification system with a view to including additional types [R10.1.xii] (Resolution VIII.13)	(included in 4.2 a) above)	As above
4.2 c)Harmonize of the layout and information fields of the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) and the core data fields recommended in the Ramsar Framework for Wetland Inventory [R10.1.xiii] (Resolution VIII.7)	(included in 4.2 a) above)	Not progressed. Should be undertaken in the context of data and information needs review, next triennium (see task 4.6 below).
4.2 d) Investigate the inclusion of a core data field in the Ramsar Information Sheet to allow for the insertion of a precise site boundary description and consider the preparation of guidance about this field for inclusion in the accompanying RIS Explanatory Notes and Guidelines [R10.1.xiv] (Resolution VIII.21)	(included in 4.2 a) above)	As 4.2 c).
4.3 Rolling criteria review Keep under review the Ramsar Criteria for Identifying Wetlands of International Importance to ensure that these reflect global wetland conservation and wise use priorities [17.1.5]

STRP tasks 2003-2005

Anticipated product(s) for COP9

Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion

1.1 Contribute to update of the Global Review of Wetland Resources and Priorities for Wetland Inventory, reporting to COP9 [1.1.5]

STRP tasks 2003-2005

Anticipated product(s) for COP9

Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion

Anticipated product(s) for COP9

Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion

3.0 [new task] Prepare an integrated framework for Ramsar�s water-related guidance

Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: An integrated framework for Ramsar�s water-related guidance

3.1 River basin management: Review case studies compiled through the River Basin Initiative and other sources and prepare additional guidance (as necessary) on integrating wetlands, biodiversity and river basin management [3.4.3]

Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: River Basin Management: additional guidance and framework for analysis of case studies

3.2 Dams: Develop guidelines for considering full environmental, social and economic impacts of large dam construction on wetland and river systems, for COP9 [3.4.4]

None

Future proposed case studies on environmental flows will address dam examples, since the two aspects are closely linked. Future STRP work could be the preparation of an annotated bibliography identifying available guidance for considering impacts of dams on wetland and river systems.

3.3 Prepare report on environmental flow methodologies, to assist in management of dam-related impacts, for COP9 [R3.4.v] (Resolution VIII.2)

Annex to COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: Supplemental guidelines for the determination and implementation of environmental water requirements for wetlands

Guidance drafted by Rebecca Tharme (IWMI), and approved by STRP12 for finalization for SC consideration. Will supplement the COP8-adopted guidelines on water allocation and management.

3.4 Water allocation and management: Contribute to report to COP9 on successes achieved and lessons learnt from demonstrating good practice in water allocation and management for maintaining ecological functions of wetlands [R3.4.ix] (Resolution VIII.1)

None

Deferred to next triennium, owing to lack of funding.

3.5 Review Resolutions VIII.1 and VIII.2 and prepare further guidance, if required, for COP9 [R3.4.xi] (Resolution VIII.1)

None

Effectively covered by new task 3.0 above on integrated framework, and the additional river basin management guidance, which identifies gaps and priorities for additional guidance.

Annex to guidance COP9 DR on additional scientific and technical guidance: Guidelines for the management of groundwater to maintain wetland ecological character

Guidelines on the management of groundwater drafted by consultant Mike Acreman and reviewed by STRP12.

STRP tasks 2003-2005

Anticipated product(s) for COP9

Progress by STRP12 and plans for completion