Guidance on signs for Ramsar Sites

At the 19th meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee, 29 October-1 November 1996, the members adopted a decision that defines recommended wording for signs at all Ramsar Sites, when translated into the local languages of the sites.

The decision reads as follows:

Decision 19.18: The Contracting Parties should endeavor to place descriptive signs at all Ramsar Sites, and these signs should include the Ramsar logo, as well as the following suggested text as amended to meet particular circumstances:

THIS SITE, COVERING [xxx] HECTARES, HAS BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT FOR INCLUSION IN THE LIST OF WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CONVENTION ON WETLANDS, THE INTERNATIONAL TREATY SIGNED IN RAMSAR (IRAN) IN 1971 TO PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF WETLAND AREAS WORLDWIDE.

The protection and management of this site is under the responsibility of: [name and address, including telephone and fax numbers, of the appropriate agency].

Variation for countries with a federal system:

ON THE PROPOSAL OF [NAME OF THE STATE/PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT], THIS SITE, COVERING [xxx] HECTARES, HAS BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT .... [continues as above]