Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How does the Ramsar Convention help protect wetlands and migratory waterfowl?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Inland water ecosystem
Figure 1: Relationship between the density of pure water and temperature.
The Ramsar Convention is an international environmental treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide. It serves as a global framework for protecting these complex ecosystems, which are recognized as critical habitats for migratory waterbirds.12
The convention protects these areas through several key mechanisms:
- Designation of Ramsar Sites: Member states identify and designate wetlands of international importance based on their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological significance.12
- Prioritizing Waterfowl: The treaty specifically mandates that wetlands of international importance to waterfowl be prioritized for inclusion on the protected list.2
- Collaborative Support: The convention relies on technical expertise, implementation assistance, and funding from partner organizations, including Birdlife International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.12
- Research and Training: It promotes academic exchange, scientific research, and the training of personnel dedicated to wetland management.2