The Ramsar Convention

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Marshall Hamilton
6 years ago
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The Ramsar Convention a modern successstory story for nature

dissappearinghabitats and dwindling resources creationof the

1 The Ramsar Convention a modern successstory story for nature conservation by Tobias Salathé Ramsar Convention Secretariat Ramsar Site Cerknica lake - Slovenia 1960s : dissappearinghabitats and dwindling resources creationof the term«wetlands» concernedecologistsand waterfowlhunters focus their attention on water-related ecosystems Ramsar Site Kolkheti 1

wetlands are water-related ecosystems inland

-rivers-streams -lagoons-coastalmarine areas

shoresof the CaspianSea 18 States adopt on 2

2 wetlands are water-related ecosystems inland coastal man-made wetlands glaciers -torrents -rivers-streams -lagoons-coastalmarine areas rice-paddies-saltpans fens bogs-mires -lakes-swamps-marshes = les écosystèmes aquatiques inramsar : in the Iranian town atthe shoresof the CaspianSea 18 States adopt on 2 February1971 the textof the global Convention on Wetlands Photo E. Kuijken Photos H. Joosten 2008 USSR A. FIROUZ (chair) S-AFRICA M.F.MÖRZER BRUIJNS G.MATTHEWS E. CARP 2

1971: the first global multilateral environmental agreement is born 40 years later: and

the only convention dealing with particular ecosystems centrally important for biodiversity

engagements of the Contracting Parties: Designation of Ramsar Sites of international importance

3 1971: the first global multilateral environmental agreement is born 40 years later: and providingthe World slargestnetwork of protected areas: currently 1889 Ramsar Sites Ramsar is still the only convention dealing with particular ecosystems centrally important for biodiversity integratedwaterresourcesmanagement climate change impact mitigation work basedon 3 pillars engagements of the Contracting Parties: Designation of Ramsar Sites of international importance Wise use of all wetlands in their territory International cooperation in shared basins and sites, for shared species and interests 3

Klingnau reservoir Ramsar Site biodiversity criteria wetland ecosystems supporting: comparable to «Natura2000» threatened plants and animals biodiversity of the

4 Ramsar Sites N. Am. Africa Oce. Asi a Nt. 934 in Europe 49% 16 in Estonia North America Estonia 0,263 mio ha Neotropics 25 mio in Europ e 14% Africa 1889 sites 185 million ha Asi a Oceani a Ramsar Site Klingnau reservoir Ramsar Site biodiversity criteria wetland ecosystems supporting: comparable to «Natura2000» threatened plants and animals biodiversity of the biogreographical region criticalstages in specieslife cycles (reproduction, refuge, migration, etc.) at least 20,000 waterbirds at least 1% of specific animal populations specificfishcriteria(includingmolluscs& crustaceans): indigenous fish biodiversity foraging, spawning, nursery, migration areas 4

5 Ramsar and use thisglobal treatyfor the ecology of water management water resources wetlands are functional parts of the hydrological cycle they include aquatic, subterranean and coastal marine ecosystems Ramsar s focus 5

Ramsar Sites beyond biodiversity representative, rare or unique wetland type > havingatleast one site

aquiferrecharge, water supply, floodplain system, climate regulation Ramsar Sites fulfill ecosystem functions within their

- means caring about wetlands- means caring about biodiversity climate change mitigation is all about carbon climate change

6 Ramsar Sites beyond biodiversity representative, rare or unique wetland type > havingatleast one site representingeachwetlandtype within each biogeographical region hydrological importance > water retention, flood control, aquiferrecharge, water supply, floodplain system, climate regulation Ramsar Sites fulfill ecosystem functions within their water catchments reference to the EU Water Framework and Groundwater Directives Ramsar Site Ebro caring about climate change - means caring about wetlands- means caring about biodiversity climate change mitigation is all about carbon climate change adaptation is all about water wetlands store, release, purify, provide freshwater store about a fourth of the terrestrial carbon Ramsar Site peatbogs at pass 6

Ramsar s wiseuse concept protecting water-related ecosystems for sustainable development valuing ecosystem services paying for ecosystem services reference to UNECE Water Convention wetland products

7 Ramsar s wiseuse concept protecting water-related ecosystems for sustainable development valuing ecosystem services paying for ecosystem services reference to UNECE Water Convention wetland products (fish for tomorrow?) recreation, hunting, education and tourism storm and flood protection sediment and nutrient retention marine area of Bonifacio Guidance on culture and wetlands Ramsar covers man-made wetlands cultural aspects linkedto site management (history, tradition, archeology, beliefs) links between biological and cultural diversity humanactivitiesatwetlands: habitation, resource uses, social & spiritual activities cooperation with World Heritage lake Ohrid Albania-FYR 7

life Ramsar a unique, adaptable PA tool Ramsar Site Mabamba bay of lake congratulations to 100 yearsof nature

8 Ramsar s network use Ramsar sites as a spatial planning tool Guidelines for a systematic approach to identify priority ecosystems closinggaps in the global network of sites important for biodiversity and to sustain human life Ramsar a unique, adaptable PA tool Ramsar Site Mabamba bay of lake congratulations to 100 yearsof nature conservation in Estonia! by the first modern conservation treaty -readyfor furtheruse in Estonia --soonto celebrateas well 8

Draft Resolution on wetlands in polar and subpolar regions

RAMSAR CONVENTION ON WETLANDS 54th Meeting of the Standing Committee Gland, Switzerland, 23 27 April 2018 Submitted by Sweden Draft Resolution on wetlands in polar and subpolar regions SC54-Com.15 (21.14)