Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention)

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) is an international convention for the wise use and conservation of wetlands. The Convention defines wetlands as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters. It directs each Contracting Party to designate suitable wetlands within its territory for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the "List"). Wetlands should be selected for the List in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology, or hydrology. Wetlands of international importance to waterfowl at any season should be included. The Contracting Parties shall further promote the conservation of wetlands by establishing nature reserves on wetlands, whether included in the list or not.