Further to my recent request for help on the project on wetlands and river basins, I would like to ask for your assistance in a project to review bilateral and multilateral donor support for conservation and wise use of wetlands.

As most people know, preparations are being made for the 7th Conference of Parties of the Convention (COP7) to be held in Costa Rica in May 1999. In accordance with the obligations under Article 5 of the Convention, Parties should consult with one another and coordinate policies and regulations related to conservation of wetlands. One of the important areas of coordination has been identified as the allocation of funds under bilateral and multilateral donors such as governments, development assistance agencies and the GEF.

This project will review the implementation of recommendations made by previous Ramsar COPs, assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms to coordinate international support for wetland conservation, and make recommendations for action to the next COP. In addition, it will make a preliminary review the effectiveness of other guidelines related to this topic including the OECD "Guidelines for aid agencies for improved conservation and sustainable use of tropical and sub-tropical wetlands" which were presented to the Contracting Parties at COP6.

The report will provide guidance on these issues to the Contracting Parties as part of "Guidance for Implementation of Article 5 of the Convention". It is also expected that the report will provide information and advice of a more general nature to the Contracting Parties to assist with mobilising financial resources.

Timetable

A draft outline report will be prepared by mid October 1998 and the final full report with guidance to be submitted by mid- February 1999.

Inputs requested

• Send information on specific projects or initiatives supported in your country or region by bilateral or multilateral donors and any comments on the effectiveness of such projects.
• Indicate any specific problems you have faced in trying to obtain funding from such agencies for wetland projects and any suggestions you may have for inclusion in the review.
• Any comments on the OECD guidelines or other guidelines on this topic.

Further information

For more information or to offer contributions please contact me on this email number fparish@pd.jaring.my , or you can send materials to me by post, courier or fax to the below address:

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Faizal Parish
Consultant, Convention on Wetlands
C/o 835 Lorong 17/22C
46400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor D.E.
Malaysia
Phone/fax +60 3 7564929