Ramsar Convention

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• published: 12 May 2011
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A convention on Wetlands called the "Ramsar Convention" is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories. Unlike the other global environmental convention, Rmasar is not affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral Environmental Agreement, but it works very closely with the other MEAs and is a full partner among the "biodiversity-related cluster" of treaties and agreements. The Ramsar Convention is the only treaty that deals with the wetlands ecosystem There are 160 countries involved including Denmark, Egypt, Japan, Panama, United States, United Kingdome, and Canada. Wetlands are recognized as important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for people and for fish and wildlife. Some of these services, or functions, include protecting and improving water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitats, storing floodwaters, and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods. These beneficial services, considered valuable to societies worldwide, are the result of the inherent and unique natural characteristics of wetlands. The wetlands prevent shore land erosion, floods, are the habitat for many fish and other wildlife and contribute to the economy through recreational use and industry. The main goal of the Ramsar Convention is to conserve and provide water, effectively making the wetlands the heart of sustainable development.