Ramsar & World Heritage Success Stories: Celebrating Culture’s Role in Conserving Wetlands

Together, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre are developing ‘Success Story’ case studies for sites designated both as Ramsar Sites and World Heritage Sites, celebrating culture’s role in conserving wetlands and the importance of wetlands for culture. 

The case studies are intended to:

• Illustrate how cultural values and practices, such as traditional knowledge, and community participation can contribute to positive conservation outcomes for wetlands. 
• Consider how designation under both Conventions has supported actions to address the drivers of wetland loss and degradation.
• Provide inspiring examples of good practice in integrating cultural values and practices in site management (as appropriate) for key stakeholders and policy-makers.

This project builds on ongoing efforts to draw lessons and guidance for sites with multiple international designations addressed by a project of IUCN, while focusing on the specific aspects of culture and wetlands of global importance, and will be coordinated by an independent consultant, Mr. Rob McInnes. 

This initiative is generously supported by UNEP’s InforMEA Programme.