Culture Resolutions Explained

Ramsar’s work on culture and wetlands supports the implementation of a number of Resolutions on cultural issues,  including on strengthening local communities and indigenous people’s participation in the management of wetlands (Resolution VII.8), and on taking the cultural values of wetlands into account in policy, strategies and management (Resolutions VIII.19 and IX.21).

These Resolutions include encouragement to Contracting Parties to work together with local and indigenous peoples ‘in the planning and management of wetlands to ensure that the best available science and local knowledge are taken into consideration in decision making (Resolution VII.8).’ They also include encouragement to ‘…promote the appreciation and revitalization, of these cultural values among populations close to wetlands, and in general among the wider public’, and ‘…to include relevant aspects of cultural heritage in both the design and implementation of wetland management plans (Resolutions VIII.19 and IX.21).’

Ramsar’s work on culture and wetlands further supports the implementation of Target 10 of Ramsar’s new Strategic Plan 2016-2024, which aims to document and “…fully integrate” the “…traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities relevant for the wise use of wetlands and their customary use of wetland…with a full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities at all relevant levels.”