SC52-Inf.Doc.01 Rev.1 52 Meeting of the Standing Committee ... · Meeting of the Standing Committee...

CONVENTION ON WETLANDS (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) 52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee Gland, Switzerland, 13-17 June 2016

SC52-Inf.Doc.01 Rev.1

52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee

List of meeting documents

Number Title SC52-01 Draft agenda and programme SC52-02 Progress with preparations for COP13 SC52-03 Consultancy support for the development of a strategy outlining the potential

phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention

SC52-04 Rev.2 Report of the Acting Secretary General SC52-06 Update on the status of Sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance SC52-07 Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium SC52-08 Secretariat Work Plan for 2016 SC52-09 Rev.1 Costs of actions to implement COP12 Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium SC52-10 Report of the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) and

amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan SC52-11 Rev.1 Update on Ramsar Regional Initiatives SC52-12 Proposals for new Ramsar Regional Initiatives SC52-13 Draft format for National Reports to COP13 SC52-14 Rev.1 Progress report on the implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation of the

Ramsar Convention SC52-15 Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with

Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions SC52-16 Rev.1 Update on formal agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar Convention and

partners SC52-17 World Wetlands Day themes SC52-18 Update on Ramsar financial matters SC52-19 Contracting Parties with outstanding annual contributions SC52-20 Report on the review of resource mobilization from all sources, especially as it

relates to fundraising SC52-Inf.Doc.01 Rev.1

List of meeting documents

SC52-Inf.Doc.02 Secretariat actions arising from SC51 Decisions SC52-Inf.Doc.03 Standing Committee actions arising from COP12 Resolutions and SC50 Decisions SC52-Inf.Doc.04 Ramsar Regional Initiatives: An assessment of their achievements by 2015 SC52-Inf.Doc.05 Update on a common communications strategy for Ramsar Regional Initiatives SC52-Inf.Doc.06 The Ramsar Culture Network and its contribution to the implementation of the

Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024


SC52-01

52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee

Draft agenda and programme Monday, 13 June 2016 08:15-09:45 Regional meetings 10:00-13:00 Meeting of the Management Working Group Uruguay (Standing Committee Chair, also serving as Chair of the Management Working Group), Australia (SC Vice-Chair), Senegal (Chair of the Sub-Group on Finance), Romania (outgoing SC Chair for the 2012-2015 triennium), South Africa (outgoing SC Vice-Chair), Canada (outgoing Chair of the Sub-Group on Finance). Other interested Contracting Parties: Fiji, Switzerland, UAE and USA. Chair of the STRP and Acting Secretary General (ex officio).

a. Update on the process of selecting the new Secretary General (verbal) b. Update from the Acting Secretary General on the eight-point Action Plan for the Secretariat

(verbal) c. Update from the Acting Secretary General on staffing matters (verbal)

13:15-14:45 Meeting of the Working Group on CEPA Implementation (Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, Kenya, Romania, Seychelles, United States of America) 15:00-15:30 Meeting of the Management Working Group (continued)

d. Report of the Working Group on CEPA Implementation 15:30-18:00 Meeting of the Sub-Group on Finance (Senegal (Chair), Canada (outgoing Sub-Group Chair), Australia, Estonia, Republic of Korea, Suriname, the United States of America)

a. Approval of 2015 financial statements (Doc. SC52-18 Update on Ramsar financial matters) b. 2016 budget review including review of consultancy contracts c. Update on payment of annual contributions (SC52-19 Contracting Parties with outstanding

annual contributions) d. Financial implications of COP12 Resolutions (SC52-09 Costs of actions to implement COP12

Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium)

Tuesday, 14 June 2016 08:15-09:45 Regional meetings 10:00-13:00 Meeting of the Sub-Group on COP13 (United Arab Emirates (Chair) as host country for COP13, Uruguay as host country for COP12, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Honduras, Romania, Tunisia)

a. Report from the host country, UAE b. Review of COP13 MOU

c. Review of Secretariat progress in organizing COP13 (SC52-02 Progress with preparations for

COP13) d. Update on COP13 fundraising

10:00-13:00 Meeting of the Working Group on Resource Mobilization (Colombia, Kenya, United States of America) (SC52-20 Report on the review of resource mobilization from all sources, especially as it relates to fundraising) 15:00-18:00 Meeting of the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives (SC52-11 Update on Ramsar Regional Initiatives) 15:00-18:00 Meeting of the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments (Kenya, Romania, Senegal, Switzerland, United States of America (Co-chair), Uruguay (Co-chair)) Wednesday, 15 June 2016 08:15-09:45 Regional meetings 10:00-13:00 Plenary Session of the Standing Committee

1. Opening statements

• Chair of the Standing Committee (Uruguay)

• Director General of IUCN

• Statement on behalf of the six International Organization Partners (IOPs)

• Acting Secretary General

2. Review and adoption of the Draft agenda (Doc. SC52-01 Draft agenda and programme and

SC52-Inf.Doc.01 List of meeting documents)

3. Admission of observers

4. Report of the Management Working Group

SC52-01 2

5. Report of the Sub-Group on COP13 (SC52-02 Progress with preparations for COP13)

6. Approval of terms of reference for a future language strategy for the Convention (SC52-03

Consultancy support for the development of a strategy outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention)

15:00-18:00 Plenary Session of the Standing Committee

7. Report of Acting Secretary General (SC52-04 Report of the Acting Secretary General )

8. Report on Secretariat actions arising from SC51 (SC52-Inf.Doc.02 Secretariat actions arising from

SC51 Decisions)

9. Report on actions arising from COP12 Resolutions (SC52-Inf.Doc.03 Standing Committee actions arising from COP12 Resolutions and SC50 Decisions)

10. Review process for Standing Committee documents (subject to consideration by the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments)

11. Update on the status of the Ramsar List (Doc. SC52-06 Update on the status of Sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance)

12. Secretariat work plans

a. Work plan for the 2016-2018 triennium (SC52-07 Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016-2018

triennium) b. Work plan for 2016 (SC52-08 Secretariat Work Plan for 2016)

13. Costs of actions to implement COP12 Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium (SC52-09 Costs of

actions to implement COP12 Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium) 18:00 Reception Thursday, 16 June 2016 08:15-09:45 Regional meetings 10:00-13:00 Plenary Session of the Standing Committee 14. Report of the Chair of the STRP (SC52-10 Report of the Chair of the Scientific and Technical

Review Panel (STRP) and amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan) a. STRP work plan for 2016-2018

15. Ramsar Regional Initiatives

a. Report of the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives (SC52-11 Update on Ramsar Regional Initiatives)

SC52-01 3

b. Assessment of existing Ramsar Regional Initiatives (SC52-Inf.Doc.04 Ramsar Regional

Initiatives: An assessment of their achievements by 2015)

c. Regional Initiatives communications strategy (SC52-Inf.Doc.05 Update on a common communications strategy for Ramsar Regional Initiatives)

d. Consideration of new Regional Initiatives (SC52-12 Proposals for new Ramsar Regional

Initiatives)

15:00-18:00 Plenary Session of the Standing Committee

16. Update on the preparation of the National Report format for COP13 (SC52-13 Draft format for National Reports to COP13)

17. Implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention according to Resolution XII.10 (SC52-14 Progress report on the implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention)

18. Update on the Ramsar Culture Network (SC52-Inf.Doc.06 The Ramsar Culture Network and its contribution to the implementation of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024)

Friday, 17 June 2016 08:15-09:45 Regional meetings 10:00-13:00 Plenary Session of the Standing Committee 19. Update on partnerships and synergies

a. Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral

Environmental Agreements and other institutions (SC52-15 Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions)

b. Progress on MOUs (SC52-16 Update on formal agreements and joint work plans of the

Ramsar Convention and partners)

20. CEPA and Secretariat Communications

a. Report of the CEPA Oversight Panel (verbal presentation) b. Revised CEPA Action Plan for the Ramsar Secretariat 2016-2018 c. Report on World Wetlands Day 2016 (verbal presentation) d. World Wetlands Day Themes for 2017 and 2018 (SC52-17 World Wetlands Day themes)

e. Update on the Ramsar web site and the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS) site

(verbal presentation)

SC52-01 4

15:00-18:00 Plenary Session of the Standing Committee 21. Report of the Sub-Group on Finance (SC52-18 Ramsar financial matters 2014/2015 and

SC52-19 Contracting Parties with outstanding annual contributions) 22. Report of the Working Group on Resource Mobilization (SC52-20 Report on the review of

resource mobilization from all sources, especially as it relates to fundraising)

23. Report of the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments

24. Other matters • Date and venue of the 53rd Meeting of the Standing Committee

• Adoption of the report of the 52nd Meeting

• Any other business

• Closing remarks

(Projected close of meeting: 18:00 on Friday, 17 June)

SC52-01 5


SC52-02

Progress with preparations for COP13

Background 1. During its 51st Meeting in November 2015 (SC51), Standing Committee took Decision SC51-16 to

“[…] establish a subgroup on COP13. The membership of the Subgroup would comprise one member of the Standing Committee from each region, with the host country, UAE, as Chair. Members are: COP13 host country, UAE (Chair), Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Honduras, Romania, Tunisia and Uruguay as host country for COP12.”

2. The UAE and the Secretariat propose that the Subgroup on COP13 review progress on COP13

preparations.

Progress on COP13 preparations 3. The UAE proposes that the venue of COP13 will be the Dubai World Trade Centre which is some

20 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

4. The Acting Secretary General and the Senior Regional Advisor for Asia-Oceania visited the conference venue on 16 January 2016 and discussed issues relevant to the preparation of COP13 with officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.

5. In order to avoid any overlap with other global gatherings, and considering the availability of the venue, it is proposed that COP13 take place over nine days, from Sunday 21 October to Monday 29 October 2018. The two initial days (21 and 22 October) will be for a Standing Committee meeting and regional meetings. There will be a day off for delegates and observers on Saturday 27 March to allow the Secretariat to edit and translate the draft final Resolutions.

6. Table 1 below notes possible clashes with other international conferences. The Secretariat will keep in contact with CBD in order to make sure that the dates of the COP are chosen bearing in mind the dates of the Ramsar COP13.

Actions requested: Standing Committee is invited: • to take note of progress since SC51 with preparations for the 13th meeting of the Conference

of the Contracting Parties (COP13), including the signing of the MOU with the Host Country the United Arab Emirates; and

• to approve the dates for COP13.

Table 1. Dates for COP13: Checking for possible clashes with other international conferences

Organization Meeting Dates of next session

Notes

CBD COP COP14 2018 (October-November - no dates fixed yet)

There may be a clash as the CBD COPs usually take place during the October-November period and in view of the dates of the UNFCCC COP24 scheduled for 5-16 November 2018).

CMS COP COP17 2017 (and then 2019)

Biennial cycle, no clash.

CITES COP COP17 2016 (and then 2019)

If CITES continues with the present triennial cycle of COPs, no clash.

CITES Standing Committee

SC70 8-12 October 2018 No clash.

UNCCD COP COP12 2017 (and then 2019)

Biennial cycle, no clash.

UNFCCC COP COP24 2018, 5-16 November

No clash.

World Heritage Convention Committee

Committee (42)

(June-July) 2018 The World Heritage Committee usually meets annually, in June or July. No clash.

Man and the Biosphere Programme

Council 28 June 2016 Meets annually. No information available yet for 2018, but as the Council normally meets mid-year no clash is expected.

UNESCO General Conference

2017 (and then 2019)

The GC meets every two years. No clash.

UN General Assembly (UNGA)

25 September- 10 October 2018

No clash.

UNECE Water Convention

MOP (2018, November ? dates not fixed yet)

Triennial cycle. UNECE Secretariat has taken note of Ramsar tentative dates and will avoid scheduling their MOP at the same time.

Memorandum of Understanding 7. An update will be provided on progress with signing of the MOU between the Secretariat and

the UAE.

SC52-02 2


SC52-03

Consultancy support for the development of a strategy outlining the potential

phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention

1. At the 12th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention, Resolution XII.3 was

adopted, which noted the interest of Parties in accommodating the use of Arabic and other official UN languages into the operation of the Ramsar Convention so as to support its further development and implementation.

2. Resolution XII.3 went on to request that the Secretariat develop a strategy, subject to the availability of resources, outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention. The Resolution also requested that the Standing Committee monitor the progress of this work and advise as necessary.

3. Attached at Annex 1 are draft Terms of Reference and budget for a consultancy to lead on the development of such a strategy and Standing Committee members are kindly requested to provide comments on this document and adopt a final version at SC52.

Action requested: 1. Standing Committee is invited to advise on and approve the terms of reference and budget

for a consultancy to develop a strategy outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention.

2. The draft strategy will be presented for discussion at SC53.

Annex 1 Terms of reference for consultancy support for the development of a strategy outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention 1. Background Currently, the “official” and “working” languages of the Ramsar Convention are English, French and Spanish. However, the Convention recognizes the importance of the work, communication materials and tools of the Convention being conducted and available in as many of the official languages of the United Nations as possible. The Convention has expressed this view through a number of documents, including: a. Recommendation 1.7 A protocol on amendment procedures [link] which called for the text of the

Convention to be translated into the UN languages; b. Resolution 4.2 Working languages of the Conference of the Contracting Parties which decided

that Spanish shall be a working language of the Conference of the Contracting Parties [link]; c. Recommendation 5.15 Working languages of the Conference of the Contracting Parties [link]

which called on the Convention Bureau to investigate the possibility of adopting Arabic as a working language of the Conference and also requested Arabic-speaking Parties and potential Parties to assist the Bureau in seeking the necessary funding support for the adoption of Arabic as a working language of the Conference;

d. Resolution XI.1 Institutional hosting of the Ramsar Secretariat [link] that instructed the Standing

Committee through an appropriate Working Group to develop a strategy to explore the accommodation of UN languages into the Convention;

e. SC47-02 Progress report: Subgroups to progress Resolution XI.1 (Convention languages, visibility

and ministerial COP segment, enhancing synergies with multilateral environmental agreements and other international entities) [link] which presented options and recommended a course of action to the Standing Committee Management Working Group on:

i. Ensuring that the plenary meetings of Conference of the Parties and Standing Committee

of the Ramsar Convention are delivered in the three official languages; and ii. Means for delivering the Ramsar Convention in additional UN Languages.

f. Decision SC47-07 [link] concerning accommodation of UN Languages under Resolution XI.1:

i. to address the longstanding differences in treatment of the three official Convention

languages; ii. to allocate resources from the current budget surplus to fund the costs of translating SC48

documents into French and Spanish;

SC52-03 2

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/key_rec_1.07e.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/res/key_res_4.2e.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/key_rec_5.15e.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/cop11-res01-e_0.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/sc47-doc02-subgroups.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/sc47-decisions.pdf

iii. to instruct the Secretariat to include within all draft core budget scenarios for 2016–2018, prepared for Parties´ consideration at SC48, the costs of translating all SC documents into French and Spanish;

iv. to continue considering translation of additional STRP documents into French and Spanish,

based on inputs by the Secretariat and the STRP, with a view to reviewing this issue at SC48; and

v. to request the Secretariat to prepare a draft text for a Resolution in response to Resolution

XI.1 for the consideration of SC48, addressing accommodation of the Arabic Language into the Convention, supported by: - analysis of legal considerations in relation to the Convention text as well as COP

Resolutions including the Rules of Procedure; and - options for a step-by-step introduction of Arabic into the work of the Convention,

subject to the availability of resources.

g. COP12 Document 17 Legal Brief: Opinion on the accommodation of Arabic and other UN languages into the Ramsar Convention [link] which addressed the accommodation of Arabic into the Convention, supported by: - analysis of legal considerations in relation to the Convention text and COP Resolutions; and - options for a step-by-step introduction of Arabic into the work of the Convention, subject

to the availability of resources. h. Resolution XII.3 Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature, and

increasing synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions [link] which requested that the Secretariat develop a strategy outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention.

These Terms of Reference for a consultancy are prepared in response to Resolution XII.3, which calls for the development of a strategy for the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention as “official” and “working” languages. The consultant will work under the guidance of the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention. 2. Expertise and profile of the Consultant The consultant should have the following experience and profile: a. At least ten years of experience and expertise on governmental/intergovernmental processes

and similar issues and on undertaking survey-based consultations and other forms of research; b. Knowledge of the scope, processes and implementation of (preferably) the Ramsar Convention,

or otherwise other multilateral environmental agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), or the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);

c. Full fluency in spoken and written English, with the ability to write clearly and simply in the

English language; fluency in another Convention language (French and/or Spanish) is a major advantage.

SC52-03 3

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/cop12_doc17_legal_brief_languages_e.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/cop12_res03_languages_etc_e.pdf

3. Work to be undertaken

a. To classify the language needs of the Convention according to the short, medium and long-term work of the Convention;

b. To identify barriers to effective translation, publishing and interpreting of the three official

languages of the Convention, and actions needed to overcome them including identification of additional resource needs and sources to accommodate inclusion of additional languages;

c. To propose ways forward to engage relevant Contracting Parties in finding a step-by-step

integration and financing of translations at meetings, of meeting documents and as appropriate of important Ramsar information documents into additional languages;

d. To propose a potential timeline for phased integration of procedural changes, key indicators,

and milestones for any UN languages added; and

e. To present details of the present cost of translation and interpretation into English, French and Spanish, and the proportional amount used from each Contracting Party’s annual contribution to cover such costs.

4. Timeline

Steps Indicative time for the work

Preparation and signature of contract

1. Meet the Ramsar Secretariat for the organization of the work and in consultation with the Secretariat, prepare and conduct a structured questionnaire-based survey of:

a) the short, medium and long-term language needs of the selected Ramsar Parties;

b) how other MEAs and relevant international organizations work to accommodate the use of the UN languages into their work; and

c) barriers to effective translation, publishing and interpreting of the three official languages of the Convention.

From the results of the survey and discussions, the consultant will propose a range of options for a gradual approach to include additional UN languages into the work of the Convention. Each of these options would outline the additional actions and resources needed for a step-by-step integration and financing of interpretation at meetings, the translation of meeting documents and as appropriate, of other key Ramsar documents. There also needs to be consideration of possible translation of the Ramsar website into the additional UN languages. The consultant will also use the survey results to provide options for overcoming the barriers to the full and effective use of the three existing languages of the Convention.

All of the options provided will include a budget and timeline for the phased integration of necessary procedural changes, key indicators, and milestones associated with that option. It will also require an analysis of the possible

20 days

SC52-03 4

means of financing these additional actions.

A list of those consulted should include, among others, a cross-section of Contracting Party national focal points from countries whose first language is one of the UN languages, representatives of other MEAs and relevant organizations, and Ramsar Secretariat staff as needed. The Secretariat has prepared a working list (with contact details) of relevant Parties and organizations to consult.

Consultations may be conducted by using a variety of methods, including email, telephone and face-to-face interviews, and web-based tools such as Skype, SurveyMonkey and the listserves and web portals maintained by the Ramsar Secretariat.

2. Prepare and submit a report summarizing the consultation process results and discuss with the Ramsar Secretariat. 6 days

3. Based on the discussions with the Ramsar Secretariat, prepare a first outline draft of the Strategy for consideration by the Ramsar Secretariat. 4 days

4. On the basis of further comment from the Ramsar Secretariat, prepare a second draft of the Strategy for submission to the Management Working Group for further discussions.

3 days

5. Presentation of the revised draft of the Strategy to the 53rd meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee (SC53). Resource permitting, the consultant could participate and present the draft Strategy at the meeting.

5 days

6. From the comments received at SC53, develop the final draft of the Strategy. 4 days

5. Consultant deliverables a. Reports from the consultation survey and meetings with the various stakeholder groups; b. Detailed draft of Strategy for the potential phased integration of UN languages into the work of

the Convention including details of the present cost of translation and interpretation into English, French and Spanish, and the proportional amount used from Contracting Parties’ annual contribution to cover such costs.

6. Budget The one-off fee for the consultancy is CHF 30,000 based on the above work and estimated 42 days work over three months, including attendance at SC53 to present the second draft of the Strategy.

SC52-03 5


SC52-04 Rev.2

Report of the Acting Secretary General

1. The Acting Secretary General has prepared this report responding to the relevant COP12

Resolution for reporting by the Secretary General, as well as to the Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration as established by the Executiv e Committee (Annex 1).

2. Paragraph 7.c of Resolution XII.4 instructs the Secretary General to prepare reports “containing information on the progress of work of the Secretariat with focus on the main priorities adopted by the COP, the Secretariats’ travelling and meetings etc., as well as the status of the core and non-core budget, and including an overview of the staff and consultancy contracts”.

3. The Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration identified the following critical

priorities for action by the Secretariat during this period (Annex 1):

• MOU for the COP13 (and other MOUs deemed appropriate by the Executive Team); • An audit of the Budget to ensure it properly aligns to priorities; • Preparations for SC52 in 2016; • Complete implementation of working webpage and RSIS; • Review consultancies and rationalize where possible; • Review resource mobilization, especially as it relates to fund-raising, to ensure the capture

of work undertaken already so that an incoming SG is in a position to reinvigorate this programme. This review should be undertaken in conjunction with the Resource Mobilization Working Group;

• Evaluation of COP12. 4. The triennium workplan for the Secretariat was planned in a collaborative way with the

involvement of all Secretariat staff members, guided by the goals and targets of the 4th Strategic Plan 2016-2024, as well as by the specific actions of the Secretariat requested in the COP12 Resolutions. The annual workplan for 2016 was extracted from the triennium workplan. Both documents are presented to SC52 under agenda item 12 (Documents SC52-07 and SC52-08). All staff members have developed their individual workplans for 2016 upon these activities and tasks, grouped under Ramsar’s 4 Strategic goals. In addition, the Secretariat is focusing on the Executive Team’s priorities, also included in the 2016 workplan.

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to take note of the Acting Secretary General’ s report, based

upon : • Resolution XII.4 paragraph 7.c; and • Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration, a document prepared by the Executive

Team and received by the Acting Secretary General on 26 November 2015.

5. As specifically requested in Resolution XII.3 paras. 44 and 46), and as discussed in SC51, the Secretariat facilitated the selection of regional representatives and also participated in the cooperation workshop led by CBD in February 2016, together with all the other biodiversity-related Conventions (CITES, CMS, IPPC, World Heritage Convention, IPGRFA). The Ramsar representatives according to the CBD regions were as follows: for Africa, Kenya; for Asia and the Pacific, Nepal; for GRULAC, Colombia; for CEE, Armenia; for WEOG, the USA. The workshop concluded that there was no need for new tools for cooperation, but to strengthen existing tools (such as InforMEA), and in particular to focus upon strengthening capacity-building efforts jointly at various levels. In terms of indicators it was found that there was a growing coherence of effort under the Sustainable Development Goals and the Aichi Biodiversity targets, with SDG indicators soon to be finalized (in the meeting of the UNSC in Mexico, March 2016).

6. Within the Secretariat, an internal Management Team has been set up and approved by the

Executive Team, consisting of the Acting Secretary General, the four Senior Regional Advisers, the Head of Communications and the Executive Assistant. The Management Team meets monthly and focuses upon implementing the Action Plan based upon the Executive Team’s priorities. The points of the Action Plan (as given in 3 above) will each be taken in turn.

7. COP13 MOU. For COP13 planning purposes, the ASG and the SRA for Asia-Oceania visited Dubai

to meet the Undersecretary and the national COP13 Organizing Committee, and to view the proposed venue and the accommodation available. The MOU for COP13 is under active discussion between the Secretariat and the United Arab Emirates, and has been revised with an annex including the actual costs of COP12. A COP13 task force has been formed within the Secretariat to help the COP13 Coordinator (the SRA for Asia-Oceania) manage the preparations.

8. Other MOUs. The MOUs with the Nagao Foundation and with UNEP (both presented to SC51)

have been revised and are with the respective partners for comment. As set out in Decision SC51-20, “the Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to pursue renewal of the agreement with Stetson University College of Law and other necessary renewal processes.” Accordingly, other MOUs that have been renewed and signed include the MOU with Stetson University; the “interface arrangements” with OCHA; the MOU with Danone-Evian; and the MOU with Star Alliance (as set out in Document SC 52-16 Rev.1).

9. Written arrangements for the Ramsar Regional Centre-East Asia (RRC-EA). A bilateral

agreement between the RRC-EA and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat was signed on 15 December 2015. The full text is appended to Document SC52-16 Rev.1. This bilateral agreement was agreed by all participating Contracting Parties in East and South-east Asia. It is not an MOU, but a renewal of the existing arrangements under which the RRC-EA was set up in 2010 under the Operational Guidelines 2009-2012. The agreement was defined in accordance with paragraph 6 of the “Operational Guidelines 2013-2015 for Regional Initiatives in the framework of the Convention on Wetlands” approved by Decision SC46-28 (2013) which states that: “The complementary roles of the coordinating mechanisms of Regional Initiatives and the Ramsar Secretariat, including their respective responsibilities, may be defined in written arrangements, if agreed by all participating Contracting Parties.” Meanwhile, the arrangements for hosting of the Centre were addressed through a tripartite agreement between the Steering Committee of the RRC-EA, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, and the Mayor of Suncheon City on 31 December 2015, without the involvement of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

10. Budget audit. The Ramsar Convention Secretariat will have the usual audit of its finances carried

out by external auditors PriceWaterhouseCoopers, in April 2016. Currently the Secretariat is also undergoing an inhouse audit, carried out by the IUCN Oversight Unit. This is a standard

SC52-04 Rev.2 2

procedure carried out each time the head of a unit leaves within IUCN. In addition, the budget is under continuous review to ensure that any activity or expenditure is closely linked with an item in the workplan, and hence that the budget aligns with the priorities as set out in the Strategic Plan, the COP12 Resolutions and the Executive Team’s priorities. A full report on the status of the core and non-core budget for 2015 is covered in Document SC52-18.

11. SC52 preparations. Preparations for SC52 are under way with the rooms booked, contracts

prepared for the interpreters and the rapporteur, and all documents prepared, ensuring that format and quality are in line with other international conventions. The English version of the documents is being posted online on 11 March 2016, i.e. 3 months before the meeting itself which is taking place 13-17 June 2016. The French and Spanish versions are posted the following week to give the translation team time to do its work. The draft SC52 agenda and programme, and the list of documents, were approved by the Executive Team prior to posting, and this included efforts to identify potential overlaps between members of SC Working Groups and Sub-Groups, and revising the scheduling of these groups in order to avoid clashes. A process for Parties’ review of SC documents was submitted for the consideration of the Executive Team, and following substantial revision has now been submitted to the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments.

12. Implementation of working webpage and RSIS. The structure of the new website now contains all items from the old website. The library menu and search function have been restructured and optimized, based on feedback from Parties and SRAs. A search engine expert has advised on ‘optimising’ search performance at no extra cost. The format of hyperlinks has been altered, making them more visible within web pages. Sort titles have been added to library documents for 549 diplomatic notes, over 500 resolutions, over 600 COP and SC documents in order to facilitate the search for documents.

13. Implementation of working webpage and RSIS (continued). World Wetlands Day materials

from 2001-2014 have been added (over 800 items). Broken links have been fixed. Resources from the Wise Use library have been uploaded. Over 1,300 news items have been imported from the old website. About 100 STRP documents have been added to the library, and STRP integration is ongoing. The Ramsar Culture Network has been integrated. Altogether 11 additional webpages have been added, in all 3 languages. Further actions on the Ramsar website are ongoing, and a user satisfaction survey will be conducted to test the improvement in the website.

14. Implementation of working webpage and RSIS (continued). On the RSIS, the priority actions

have been to input information not transferred in the migration from the previous platform, to add missing maps, and to highlight transboundary sites. Of the 479 missing maps, all the existing paper maps of sufficient quality (391) have been scanned into the system, having found an oversized scanning unit for the very large paper maps. Work is ongoing with the SRAs and Assistants to obtain missing maps (27) or to revise poor quality maps (61). In order to facilitate the site update process by the Parties, three training videos are being developed, featuring real time examples of RSIS usage. Transboundary Ramsar sites have been highlighted both on the RSIS and the Ramsar home website and search function. For the missing site information that was not transferred in the migration from the previous platform (including species lists), Parties are currently being contacted to ask whether the Secretariat may input the data from the existing Ramsar Information Sheets where the data is located. This data will have to be transferred into the RSIS manually, and the proposal is to train students to do this work over the summer. This is not an update, and all data will need to be double-checked before uploading.

SC52-04 Rev.2 3

15. Review of consultancies. All contracts (current and future) have been reviewed and the

contract format itself has been revised with advice from IUCN. IUCN procurement training sessions have been attended by the majority of Ramsar staff, and the remaining staff will attend a training session later in March 2016. Annex 2 shows a table with consultancies as at 31 December 2015, updating the previous table in document SC51-18 Annex 4. All previous consultancy contracts are now closed with the exception of two open projects, both paid for with non-core funds. The first open contract is for supporting three ongoing wetland restoration projects, under an agreement with NORAD, and the second is for supporting the Ramsar Culture Network, under an agreement with the MAVA Foundation. So far in 2016, new consultancy contracts have been drawn up with interpreters for SC52, with the rapporteur for SC52, with a layout designer for publishing the updated Ramsar Convention Manual and the 4th Strategic Plan (all with core funding) and with two translators for translating essential documents into Russian (non-core funding).

16. Review of Resource Mobilization. The responsibilities of the former Partnership Coordinator

were reallocated among staff members, pending the recruitment of a new staff member in this position. The expired Danone and Star Alliance agreements were both revitalised, with visits undertaken to Paris (for Danone) and to Frankfurt (for Star Alliance), and both agreements have now been renewed for a further 12 months. A review of resource mobilization from all sources has also been undertaken, especially as it relates to fund-raising. This information is provided in Document SC52-20. The document shows that a total amount of CHF 560,500 in non-core funding has been raised so far for activities in 2016, in order to support RAMs, STRP tasks, Russian translation, small grants (funded bilaterally) and InforMEA integration. The Secretariat has also been supporting Parties and Ramsar Regional Initiatives in putting together large project proposals for funding, to a total amount of USD 28,467,000 in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The project proposals are to IKI, GEF and the JRS Biodiversity Foundation and have been submitted. There are further project proposals to GEF and other sources which are currently being drafted.

17. Evaluation of COP12. The COP12 briefing report was finalized. The full COP12 proceedings

including all presentations and documents will shortly be published on a separate webpage in all 3 languages, and a flashdrive containing the COP12 proceedings can be requested from the Secretariat. A Secretariat workshop was held on 15 December 2016 on the topic of COP processes, with very useful input from a senior CITES staff member on how CITES COPs are organized. The Ramsar COP Manual was revised with the input of all staff, and was published electronically on 19 February 2016.

18. The following Diplomatic Notes have been issued to all Parties by the Secretariat so far in 2016 :

• Diplomatic Note 2016/1 : Annual Contributions 2016 (20 January 2016) • Diplomatic Note 2016/2 : Report and decisions of the 51st meeting of the Standing

Committee (16 February 2016) • Diplomatic Note 2016/3 : Secretary General of the Convention : Vacancy Announcement (22

February 2016 • Diplomatic Note 2016/4 : Invitation to join the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional

Initiatives (23 February 2016) 19. Travel reports : Details of all missions of senior staff members with dates and the outcomes of

the missions are provided in Annex 3, for December 2015 - February 2016. All detailed travel reports on these missions are available on request, and are archived within the Secretariat.

SC52-04 Rev.2 4

Annex 1 Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration The Deputy Secretary General (DSG) is appointed Acting Secretary General and is provided with enhanced support and supervision in this caretaker role. The key elements of that support and supervision are: 1) Organization/Administration

− Secretariat structure remains as is and the DSG will also continue to perform the duties of DSG;

− DSG can be appointed for up to a year (the period should be shorter than this) − DSG receives an appropriate allowance consistent with IUCN policy; − DSG will have those duties and responsibilities of the SG position which are consistent with

a caretaker regime (for example this would mean no significant changes to structure and policy nor extensive international travel). The exact nature of this arrangement will be determined by the Executive Team in consultation with the IUCN.

− DSG will be formally evaluated at an appropriate time. − DSG may apply for the vacant SG post but she will be provided with unequivocal advice

that acting in the SG position will not result in preferential treatment in that recruitment process

− Consistent with established IUCN practice, responsibilities of the DSG position may be assigned (in consultation with the Executive Team) to other Secretariat staff as appropriate and necessary. Under these circumstances allowances will be paid consistent with IUCN policy;

− The DSG will be asked to develop a strategy (for review and endorsement by the Executive Team) to foster and enhance an improved culture of collaboration and performance by Secretariat staff. This strategy to incorporate an unequivocal focus on serving Contracting Parties’ needs and also address critical training needs of the staff (subject to budget availability).

− DSG will review the Secretariat’s work programme and, in consultation with the Executive Team, determine critical priorities to be undertaken by the Secretariat for the period of her acting role. Those priorities will include (but are not limited to): a. MOU for the COP13 (and other MOUs deemed appropriate by the Executive Team); b. An audit of the Budget to ensure it properly aligns to priorities; c. Preparations for SC52 in 2016; d. Complete implementation of working webpage and RSIS; e. Review consultancies and rationalize where possible; f. Review resource mobilization, especially as it relates to fund-raising, to ensure the

capture of work undertaken already so that an incoming SG is in a position to reinvigorate this program. This review should be undertaken in conjunction with the Resource Mobilization Working Group;

g. Evaluation of COP12.

SC52-04 Rev.2 5

2) Executive Team Supervision and Support*

− Executive Team (ET) will consider assigning specific responsibilities for supervision amongst its members to complement the Team’s existing supervision role

− ET will work actively with DSG in initial period to facilitate and oversight priority setting and allocation of staff resources

− ET will determine optimal management and co-ordination arrangements to improve communication with and oversight of DSG (eg rather than individual responses to requests from DSG, ET will consider as a group with agreed decisions communicated via Chair)

− ET will utilise videoconferences, teleconferences and other means for its own discussions and for regular, formal contact with the DSG and the Secretariat. The Permanent Observer from Switzerland will assist through local engagement where possible;

− ET will have a concurrence role for all staff appointments and terminations as well as Secretariat travel

− ET members will consider augmentations of support and resourcing arrangements within their own agencies for the interim period

− ET will actively engage with former ET for advice and assistance * Noting that these proposals reflect a major expansion of the duties of the Executive Team (with consequential resource implications) and further noting that this expanded role will not persist once a new SG is appointed. The long-term expectation is for the Ramsar Secretariat to function more independently in a way consistent with the best practice of other conventions.

SC52-04 Rev.2 6

Annex 2

Table of Consultancy Contracts as at 31 December 2015

Consultant

Contract Amount CHF

Description Core/Non-core Funds Source of funds Open /

Closed

Cadmus, Rob 43,600 NORAD Project, Project Management Non-core NORAD Open

DJ Environmental (T.Jones) 3,600 Convention Manual Prep., 7th edition Core Core Closed

Persse, Emily 7,000 Ramsar Collection, Uruguay Non-core Development Budget Closed Reardon, Vince 6,475 Wetland and sustainable livlihoods Non-core Danone Closed Lyratzaki, Irini 1,000 Analysis, Ramsar culture member prospects Non-core MAVA Closed Papayannis, Thymio 2,700 Project Concept, cultural practices Non-core MAVA Closed Yacot, Analia 6,133 360 degree feedback Core Core Closed

Casallas, Sara 19,621 COP12 Support Core SC47 Decision: 2013 surplus Closed

Pritchard, David 4,800 RAM Site 802 Norway Non-core Ramsar Advisory Mission funded by Norway Closed

Persse, Emily 7,000 COP12 Communications Support Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Yacot, Analia 7,239 360 degree feedback Core Core Closed Byrnes, Wendy 7,750 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Valdovinos, Juan Carlos 6,975 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed

Bennett Baxter, Ana 5,425 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Fabre, Hélène 4,550 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Desruisseaux, Ginette 3,250 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Milev, Christiane 5,850 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Devitre, Danièle 7,750 COP12 Translation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Huntington, Veronica 4,000 Temporary Communications Support Core Core Closed

SC52-04 Rev.2 7

Consultant

Contract Amount CHF

Description Core/Non-core Funds Source of funds Open /

Closed

Huntington, Veronica 6,000 Temporary Communications Support Core Core Closed Jenkins, Martin 8,250 COP12 Rapporteur Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Rutherford, Catherine 7,500 COP12 Rapporteur Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Peck, Dwight 5,500 COP12 Documentation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed

Pritchard, David 32,500 Celebrating Culture and Wetlands Non-core

MAVA (Original contract closed, an extension until end of March 2018 (as per MAVA agreement) was signed February 2016

Open

Cadmus, Rob 26,738 Natural Infrastructure project manager Non-core NORAD Closed Huntington, Veronica 9,000 COP12 Communications Support Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed

Waite, Charlie 7,000 Landscape Photographer WWD 2015, Awards, photos etc. Non-core Development Budget Closed

WCMC 4,000 Wetland Extent Index Core STRP Implementation Closed Fry, Eve 15,000 Preparation of Water/Wetlands events Non-core Development Budget Closed Persse, Emily 15,000 Events Coordinator (WWD) Non-core Development budget Closed Persse, Emily 5,000 Temporary Communications Support Core Core Closed Tim Jones 5,600 SC 48 Rapporteur Core Core Closed RM Wetlands 4,000 Briefing note - ecosystem services Core STRP Implementation Closed RM Wetlands 3,200 STRP-preparation of paper on REDD Plus Core STRP Implementation Closed Interpreters (12) 135,000 COP12 Interpretation Non-core COP12 budget MOU Closed Interpreters (6) 27,000 SC48 Interpretation Core Core Closed

CISDL 90,000 Legal services: RoP, ICJ, COP12, IUCN, contracts, MOUs etc Core Core Closed

Total 561,007

SC52-04 Rev.2 8

Annex 3 Table of Senior Staff Travel

Dates of travel Location and name of conference/meeting

Motivation Cost to Ramsar

Ania Grobicki, Acting Secretary General

3-4 December 2015 Paris, COP21 Meeting with Bernard Giraud to discuss the renewal of the Danone Agreement: this was extremely urgent as the 5-year agreement with Danone expired in December 2015. COP21 : Speaker at panel on “Adaptation in Deltas”; meeting of “Paris Pact” signatories on water and climate; meetings with representatives of Contracting Parties, IOPs and other high level representatives.

CHF 1,568.64

10-11 December 2015

Paris, COP21

Opening speech of African session at the Climate Generation Pavilion.

CHF 588.90

13 January 2016 Frankfurt, Germany Day trip to meet with Star Alliance CEO Mark Schwab, to discuss renewal and expansion of agreement

CHF 54.— (flights covered by Star Alliance)

17-21 January 2016 Dubai and Abu Dhabi Meeting with high-level officials of the UAE in Dubai for COP 13 preparations; and participation in International Water Summit, Abu Dhabi (speaker in panel on Water adaptation strategies to combat climate change and natural disasters)

CHF 1,318.78

01-02 February 2016 Tehran and Isfahan, Iran Invitation from Iran to meet with the Vice President, Dr Ebtekar, the UNDP Res.Rep. and the new director of the RRC-CWA; attending WWD 2016 celebration in Isfahan with the Governor General of Isfahan Province; visiting Gavkhouni wetland

CHF 295.70 (flights covered by Iran)

10-11 February 2016 Paris Participate in MedWet/Com12 governance meeting of the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative and give closing speech

CHF 481

SC52-04 Rev.2 9

Camilla Chalmers, Head of Communications

13.01.16 Frankfurt Star Alliance 2016 MOU agreement and meeting CEO Mark Schwab CHF 42.60 (flights covered by Star Alliance)

15.01.16 Evian Pre Curieux Meeting Kick off meeting with all stakeholders in project to agree strategy and funding lead by Evian Mayor

CHF 114.16

01.02.16 Iran WWD 2016 Invitation from Iran to attend WWD and facilitate a CEPA workshop at Lake Urmia

CHF 295.70 (flights covered by Iran)

Paul Ouedraogo, Senior Advisor, Africa

3 to 11 December 2015

UNFCC COP21 Paris Hold 3 Side Events on behalf of the Ramsar Convention Bilateral meeting with CPs and potential donors

CHF 2407.5

25.01 to 3.02.2016 2016 WWD in Burkina Faso; Certificate on Wetland Local Governance

Ramsar is assisting University of Ouagadougou to implement a Certificate on Wetland Local Governance.

CHF 400

7 to 10/02/2016 MedWet/Com 12 Assist Northern Africa CPs for their inputs within meeting documents Advise Northern Africa CPs to carry out actions on updating their Ramar Site RIS (107 RIS to be updated)

CHF 432,1 Euros 330 to be reimbursed to MedWet

Maria Rivera, Senior Advisor – Americas

7-10 December 2015 Trinidad & Tobago Country visit

Country visit to discuss with AA implementation and attendance to the 50th Anniversary of the Pointe-a- Pierre Wildfowl Trust.

CHF 2,644

Lew Young, Senior Advisor, Asia-Oceania

Jan 15-18 Dubai (UAE) COP13 preparation: First meeting in Dubai to discuss preparations for COP13, e.g. visit the proposed venue and hotel, make progress with the MoU etc.

CHF 1,300

Jan 19-22 Cambridge (UK) First meeting of the IUCN Task Force on “other effective area- CHF 400

SC52-04 Rev.2 10

based conservation measures” (OECMs): The aims was to help frame the core questions and areas for further consideration prior to providing guidance to CBD about the interpretation and application of OECMs. People have stressed the importance of OECMs to the Ramsar Convention as Ramsar Sites do not always meet the IUCN definition of a protected area.

Jan 30 to Feb 5 Pokhara (Nepal) WWD 2016 celebrations: Celebration of the designation of the Lake-Cluster of Pokhara Valley Ramsar Site and meeting with the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) concerning cooperation on wetlands in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region.

CHF 1,300

Tobias Salathe, Senior Advisor, Europe

1-2 Dec 2015 Paris, COP21 Participate in 2 peatland side-events CHF 795

1-3 Feb 2016 Brest, France Participate in French national launch of WWD CHF 691

7-12 Feb 2016 Paris Participate in MedWet/Com12 governing meeting of the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative

CHF 931

SC52-04 Rev.2 11


SC52-06

Update on the status of Sites on the List of Wetlands of International

Importance

Background 1. This update fulfils the reporting requirements as determined by the 35th meeting of the

Standing Committee (SC35) through decision SC35-28 that “the reporting on the status of Ramsar Sites should be an agenda item for every Standing Committee meeting”.

2. It provides an update on the status of Ramsar Sites based on information received by the

Secretariat from 10 June 2015 to 3 February 2016. The previous update was submitted to Contracting Parties in Doc. SC51-16, which provided all information received by the Secretariat until the closure of COP12 on 9 June 2015.

Overview Newly designated Ramsar Sites 3. As of 3 February 2016, a total of 2,231 Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites)

were designated, covering 214,936,005 hectares. 4. 21 new Ramsar Sites, covering a total of 1,041,377 hectares, were added to the List during the

period under review. Annex 1 of this report provides a list of the Sites. Two Transboundary Ramsar Sites have been designated: the Wadden Sea, by Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands (composed of 13 existing Ramsar Sites); and the Olmany-Perebrody mires by Belarus and Ukraine (composed of two existing Ramsar Sites).

Extensions, restrictions or deletions of existing Ramsar Sites (Article 2.5) 5. During the period under review, two Parties significantly extended the boundaries and area of

one existing Ramsar Site each: Madagascar (Parc national Tsimanampesotse, from 45,604 ha to 203,740 ha); and Mozambique (Zambezi Delta, from 688,000 ha to 3,171,172 ha).

Actions requested: Standing Committee is invited: • to take note of the updated report on the status of Sites on the List of Wetlands of

International Importance; • to advise on activities to be undertaken by regional representatives on the Standing

Committee and those Contracting Parties directly concerned; and • to instruct the Secretariat as appropriate on specific measures to be taken on the longest-

running Article 3.2 files.

6. No Ramsar Sites were deleted from the List during the review period.

7. The resulting trends in the total number and area of Ramsar Sites are shown at Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1: Cumulative number of Ramsar Sites, 1974 – 3 February 2016

Figure 2: Cumulative area of Ramsar Sites, 1974 – 3 February 2016

Regular updating of Ramsar Site information 8. Between 10 June 2015 and 3 February 2016, eight Parties provided updated or missing data for

29 Ramsar Sites. More details are listed in Annex 2. In addition, five Parties submitted updated Ramsar Information Sheets (RIS) for 15 Sites that are currently being processed by the Secretariat, or for which further information has been requested from the Contracting Party.

9. For 1,308 Ramsar Sites (58% of all 2,231 Sites) within the territory of 142 Parties, significant

information is out of date or missing. More information on the missing or outdated data is given in Annexes 3a and 3b.

10. During the period under review, paper maps for 342 Ramsar Sites have been scanned and

uploaded into the Ramsar Sites Information Service. 72 more paper maps are in the process of being adapted so they can be uploaded. The number of Ramsar Sites that are missing maps completely has been reduced to 27 sites, although a further 32 maps are not adequate and are being followed up by the regional teams.

0

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ites

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50,000,000

100,000,000

150,000,000

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1980

1983

1986

1989

1992

1995

1998

2001

2004

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Tota

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SC52-06 2

11. Paragraphs 12 and 13 of Resolution XII.6 urge the Parties in whose territories lie Ramsar Sites

for which the RIS or map have not been submitted since the time of designation to provide such information as a matter of urgency and in advance of SC51. The Ramsar Secretariat has contacted all relevant Contracting Parties and the updated report on all outstanding cases is presented in Annex 3a.

12. Contracting Parties are requested through Resolution XII.6 to fulfil, as a matter of urgency, the

terms of Resolution VI.13 and submit updated information on Ramsar Sites at least every six years using the most up-to-date format of the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS), now available online through the new Ramsar Sites Information Service, and also to use this RIS for designating new Sites and extending existing Sites.

Changes in the ecological character of specific Ramsar Sites: Article 3.2 reports 13. Article 3.2 requires Parties to inform the Secretariat if the ecological character of a Site has

changed, is changing or is likely to change as the result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. All Parties are encouraged to seek to restore their function and ecological character. Such cases are termed “Article 3.2 files”.

14. Annex 4a lists the status of the 128 Ramsar Sites with “confirmed Article 3.2 files” initially

reported by the Administrative Authority or reported by third parties and confirmed by the Administrative Authority.

15. Annex 4b lists the status of 66 Ramsar Sites for which human-induced negative changes in

ecological character have been reported by third parties, but have not yet been confirmed by the Administrative Authority.

16. The combined total of 194 Sites listed in Annexes 4a and 4b during the period under review

represents a similar number to the one reported for the previous period. This suggests that wetlands are still threatened, but also suggests closer attention by the Parties to the potential loss of ecological character of Sites and the interest of civil society in the status of wetlands.

17. During the review period, the Secretariat received new confirmed Article 3.2 files regarding nine

Ramsar Sites from Contracting Parties, and new files regarding six Ramsar Sites from other sources not yet confirmed by the Administrative Authority.

18. Annexes 4a and 4b also summarize the Sites for which no new information has been received.

Information is particularly lacking for open files in Bangladesh (Sundarbans Forest Reserve, Site no. 560), Belize (Sarstoon Temash National Park, 1562), Greece (Messolonghi lagoons, 62; Amvrakikos gulf, 61; Axios Ludias Aliakmon delta, 59; Kotychi Lagoons, 63; Lake Vistonis Porto Lagos Lake Ismaris & adjoining lagoons, 55; Lakes Volvi & Koronia, 57; Messolonghi lagoons, 62; Nestos delta & adjoining lagoons, 56), India (Wular Lake, 461; Hairke Lake, 462; Sambhar Lake, 464; Ashtamudi Lake, 1204; Deepor Beel, 1207; East Calcutta Wetlands, 1208; Sasthamkotta Lake, 1212; Vembanand-Kol, 1214), and the Netherlands (Bargerveen, 581).

19. During the period under review, reported changes in ecological character were resolved and

Article 3.2 files were reported by Administrative Authorities as closed for two Ramsar Sites. 20. As a result of the lack of regular updates and information on potential or open Article 3.2 files

from Ramsar Sites, and as previously indicated to SC48, the Secretariat would like to receive

SC52-06 3

from SC52 recommendations on how to give to the most serious Article 3.2 cases greater support to achieve rapid resolution of the issues. For this purpose, Annex 4a of this report also highlights the 107 longest-running files open for two years or more.

21. For Ramsar Sites for which no update has been received for six years or more, the Secretariat

will follow up with the Administrative Authorities in the countries concerned, and Parties are urged to report to the Secretariat in time for SC52, and subsequently to each Standing Committee meeting, their status and any steps taken to address any changes or likely changes in their ecological character.

22. The Secretariat also requests that the regional representatives on the Standing Committee

provide their support, for example by consulting directly with the Parties concerned, in order that “information on such changes [will] be passed without delay to the [Ramsar Secretariat]”, as stipulated in Article 3.2 of the Convention.

Montreux Record and Ramsar Advisory Missions 23. Of 126 open Article 3.2 files, 47 were included on the Montreux Record as of 3 February 2016.

During this period, no other Sites were removed from the Montreux Record, and two Ramsar Advisory Missions were carried out in Italy (Laguna di Venezia: Valle Averto) and Norway (Nordre Tyrifjord).

24. The Secretariat will contact the concerned Parties to provide information at SC53 on all open Article 3.2 Files, including Montreux Record Sites, so that there is more consistency of approach with all Sites that are at risk of loss of ecological character.

Annexes 1 Newly designated Ramsar Sites added to the List, 10 June 2015 - 3 February 2016

2 List of Sites for which the Parties have provided updated Ramsar Information Sheets and maps,

including missing RISs and maps, 10 June 2015 - 3 February 2016. 3a List of 40 Ramsar Sites for which either the RIS or an adequate map has never been submitted

to the Secretariat since designation. 3b List of Contracting Parties from which at least one updated Ramsar Information Sheet is needed

after six years or more of no update (1,305 Ramsar Sites). 4a Status of Ramsar Sites with reports of human-induced negative changes having occurred,

occurring or likely to occur (Article 3.2). 4b Status of Ramsar Sites with reports of human-induced negative changes having occurred,

occurring or likely to occur.

SC52-06 4

Annex 1

Newly designated Ramsar Sites added to the List1, 10 June 2015 - 3 February 2016

Country Site No.

Site Name Designation Date

Area (ha)

Argentina 2255 Delta del Paraná 03/10/2015 243,126 Belarus 2252 Polesye Valley of River Bug 29/05/2014 23,159 Belarus 2251 Vileity 30/09/2014 8,452 Belarus 2250 Servech 29/05/2014 9,068 Belarus 2244 Dnieper River Floodplain 29/05/2014 29,353 Brazil 2259 Atol das Rocas Biological Reserve 11/12/2015 35,186 Burkina Faso 2253 Barrage de Tougouri 02/02/2016 1,221 Burkina Faso 2254 Bassin de Nakanbé-Mané 02/02/2016 19,477 Burkina Faso 2258 Barrage de Yalgo 02/02/2016 4,522.36 Cambodia 2245 Prek Toal Ramsar Site 02/10/2015 21,342 China 2246 Zhangye Heihe Wetland National Nature

Reserve 16/10/2015 41,165

China 2248 Anhui Shengjin Lake National Nature Reserve

16/10/2015 33,340

China 2249 Guangdong Nanpeng Archipelago Wetlands 16/10/2015 35,679 France 2247 Marais Vernier et Vallée de la Risle

maritime 18/12/2015 9,564

Iraq 2240 Sawa Lake 03/03/2014 500 Iraq 2241 Central Marshes 07/04/2014 219,700 Iraq 2242 Hammar Marsh 07/04/2014 180,000 Kuwait 2239 Mubarak Al-Kabeer Reserve 05/09/2015 50,948 Myanmar 2256 Indawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary 02/02/2016 47,884 Nepal 2257 Lake Cluster of Pokhara Valley 02/02/2016 26,106 United States of America

2243 Chiwaukee Illinois Beach Lake Plain 25/09/2015 1,584

1 This list includes Sites with earlier date of designation

SC52-06 5

Annex 2 List of Sites for which the Parties provided updated Ramsar Information Sheets and maps, including missing RISs and maps, 10 June 2015 - 3 February 20162.

Country Site No.

Site Name Designation Date

Area (ha) Type

Belgium 1405 Les Hautes Fagnes 24/03/2003 9,974 Update Belgium 1407 Vallée de la Haute-Sûre 24/03/2003 29,000 Update Ghana 393 Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary Ramsar

Site 22/02/1988 7,260 Update

Ghana 563 Muni-Pomadze Ramsar Site 14/08/1992 9,461 Update Ghana 564 Densu Delta Ramsar Site 14/08/1992 5,893 Update Ghana 565 Sakumo Ramsar Site 14/08/1992 1,364 Update Ghana 566 Songor Ramsar Site 14/08/1992 51,133 Update Ghana 567 Keta Lagoon Complex Ramsar Site 14/08/1992 101,023 Update Hungary 182 Szaporca 11/04/1979 290 Update Hungary 187 Upper Kiskunság Alkaline Lakes 11/04/1979 7,394 Update Hungary 418 Ócsai Turjános 17/03/1989 1,146 Update Hungary 420 Lake Fertö 17/03/1989 8,432 Update Hungary 900 Gemenc 30/04/1997 19,770 Update Hungary 901 Béda-Karapancsa 30/04/1997 8,669 Update Hungary 902 Lake Kolon at Izsák 30/04/1997 3,059 Update Hungary 904 Pacsmag Fishponds Nature

Conservation Area 30/04/1997 439 Update

Hungary 1093 Ipoly Valley 14/08/2001 2,304 Update Hungary 1409 Csongrád-Bokrosi Sóstó sodic-

alkaline pans 04/12/2004 865 Update

Hungary 1745 Borsodi-Mezöség 20/02/2008 18,471 Update Madagascar 962 Parc national Tsimanampesotse 25/09/1998 203,740 Update Mozambique 1391 Zambezi Delta 03/08/2004 3,171,172 Update Netherlands 1242 Veluwerandmeren 29/08/2000 6,124 Update Rwanda 1589 Rugezi-Burera-Ruhondo 12/01/2005 6, 736 Update Zimbabwe 2102 Cleveland Dam 03/05/2013 1,050 Update Zimbabwe 2103 Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park 03/05/2013 33 Update Zimbabwe 2104 Driefontein Grasslands 03/05/2013 201,194 Update Zimbabwe 2105 Lake Chivero and Manyame 03/05/2013 29,260 Update Zimbabwe 2107 Monavale Wetland 03/05/2013 507 Update Zimbabwe 2108 Victoria Falls National Park 03/05/2013 1,750 Update

2 This list does not include Sites for which the review of the RIS or map is in process but not yet completed

SC52-06 6

Annex 3a List of 40 Ramsar Sites for which either the RIS or an adequate map has not been submitted to the Secretariat since designation (as of 3 February 2016)

Country Site No. Site Name Designation

Date RIS Map

Azerbaijan 1075 Agh-Ghol 21/05/2001 no no Azerbaijan 1076 Ghizil-Agaj 21/05/2001 yes no Cape Verde 1575 Curral Velho 18/07/2005 no no Cape Verde 1576 Lagoa de Rabil 18/07/2005 no no Cape Verde 1577 Lagoa de Pedra Badejo 18/07/2005 no no Djibouti 1239 Haramous-Loyada 22/03/2003 no no Central African Republic

1590 Les Rivières de Mbaéré-Bodingué

05/12/2005 no no

France 346 Camargue 01/12/1986 yes no France 786 La Petite Camargue 08/01/1996 yes no Germany 174 Unteres Odertal, Schwedt 31/07/1978 no no Germany 175 Peitzer Teichgebiet 31/07/1978 no no India 463 Loktak Lake 23/03/1990 yes no India 464 Sambhar Lake 23/03/1990 yes no Iran, Islamic Republic of

39 Neyriz Lakes and Kamjan Marshes

23/06/1975 yes no

Iran, Islamic Republic of

42 Hamun-e- Saberi and Hamun-e-Helmand

23/06/1975 yes no

Ireland 840 Bannow Bay 11/06/1996 no yes Ireland 841 Trawbreaga Bay 11/06/1996 no yes Ireland 842 Cummeen Strand 11/06/1996 no yes Kazakhstan 108 Lakes of the lower Turgay and

Irgiz 11/10/1976 yes no

Kuwait 2239 Mubarak Al-Kabeer Reserve 05/09/2015 no yes Netherlands 3 198 Het Spaans Lagoen 23/05/1980 no yes New Zealand 103 Farewell Spit 13/08/1976 yes no Pakistan 97 Thanedar Wala 23/07/1976 yes no Pakistan 98 Tanda Dam 23/07/1976 yes no Pakistan 99 Kinjhar (kalri) Lake 23/07/1976 yes no Pakistan 100 Drigh Lake 23/07/1976 yes no Pakistan 101 Haleji Lake 23/07/1976 yes no Pakistan 818 Ucchali Complex (including

Khabbaki, Uchhali and Jahlar Lakes)

22/03/1996 yes no

3 In overseas territories.

SC52-06 7

Country Site No. Site Name Designation Date

RIS Map

Papua New Guinea

961 Lake Kutubu 22/09/1998 yes no

Papua New Guinea

591 Tonda Wildlife Management Area

16/03/1993 yes no

Sao Tome and Principe

1632 Ilots Tinhosas 21/08/2006 no no

Swaziland4 2121 Hawane Nature Reserve and Dam

15/06/2013 no no

Swaziland 4 2122 Sand River 15/06/2013 no no Swaziland 4 2123 Van Eck 15/06/2013 no no Tajikistan 1082 Karakul Lake 18/07/2001 no yes Tajikistan 1083 Kayrakum Reservoir 18/07/2001 no yes Tajikistan 1084 Lower part of Pyandj River 18/07/2001 no yes Tajikistan 1085 Shorkul and Rangkul Lakes 18/07/2001 no yes Tajikistan 1086 Zorkul Lake 18/07/2001 no yes Zimbabwe 2106 Mana Pools 03/05/2013 no no

4 Accession Sites, for which the RIS and map are currently being compiled by the Contracting Party with the assistance and support from the Ramsar Secretariat

SC52-06 8

Annex 3b List of Contracting Parties from which at least one updated Ramsar Information Sheet is needed after six years or more of no update (reporting period 10 June 2015 to 3 February 2016)

Country Total designated Sites

Sites requiring information to

be updated5

Sites for which updated information has been

received by the Secretariat6 Albania 4 3 0 Algeria 50 47 0 Andorra 3 0 0 Antigua and Barbuda 1 1 0 Argentina 22 15 4 Armenia 3 0 0 Australia 65 16 25 Austria 23 11 7 Azerbaijan 2 2 0 Bahamas 1 0 1 Bahrain 2 2 0 Bangladesh 2 2 0 Barbados 1 1 0 Belarus 20 1 8 Belgium 9 7 0 Belize 2 2 0 Benin 4 4 0 Bhutan 2 0 0 Bolivia (Plurinational State of)

11 8 0

Bosnia and Herzegovina 3 2 1 Botswana 1 1 0 Brazil 13 3 8 Bulgaria 11 8 0 Burkina Faso 18 15 0 Burundi 4 0 0 Cambodia 4 0 0 Cameroon 7 5 0 Canada 37 1 35 Cape Verde 4 3 0 Central African Republic 2 2 0

5 Not including Sites for which information has been received by the Secretariat (next column). This column includes Ramsar Sites that reach six years in 2016. 6 Numbers in this column are the numbers of Sites for which the Administrative Authorities have submitted an updated RIS that is currently being processed by the Secretariat and/or for which further information or clarification has been requested from the Contracting Party.

SC52-06 9



be updated5


received by the Secretariat6 Chad 6 6 0 Chile 13 6 5 China 49 1 25 Colombia 6 4 1 Comoros 3 3 0 Congo 13 7 0 Costa Rica 12 1 11 Côte d'Ivoire 6 6 0 Croatia 5 1 0 Cuba 6 0 6 Cyprus 1 1 0 Czech Republic 14 12 0 Democratic Republic of Congo

3 3 0

Denmark 43 0 13 Djibouti 1 1 0 Dominican Republic 4 1 0 Ecuador 18 4 9 Egypt 4 2 0 El Salvador 7 4 0 Equatorial Guinea 3 3 0 Estonia 17 8 0 Fiji 1 0 0 Finland 49 49 0 France 44 25 8 Gabon 9 9 0 Gambia 3 3 0 Georgia 2 1 1 Germany 34 16 18 Ghana 6 0 0 Greece 10 10 0 Grenada 1 0 0 Guatemala 7 5 2 Guinea 16 16 0 Guinea-Bissau 4 1 0 Honduras 9 0 6 Hungary 29 0 16 Iceland 6 0 3 India 26 25 0 Indonesia 7 1 2 Iran (Islamic Republic of) 24 22 0 Iraq 4 0 1

SC52-06 10



be updated5


received by the Secretariat6 Ireland 45 45 0 Israel 2 2 0 Italy 52 7 44 Jamaica 4 2 1 Japan 50 34 2 Jordan 1 1 0 Kazakhstan 10 8 0 Kenya 6 5 0 Kiribati 1 0 0 Kuwait 1 0 0 Kyrgyzstan 3 1 0 Lao People's Democratic Republic

2 2 0

Latvia 6 6 0 Lebanon 4 4 0 Lesotho 1 1 0 Liberia 5 5 0 Libya 2 2 0 Liechtenstein 1 1 0 Lithuania 7 4 1 Luxembourg 2 2 0 Madagascar 10 6 0 Malawi 1 1 0 Malaysia 6 6 0 Mali 4 1 0 Malta 2 2 0 Marshall Islands 2 1 0 Mauritania 4 4 0 Mauritius 3 2 0 Mexico 142 118 3 Monaco 1 1 0 Mongolia 11 11 0 Montenegro 2 1 0 Morocco 24 24 0 Mozambique 2 0 0 Myanmar 2 0 0 Namibia 5 4 0 Nepal 10 6 3 Netherlands 54 1 11 New Zealand 6 6 0 Nicaragua 9 0 8 Niger 12 12 0

SC52-06 11



be updated5


received by the Secretariat6 Nigeria 11 11 0 Norway 63 4 1 Oman 1 0 0 Pakistan 19 19 0 Palau 1 0 0 Panama 5 4 1 Papua New Guinea 2 2 0 Paraguay 6 6 0 Peru 13 10 3 Philippines 6 1 3 Poland 13 13 0 Portugal 31 22 6 Republic of Korea 21 3 9 Republic of Moldova 3 3 0 Romania 19 5 0 Russian Federation 35 14 21 Rwanda 1 0 1 Saint Lucia 2 2 0 Samoa 1 0 0 Sao Tome and Principe 1 1 0 Senegal 5 4 0 Serbia 10 9 0 Seychelles 3 2 0 Sierra Leone 1 1 0 Slovakia 14 14 0 Slovenia 3 3 0 South Africa 22 20 0 South Sudan 1 1 0 Spain 74 66 0 Sri Lanka 6 5 0 Sudan 3 3 0 Suriname 1 1 0 Sweden 66 7 44 Switzerland 11 10 0 Syrian Arab Republic 1 1 0 Tajikistan 5 5 0 Thailand 14 11 0 The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

2 2 0

Togo 4 4 0 Trinidad and Tobago 3 3 0 Tunisia 41 20 0

SC52-06 12



be updated5


received by the Secretariat6 Turkey 14 13 0 Turkmenistan 1 0 0 Uganda 12 12 0 Ukraine 33 0 33 United Arab Emirates 5 1 0 United Kingdom 170 167 0 United Republic of Tanzania 4 4 0 United States of America 38 21 2 Uruguay 3 1 1 Uzbekistan 2 2 0 Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

5 5 0

Viet Nam 8 1 1 Yemen 1 0 0 Zambia 8 8 0 Zimbabwe 6 0 0

SC52-06 13

Annex 4a Status of Ramsar Sites with reports of human-induced negative changes having occurred, occurring or likely to occur (Article 3.2) Open files where information was received by the Secretariat from the Administrative Authority and which have been followed up by the Secretariat. This list contains Article 3.2 files open at the time of COP12 and also those open files closed since 10 June 2015.

Site No.

Contracting Party

Site Name Date of opening

Date of closure

Montreux Record

Short summary of the issue Status as of 3 February 2016 First reported

by 7 1290 Albania Butrint* 12/10/2009 Urban developments, fish

farm, new road. Awaiting further update from AA since 2012

Other

1598 Albania Lake Shkodra and River Buna*

14/03/2008 Urban developments, removal of vegetation.

Awaiting further update from AA since 2012

Other

759 Argentina Laguna de Llancanelo*

02/07/2001 X Potential change in the ecological character due to oil activities, invasive species and transbasin diversion of Rio Grande to Atuel river.

Change in ecological character is being actively addressed by the AA. Last report in COP12 National Report.

AA

620 Armenia Lake Sevan* 2010 Organic pollution of water, fish stocks diminished. Reported by AA.

Updated report received from AA in September 2013. Overfishing continues, but water quality has improved.

AA

7 Other: first reported by a third party and confirmed by the Administrative Authority AA: first reported by the Administrative Authority * 107 Longest-running unresolved Article 3.2 files (open for two years or more)

SC52-06 14

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 321 Australia The Coorong,

lakes Alexandrina and Albert Wetlands *

13/05/2007 Site has deteriorated due to prolonged drought in the Murray River caused by decreased rainfall and water over allocation for agriculture and urban use.

A situation update was provided in November 2015.

AA

337 Australia Macquarie Marshes*

20/07/2009 Reduction in inundation frequency; declines in the diversity, distribution and health of key wetland vegetation communities; disappearance of grasslands and colonization by dry land species

Response strategy was released in March 2013 and is currently being implemented. A situation update was provided in November 2015.

AA

993 Australia Gwydir Wetlands: Gingham and Lower Gwydir (Big Leather) Watercourses*

14/06/1999 In September 2003, damage to the site was reported due to illegal land-use activities, and legal action was taken against the parties concerned. The site has since suffered from insufficient water to parts of the site.

A situation update was provided in November 2015..

AA

272 Austria Donau-March-Thaya-Auen*

04/07/1990 X Transport infrastructures planned. RAM 22 (April 1991)

Awaiting further update from AA since 2010. Potential problem addressed but not yet solved, problem may appear again or become more acute in the future.

AA

532 Austria Pürgschachen Moor

27/11/2015 Hydrological management (drains and excavation pond)

Update from AA received in February 2016.

AA

SC52-06 15

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 327 Belgium Schorren van de

Beneden Schelde*

22/12/1987 X Lowering of the water table & eutrophication. RAM 1 ( Feb 1988)


AA

329 Belgium De Ijzerbroeken te Diksmuide en Lo-Renige*

17/05/1999 X Depleted water quantity and quality.

Secretariat visit in November 2013. Awaiting further update from AA since 2012.

AA

1562 Belize Sarstoon Temash National Park*

20/05/2009 Concession to perform seismic testing for oil and natural gas.

Awaiting update from AA since country visit in October 2013.

Other

1105 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Hutovo Blato* 31/08/2010 New road crossing the RS, bird poaching, urban developments.

Awaiting further update from AA since 2012. Change in ecological character is partially addressed according to RIS updated in 2012.

Other

64 Bulgaria Srebarna* 02/04/1992 X Erosion of the river bed, eutrophication, vegetation succession. RAM 28 (April 92). RAM 47 (October 01)

Updated RIS received 31/01/2013. Threats ongoing. Conservation and reforestation efforts implemented.

AA

239 Bulgaria Durankulak Lake* 16/06/1993 X Wind farm planned within the Site. Ongoing court case reported by AEWA in December 2015

Awaiting further update from AA since 2010. New threat reported in 2013. EIA Carried out but AEWA requested to the Deputy Ministry of Environment a revision of the EIA.

AA

SC52-06 16

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 222 Chile Carlos Anwandter

Sanctuary* 06/10/2006 X Large mortality of Black-

necked Swans related to impacts of waste discharge from an upstream cellulose factory.

Change in ecological character is actively addressed. Last report in COP12 National Report.

AA

877 Chile Laguna Santa Rosa y Negro Francisco

28/08/2014 Change in ecological character by mining activities

Change in ecological character is actively addressed. Report in National Report to COP12.

AA

951 Colombia Sistema Lagunar Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta

23/03/2015 Change in the ecological character due to agriculture, and water diversion

Letter from the AA on 25 November 2015 requesting a RAM.

Other

540 Costa Rica Palo Verde* 16/06/1993 X Changes in the ecological character of the Site, particularly its hydrological characteristics, due agricultural and cattle ranching activities in the surrounding area.

Change in ecological character is actively addressed

AA

811 Costa Rica Caribe Nordeste* 15/11/2010 Change in the ecological character by open artificial channels.

Updated report received from AA in March 2014. Ongoing follow up by Secretariat based on decisions of the International Court of Justice

AA

583 Croatia Kopacki Rit* 16/06/1993 X Deforestation, drainage, poaching. RAM 55 (September 2005)

Awaiting further update from AA since 2012.

Other

SC52-06 17

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 585 Croatia Delta Neretve* 30/11/2005 Planned 3 hydropower

plants, irrigation projects, urban developments, reed burning, illegal hunting.


AA

494 Czech Republic

Sumava peatlands*

05/06/2001 Change of management practices, reduction of non intervention areas, increased logging activities. RAM 44 (June 2001)


Other

495 Czech Republic

Trebon fishponds*

18/09/1994 X Intensive fish farming, eutrophication, hunting, habitat destruction.


AA

635 Czech Republic

Floodplain of lower Dyje River*

06/06/2005 X Planned navigation canal. Awaiting further update from AA since 2012.

AA

638 Czech Republic

Litovelske Pomoravi*

26/02/1997 X Overexploitation of the aquifer, plans for a navigation canal.


AA

639 Czech Republic

Poodrí* 06/06/2005 X Planned navigation canal Awaiting further update from AA since 2012.

AA

141 Denmark Ringkøbing Fjord* 04/07/1990 X Increasing euthropication leads to decrease of populations of staging and wintering waterbirds. RAM 36 (September 1996)

Awaiting further update from AA since October 2013

AA

SC52-06 18

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 389 Denmark Heden on

Jameson Land (Greenland) *

28/04/2008 X Construction of a road, runway and harbour in the most important moulting area for barnacle geese. Confirmed by AA. RAM 61 ( June 2009)


Other

787 DR Congo Virunga National Park*

05/09/2007 Oil exploration scheme within the Park

Joint RAM conducted by WHC/IUCN/ICCN/Ramsar in March 2014.

Other

407 Egypt Lake Bardawil* 04/07/1990 X Effect of the closing of the channels between the lagoon and the sea

Preliminary inventory assessment done. Awaiting update from AA

Other

408 Egypt Lake Burullus* 04/07/1990 X Siltation, drainage and pollution

Confirmation of wetland loss and degradation by TdV report of March 2015. GIS monitoring by CP ongoing. Site chosen as pilot site for GlobWetland-Africa

Other

893 Georgia Wetlands of Central Kolkheti*

27/07/2005 Oil terminal and railway construction at the site. RAM 54 (August 2005)


AA

82 Germany Wattenmeer, Ostfriesisches Wattenmeer & Dollart*

04/07/1990 X Dike plans. RAM 19 (September 1990)

Awaiting further update from AA since 2010 to close this file.

AA

561 Germany Mühlenberger Loch*

23/01/2001 Reduction of the site due to industrial expansion. RAM 46 (September 2001)


AA

SC52-06 19

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 55 Greece Lake Vistonis

Porto Lagos Lake Ismaris & adjoining lagoons*

05/07/1990 X Agricultural, domestic and industrial runoff, increase of salinity, urban developments.


Other

56 Greece Nestos delta & adjoining lagoons*

07/07/1990 X Decreasing groundwater levels. Confirmed by AA.


Other

57 Greece Lakes Volvi & Koronia*

06/07/1990 X Pollution from agricultural, domestic and industrial runoff.

Awaiting update from AA since 2006

Other

59 Greece Axios Ludias Aliakmon delta*

04/07/1990 X Pollution, dam and irrigation networks considerably altered river hydrology.


Other

61 Greece Amvrakikos gulf* 04/07/1990 X Increased salinity and depleted water levels due to irrigation.


Other

62 Greece Messolonghi lagoons*

07/07/1990 X Construction works changed the hydrology and geomorphology of the area, overgrazing, illegal fishing, urban developments, waste disposal. Confirmed by AA.


Other

63 Greece Kotychi lagoons* 04/07/1990 X Illegal hunting, agricultural runoff, pollution, overgrazing.


Other

SC52-06 20

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 488 Guatemala Laguna del Tigre* 16/06/1993 X Threat of natural resource

extraction including logging, oil related activities and hunting as well as disordered settlement of communities.

Change in ecological character is partially addressed. Secretariat working with the AA to address the issue.

1163 Guinea Niger-Mafou 01/03/2014 Extractive Industry (Mining) Letter received from AA in March 2014 requesting for a RAM. Secretariat requested a desk study

AA

1164 Guinea Niger-Niandan-Milo

01/03/2014 Extractive Industry (Mining) Letter received from AA in March 2014 requesting for a RAM. Secretariat requested a desk study

AA

1165 Guinea Niger Source 01/03/2014 Extractive Industry (Mining) Letter received from AA in March 2014 requesting for a RAM. Secretariat requested a desk study

AA

1166 Guinea Niger-Tinkisso 01/03/2014 Extractive Industry (Mining) Letter received from AA in March 2014 requesting for a RAM. Secretariat requested a desk study

AA

1167 Guinea Sankarani-Fié 01/03/2014 Extractive Industry (Mining) Letter received from AA in March 2014 requesting for a RAM. Secretariat requested a desk study

AA

1168 Guinea Tinkisso 01/03/2014 Extractive Industry (Mining) Letter received from AA in March 2014 requesting for a RAM. Secretariat requested a desk study

AA

SC52-06 21

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 722 Honduras Parque Nacional

Jeannette Kawas* 19/06/2006 Change in the ecological

charactee due to building of touristic infrastructure.

Updated report received from AA in COP12 National Report (August 2014). Secretariat is addressing the issue with the AA.

Other

167 Iceland Myvatn-Laxá region*

22/04/2010 Plans to build a new dam, geothermal infrastructure, urban developments and tourism pressures. RAM 76 (August 2013)


AA

230 India Keoladeo National Park*

04/07/1990 X Shortage of water due to decreased rainfall during monsoon and dam upstream that controls the water flow to the site.


AA

463 India Loktak Lake* 16/06/1993 X Awaiting update from AA since 2008

AA

554 Indonesia Berbak 23/11/2015 Peat and forest fires of 2015 that burned across Kalimantan and Sumatra, including large areas of the Berbak National Park Ramsar Site.

A situation update was provided in Novermber 2015 during SC51 meeting.

AA

38 Iran, Islamic Republic of

Urmia Lake* 05/09/2011 Lake is drying out because of climate change and mismanagement of water resources in the lake basin

The problem is being addressed actively; latest update was provided in 2016

AA


Neiriz lakes and Kamjan marshes*

04/07/1990 X Drainage of water from site; agricultural activities

Awaiting update on the condition of the site since 2008

AA

SC52-06 22

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 40 Iran, Islamic

Republic of Anzali Mordab (Talab) complex*

31/12/1993 X Changing water levels; increased eutrophication which led to the spread of Phragmites australis; outbreak of water hyacinth (2016)

The problem is being addressed actively by JICA project at the site; latest update was provided in 2016

AA


Shadegan Marshes & mudflats of Khor-al Amaya & Khor Musa*

16/06/1993 X Chemical pollution; Proposed drainage of site for agricultural development

Awaiting update on the condition of the site since 2008

AA


Hamun -e- Saberi & Hamun - e - Helmand*

04/07/1990 X Insufficient water flow into the site has led to it drying out.

The AA is working to address the issue; latest update was provided in 2014

AA


Hamun-e-Puzak south end*

04/07/1990 X Insufficient water flow into the site has led to it drying out.

The AA is working to address the issue; latest update was provided in 2014

AA


Shurgol, Yadegarlu & Dorgeh Sangi Lakes*

04/07/1990 X The problem is being actively addressed; latest update was provided in 2016

AA


Gavkhouni Lake and marshes of the lower Zaindeh Rud

01/02/2016 Severe degradation because of water over-extraction and pollution of Zaindeh Rud; groundwater over-extraction for agriculture.

On-going, requested RAM (unofficially)

Other

SC52-06 23

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 1718 Iraq Hawizeh Marsh* 28/04/2010 X Changes in hydrology due to

the construction of dams upstream, and water control structures; Decline in rainfall; Oil exploration

On-going; action is being taken to address the change in ecological character. Last update was received in June 2015 during COP12.

AA

133 Italy Stagno di Molentargius*

22/05/2012 The site is drying out. Under review by AA.


Other

190 Italy Laguna di Marano: Foci dello Stella *

27/01/2009 Erosion of salt marshes decreased numbers of wintering birds.


Other

423 Italy Laguna di Venezia: Valle Averto

15/07/2014 Plans to dig a deep water shipping channel across the lagoon

Answer received from AA in December 2014. Joint RAM with WHC in October 2015

Other

135 Jordan Azraq Oasis* 04/07/1990 X Drying out of the oasis due to increased abstraction of water and reduced rainfall

Additional information received in December 2013. The problem is on-going but action is also being taken to address the issue

AA

108 Kazakhstan Lakes of the lower Turgay & Irgyz*

Pre COP11 Decrease in water supply that is affecting wildlife, flora and also human settlements dependent on it; Barrages across the River Turgay and its tributaries cut water supply

Waiting for an update on the conditions of the site from AA since 2008.

Other

1231 Kyrgyz Republic

Issyk-Kul State Reserve with the Lake Issyk-Kul*

12/11/2002 Inadequate treatment of wastewater before it is discharged into the lake.

Updated report received from AA in August 2014; issue is being actively addressed.

AA

SC52-06 24

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 1588 Kyrgyz

Republic Karatal-Japyryk State Reserve with the lakes Son-Kol and Chatyr-Kol*

01/11/2012 Son-Kol has issues with overgrazing, illegal fishing and inadequate tourism management

Updated report received from AA in August 2014

AA

869 Malawi Lake Chilwa* 01/08/2013 Mineral extraction Letter received from AA in August 2013 requesting for a RAM. Draft desk study for RAM received on 22 October 2013 - commented and sent back to CP for correction and improvement

AA

1287 Malaysia Pulau Kukup/ 10/04/2014 Proposed ship-to-ship (STS) transfer activities within the Kukup port limits; STS will use super tankers as floating storage terminals for crude oil.

Project is in planning phase; EIA has not yet been conducted but is being planned; the Ministry is monitoring the progress of the project and will share more details with the Secretariat as it becomes available. Latest update was provided in June 2014.

Other

SC52-06 25

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 1288 Malaysia Sungai Pulai 10/04/2014 Proposed ship-to-ship (STS)

transfer activities within the Kukup port limits; STS will use super tankers as floating storage terminals for crude oil.


Other

1289 Malaysia Tanjung Piai 10/04/2014 Proposed ship-to-ship (STS) transfer activities within the Kukup port limits; STS will use super tankers as floating storage terminals for crude oil.


Other

732 Mexico Marismas Nacionales

05/08/2014 Building of Las Cruces Hydroelectric Project.

Report by AA. Last report in COP12 National Report.

AA

1346 Mexico Parque Arrecifal Veracruzano*

24/09/2013 Threat by a proposal to expand Veracruz port.

Last report in COP12 National Report Secretariat working with AA to address the issues. AA waiting for the decision of the Court.

Other

1351 Mexico Playa Tortuguera X'cacel-X'cacelito*

12/04/2011 Building of the touristic project Punta Carey.

Last report in COP12 National Report.

Other

SC52-06 26

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 784 Montenegro Skadarsko

Jezero* 24/12/2009 Pollution by an aluminium

plant, bird disturbance and poaching. RAM 56 (October 2005)


Other

581 Netherlands Bargerveen* 2005 Wind farm construction adjacent to the RS in drained peatlands, court case in Germany and EC.


Other

289 Netherlands Waddensea* 17/07/2012 Industrial developments in the area. Coal fuelled power plant planned at the edge of the RS.

Update received from the AA in June 2015. Awaiting further information from AA.

Other

1140 Nicaragua Humedales de San Miguelito

23/10/2014 Interoceanic Nicaragua Channel

Secretariat working with AA to address the issues.

AA

1138 Nicaragua Refugio de Vida Silvestre del Rio San Juan*

30/11/2010 Project for the improvement of the navigation of the San Juan River.

Secretariat working with AA to address the issues.

AA

1139 Nicaragua Sistema de Humedales de la Bahia de Bluefields*

15/01/2007 X Potential changes in the ecological character as a consequence of the proposed construction of an all-weather road.

Change in ecological character is partially addressed

AA

13 Norway Aakersvika* 01/03/2007 Planned road expansion. RAM 56 (April 2010)

Update received January 2016

Other

307 Norway Nordre Øyeren* 20/08/2010 Road expansion from two to four lines and establishment of a pipeline for sewage.

Awaiting further update from AA since June 2013

AA

SC52-06 27

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 308 Norway Ilene &

Pesterødkilen* 21/01/2005 Pollution accident, urban

developments and new road system


AA

802 Norway Nordre Tyrifjord* 03/03/2013 Planned new main road and railway line. RAM 79 (July 2015)

Awaiting further update from AA since July 2015.

AA

805 Norway Giske Wetland System*

01/03/2012 Shelterbelt planting and building and overgrowing.


AA

809 Norway Froan Nature Reserve & Landscape Protection Area*

19/03/2004 Fish farm potentially affecting site's ecological character. Confirmed by AA.


Other

310 Norway Ørlandet* 18/07/2012 Planned air base extension Awaiting further update from AA since September 2014

Other

99 Pakistan Kinjhar (Kalri) Lake*

05/02/2009 Industrial waste pollution from feeder river to the lake; decline in waterbirds and water not suitable for drinking

Waiting for an update on the condition of the site from AA since 2009

Other

101 Pakistan Haleji Lake* 14/04/2009 Plan to develop right bank outfall drain next to the site

Waiting for an update on the condition of the site and the progress of the project from AA since 2009

Other

1067 Pakistan Jubho Lagoon* 18/12/2008 Pollution Awaiting update from AA since 2009

Other

SC52-06 28

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 656 Philippines Olango Island

Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) *

01/08/2012 Proposed reclamation project in Cordova coastal area, a nearby island of OIWS

Ongoing discussions to address the issue. Latest update from AA in August 2014.

Other

2124 Philippines Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) *

13/02/2014 Proposed reclamation of the Manila Bay, specifically, areas adjacent to LPPCHEA. Petitions were filed to avert the reclamation projects.

Issue is being actively addressed. Latest update from AA in August 2014.

AA

521 Romania Danube Delta* 18/08/2004 Possible transboundary influences due to the reopening of a navigable waterway (Bistroe channel).

Updated report received from AA in May 2013

AA

1074 Romania Small Island of Braila*

28/04/2005 Works to improve navigation conditions potentially affecting the site ecological character.


AA

2650 Romania Olt – Danube Confluence*

10/07/2012 Planned construction of a dam

Awaiting further update from AA since September 2012

Other

139 Senegal Bassin du Ndiael* 04/07/1990 X Agro-industrial projects

PREFELAG and Alliance Ecosystem projects very active in the site to restore its ecological integrity report in COP12.

AA

1392 Serbia Slano Kopovo* 01/11/2006 Water deficit result of hydromelioration activities and successive dry years.

Updated report received from AA in September 2013

Other

SC52-06 29

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 1014 Sierra Leone Sierra River

Estuary* 01/01/2013 Urban development

(Expansion of Freetown City) Letter received from AA in January 2013 requesting for a RAM. Desk study received in January 2015. ToR to be drafted

AA

586 Slovenia Secovlje salt pans*

05/03/2007 Illegal hunting. Awaiting further update from AA since 2008

AA

991 Slovenia Skocjan Caves* 27/04/2007 Implementation of the national location plan for drinking water supply.


Other

343 South Africa Blesbokspruit* 06/05/1996 X Pollution from underground mine water

Situation report expected from AA since March 2014

AA

526 South Africa Orange River Mouth*

26/09/1995 X Collapse of salt marsh component of the site as a result of diamond mining activities and dam construction

Update expected from AA since March 2014

AA

593 Spain Delta del Ebro 28/07/2014 Upstream water abstraction & pollution, sediment retention

Awaiting further update from AA since February 2015

Other

234 Spain Doñana* 04/07/1990 X Intensive agriculture, dam construction, pollution, overfishing, overexploitation of the aquifers, tourism pressures, drainage, gas and oil exploitation, navigation disturbance. RAM 51 (October 2002). RAM 70 (January 2011).

New threats reported in 2013. Updated report received from AA in July 2014.

Other

SC52-06 30

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 2069 Spain Lagunas de

Ruidera* 22/11/2012 Lack of management plan

and tourism pressures threatening the site's ecological character

Updated report received from AA in March 2015.

Other

235 Spain Las Tablas de Daimiel*

04/07/1990 X Overexploitation of the aquifer. Guadiana river ceased flowing in the RS. RAM 2 (March 1988)

Updated report received from AA in March 2014.

Other

449 Spain S'Albufera de Mallorca*

01/04/2009 Golf course development. RAM 68 (October 2010)

Awaiting further update from AA since March 2014.

Other

454 Spain Albufera de Valencia*

16/03/2004 Urban developments. RAM 58 (December) 2006

Awaiting further update from AA since March 2014.

Other

599 Spain Laguna y Arenal de Valdoviño*

10/01/2012 Drainage operation critically lowered the water level of the lagoon, dune vegetation destruction due to human pressures.

Updated report received from AA in February 2015.

Other

706 Spain Mar Menor* 08/10/2007 Eutrophication and water extraction.


AA

726 The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Prespa Lake* 28/03/2006 Eutrophication, overexploitation.


AA

736 Togo Reserve de faune de Togodo*

01/01/2014 Dam Construction Draft EIA available and Secretariat advised and guided AA for its involvement with the validation process

AA

SC52-06 31

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 203 Tunisia Ichkeul* 04/07/1990 X Hydraulic development

works in catchment area Removal process ongoing. Final report expected since November 2014. RIS update received from NFP in November 2015

AA

1715 UAE Ras al Khor* 15/04/2013 Opening of the Business Bay Canal causing possible changes in salinity and hydrodynamics

Latest information was provided in Jan 2016; ecological character of the site is being monitored

Other

394 Uganda Lake George* 04/07/1990 X Oil and gas activities Awaiting update from AA since 2009. The Head of AA sent a request for a RAM in November 2015

AA

1637 Uganda Lutembe Bay 25/11/2015 Some extractive industries are working around this site

The Head of AA sent a request for a RAM in November 2015

AA

1640 Uganda Murchison Falls-Albert Delta

25/11/2015 Some extractive industries are working around this site

The Head of AA sent a request for a RAM in November 2015

AA

756 Ukraine The Northern Part of the Dniester Liman

15/08/2014 330kV high voltage transmission line project potentially crossing the RS. Reported by 3rd Party-under review by AA.

Updated report received from AA in September 2014. Location of the transmission line to be confirmed.

Other

766 Ukraine Tyligulskyi Liman* 05/10/2012 Land reclamation, pollution, anthropogenic disturbances, changes in the hydrology.


AA

SC52-06 32

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 764 Ukraine Dniester-

Turunchuk Crossrivers Area*

05/10/2012 Operation of the Novodnestrovsk Plant as well as the Dniester Hydroelectric Power Station as artificially regulated flooding threatens fish species and reduces the diversity of the site


AA

77 United Kingdom

Ouse Washes* 31/10/2000 X Water management problems. RAM 49 (November 2001)


AA

298 United Kingdom

The Dee Estuary* 04/07/1990 X Industrial and transport developments. RAM 34 (November 1994)


Other

1043 United Kingdom

South East Coast of Jersey

02/12/2008 10/08/2015 Plans for a new road and construction of an incinerator. Confirmed by AA.

Update received in July 2015. Case closed.

Other

1077 United Kingdom

Diego Garcia* 08/04/2009 Discharge of untreated sewage, hazardous pollutants in the lagoon, introduction of invasive species, biomass reduction in the reefs, underwater sound pollution, overfishing.

Updated report received from AA in October 2015.

Other

936 United Kingdom

Carlingford Lough 17/02/2015 08/2015 Projected ferry route to pass around Ramsar

Case closed in August 2015 - Additional issues reported in January 2016 by third party.

Other

SC52-06 33

Site No.

Contracting Party


Date of closure

Montreux Record


by 7 374 United

States of America

Everglades* 16/06/1993 X Changes in the natural water flows and nutrient enrichment due to agricultural practices and development in the surrounding area.

Change in ecological character is being actively addressed

AA

2001 United States of America

Kakagon and Bad River Sloughs

31/03/2014 Possible construction of a very large open-pit iron ore mine near the headwaters of the Bad River.

Issues addressed by the AA and the National Wetlands Committee.

AA

SC52-06 34

Annex 4b Status of Ramsar Sites with reports of human-induced negative changes having occurred, occurring or likely to occur (as of 3 February 2016) Open files where information has been received by the Secretariat from sources other than Contracting Parties, and where this has been followed up with the Administrative Authorities concerned. Inclusion here does not imply that the Conference of the Contracting Parties, Secretariat or Party concerned considers that a given site is facing negative change. Files closed during the reporting period are included. The Secretariat is awaiting further information on these cases by the Administrative Authority.

Site No. Contracting Party


Date of closure

Short summary of the issue Status as at 3 February 2016

1056 Algeria Complexe de zones humides de la plaine de Guerbes-Sanhadja

01/02/2016 Ecological disaster due to desertification, grazing and agriculture activities

Africa Team is working to contact NFP on the issue

267 Australia Western port 01/11/2010 19/11/2015 Threat from the proposed expansion of the Port of Hastings

Latest update received from AA in November 2015 indicating that the Victorian Government has decided against the development at the site (closed) .Awaiting confirmation whether the port expansion will be at Western Port or another site

269 Australia Gippsland Lakes 30/11/2009 Dredging of the Lakes’ entrance caused an increase in the salinity of the site, but declining freshwater flows and increased nutrients; invasion of European shore crab and marine algal species.

Latest updated received from AA in July 2015 indicating that an assessment will be conducted to understand if there has been a human-induced change to the site.

SC52-06 35



Date of closure


560 Bangladesh Sundarbans Reserve Forest

09/06/2011 Construction of Coal-fired power plant about 14 km away from the site; Plans to develop a coal mine in Phulbari; the extracted coal is transferred to Mongla port (near Sundarbands), then transported to an off-shore reloading facility inside the site.

Waiting for an update on the condition of the site as well as the status of the project from AA since 2011

1180 Burundi Parc National de la Rusizi

01/01/2013 Large Scale Sugar Cane Plantation Waiting for an update on the situation and the condition of the wetland from AA since 2012

243 Canada Fraser River 09/12/2015 WesPac Midstream’s proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal

Response from AA on 10/12/2015 ECCC is involved in the review of the Wespac LNG project and plans to provide advice related to its mandate as part of the evaluation of the project.

1781 Colombia Laguna del Otun

10/06/15 Gold mining Letter from AA on the 25 November 2015. There are plans to extend the site.

1740 Congo Cayo-Loufoualeba

2010 Extractive industry (Mining) Waiting for an update on the situation and the condition of the wetland from AA since 2010. AA promised in 2012 to transform RAM recommendations into action Plan

143 Denmark Nissum Fjord 17/11/2009 Increasing eutrophication leads to decrease of populations of staging and wintering waterbirds.

Under review by AA. Email received from AA in October 2013.

146 Denmark Ulvedybet & Nibee Bredning

17/11/2009 Increasing eutrophication leads to decrease of populations of staging and wintering waterbirds.


SC52-06 36



Date of closure


356 Denmark Vadehavet 17/11/2009 Drainage and agricultural intensification, destruction of meadows.


788 DR Congo Parc national des Mangroves

2009 Construction work (Port) Update received from third party in February 2015

1810 France Rhin supérieur 18/04/2012 26/06/2015 Urban developments. Information received from AA in June 2015 that the project was abandoned. Case closed in June 2015.

54 Greece Evros Delta 24/10/2008 Lack of coherent management. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2006

460 Iceland Thjörsárver 22/04/2010 Plans for a hydropower plant & dam. Awaiting update from AA since 2012. 461 India Wular Lake 14/02/2014 Unplanned development and illegal

encroachment Awaiting update from AA since 2014

462 India Harike Lake 14/02/2014 Reduction in size of the lake Awaiting update from AA since 2014 464 India Sambhar 27/04/2009 Unauthorized salt extraction; excess

pumping of groundwater; Proposed construction of the world's biggest solar power generating facility close


1204 India Ashtamudi Lake 13/06/2012 Kollam Corporation dumping solid waste to the banks of the Lake; also illegal construction of solid waste treatment plant.


1207 India Deepor Beel 23/05/2013 Fishing, siltation, illegal constructions and encroachment; factory chemical wastes dumped into the wetland (several fish of different species have been found dead). Proposed construction of a Railway line next to the Elephant Corridor.


1208 India East Calcutta Wetlands

27/08/2010 Threat of urban encroachment and noxious pollutant escalation.


SC52-06 37



Date of closure


1212 India Sasthamkotta Lake

05/05/2013 Drought, waste dumping and lack of management


1214 India Vembanand-Kol 30/08/2010 Industrial project given permit to start at the Ramsar Site; The Banyan Tree Resort does not conform with the environmental regulations


415 Ireland Clara Bog 27/06/2012 Peat extraction. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2012

416 Ireland Morgan Bog 27/06/2012 Peat extraction. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2012

417 Ireland Raheenmore Bog

27/06/2012 Peat extraction. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2012

846 Ireland Lough Corrib 27/06/2012 Peat extraction. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2012

847 Ireland Lough Derravaragh

27/06/2012 Peat extraction. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2012

117 Italy Pian di Spagna e Lago Mezzola

25/07/2012 Road and environmental centre construction within the Site.

No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2012

1812 Italy Lagustelli di Percile

10.03.2015 Improper/lack of management of the Site - water abstraction/deviation, euthrophication and unauthorized tourist activity

No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since March 2015.

1454 Jamaica Palisadoes 15/10/2010 Severe degradation and adverse ecological change due to the constructing of a highway

Last report in National Report to COP12 (August 2014). Secretariat is addressing the issue with the AA.

1597 Jamaica Portland Bight 19/09/2013 Threat by a proposal to build a logistics/ trans-shipment port by China Harbour Engineering Company

Last report in National Report to COP12 Secretariat is addressing the issue with the AA.

SC52-06 38



Date of closure


1856 Kazakhstan Ural River Delta and adjacent Caspian Sea Coast

preCOP11 Construction of an oil response base We are waiting for an update from AA on the condition of this site since 2011

1744 Mauritius Blue Bay Marine Park

28/10/2015 Construction of beach hotel and mini city at the back with residential unit, shopping area and office facilities. Site Connected to Mare-aux-Songes palaeontological: sanctuary of the extinct Dodo bird

The Secretariat sent several emails (24/08/2015; 02/09/2015 and 25/10/2015) to the Head of AA. The Head of AA replies on 31/08/2015 without any tangible answer

1777 Mexico Manglares de Nichupte

2/04/2015 Building of an oil station The AA is addressing the issues

1777 Mexico Manglares de Nichupte

20/01/2016

Threats to the ecological character due to development projects

Waiting response from AA to the communication sent by the Secretariat

1478 Morocco Embouchure de la Moulouya

2010 Pollution RAM report ongoing implementation. Update received in August 2014

1391 Mozambique Marromeux Complex

2008 Oil and Gas exploration Ongoing work to address the issue. AA is updating the RIS

1964 Mozambique Lac Niassa and its Coastal Zone

2012 Oil Exploration Waiting for an update on the situation and the condition of the wetland from AA since 2012

194 Netherlands Naardermeer 16/10/2005 Urban developments and tourism pressures.


307 Norway Nordre Øyeren 27/11/2015 Raising of water level in mid-may - affecting waders during spring migration

Under revision by AA.

818 Pakistan Uchhali Complex Lake

06/04/2014 Proposed reconstruction of road through the wetland site; recommendation is to build the road at a lower level which would have a lower impact.

Waiting for an update on the proposed project from AA since 2014

SC52-06 39



Date of closure


212 Portugal Ria Formosa 11/03/2009 New resort project close to the river. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2009

1594 Republic of Korea

Seocheon Tidal Flat

29/04/2009 Proposed reclamation of the intertidal mudflats


1029 Republic of Moldova

Lower Prut Lakes

20/05/2005 Oil drilling next to the RS. Awaiting update from AA since 2010.

110 Russian Federation

Kandalaksha Bay

04/05/2012 Plans for the construction of a gas plant within the RS.



Volga Delta 16/11/2012 Development of oil and gas industry. Awaiting information from AA since 2010.


Kuban Delta: Group of limans between rivers Kuban & Protoka.

30/11/2010 Oil exploitation. No answer from AA. Awaiting information from AA since March 2013


Kuban delta: Akhtaro-Grivenskaya group of limans

30/11/2010 Oil exploitation No answer from AA. Awaiting information from AA since March 2013


Selenga Delta 19/11/08 Artificial fluctuation of water levels due hydropower plants in lake Baikal.



Torey Lakes 27/07/2009

Channel construction. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2009


Moroshechnaya River

30/01/2007 Oil exploitation activities. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2007


Pskovsko-Chudskaya Lowland

16/11/2012 Urban developments, uncontrolled fishing, hunting and tourism pressures. Fish do not reach places upstream, changes in migration routes.

No answer from AA. Awaiting information from AA since November 2012

SC52-06 40



Date of closure


819 Serbia Stari Begi/Carska Bara Special Nature Reserve

29/10/2007 18/11/2015 Shipyard building in the surrounding area of the RS.

Shipyard is not operational. Case closed in November 2015.

1600 Slovenia Lake Cerknica and its environ

22/04/2008 Water pollution. No answer from AA. Awaiting update from AA since 2010

888 South Africa Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve

2013 Raw Sewage Problem Waiting for an update on the situation and the condition of the wetland from AA since 2013

452 Spain Complejo Intermareal Umia-O Grove

20/01/2014 Heavy metals pollution. Under revision by AA. Not confirmed yet.

Awaiting update from AA since January 2014.

592 Spain Aiguamolls de l'Empordà

10/01/2012 Wet meadows destruction for rice agriculture and overexploitation of the aquifer.

Awaiting update from AA since October 2013

705 Spain Ria del Eo 19/05/2009 Potential urban developments. Under revision by AA. Not confirmed yet. Awaiting update from AA since 2013

231 Switzerland Bolle di Magadino

01/06/2013 Planned airport extension Awaiting update from AA since July 2013.

935 Syrian Arab Republic

Sabkhat al-Jabbul Nature Reserve

23/11/2010 Waste water is being discharged into the lake

Waiting for an update on the situation and the condition of the wetlands from AA since 2010

945 Turkey Gediz Delta 05/02/2013 Urban developments and proposed project for rehabilitation of Izmir Bay and Harbour. Planned to stock dredged materials in the coastal area.


659 Turkey Seyfe Lake 05/12/2014 Elements of management plan have not implemented, causing drying up of Seyfe Lake

Under revision by AA. Awaiting update since February 2015.

SC52-06 41



Date of closure


1640 Uganda Murchison Falls-Albert Delta Wetland System

02/02/2015 Oil and gas activities The case was orally presented by AA during the 2015 WWD in Kampala at a meeting with Government Officials and Uganda partners. In November 2015 an official letter has been received from AA on that subjec

926 United Kingdom

Avon Valley 21/07/2014 27/07/2015 The ecosystem has been degraded and consequently the number of wading birds is decreasing.

Case closed in July 2015.

396 United Kingdom

Pagham Harbour

16/04/2015 22/07/2015 Plan for 32 ha of polytunnels Case closed in July 2015.

SC52-06 42


SC52-07

Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium

1. The 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties concluded with 16 Resolutions, containing

decisions and specific instructions to the Secretariat.

2. The activities of the Secretariat have been defined for each of the decisions derived from the COP12 Resolutions, and then mapped against the goals and targets of the Ramsar 4th Strategic Plan, to develop the Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium.

3. This workplanning was done in a collaborative workshop involving the participation of all staff

members of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, from 21-24 July 2015. The workshop resulted in a detailed spreadsheet of activities and tasks for the triennium, mandated by COP12 Resolutions, and cross-referenced against the targets of SP4. Each activity has an activity leader within the Secretariat, with the detailed tasks being allocated to various Secretariat staff in a collaborative way. Ongoing Secretariat duties are also considered within this spreadsheet. The 2016 workplan for the Secretariat as well as individual 2016 workplans for Secretariat staff members are derived from the spreadsheet.

4. A highly simplified paper was presented to SC51, resulting in a number of comments. Standing

Committee Decision SC51-10 instructed the Secretariat to prepare a revised Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium, taking into account the comments made, for consideration by SC52. This paper is now prepared upon the basis of the detailed workplanning spreadsheet, including more activities and clarifying the COP Resolutions which have mandated the work, under each of the Strategic Plan goals and targets. Hence each target of the Strategic Plan now shows more activities, and the indicators of success are closely aligned to the indicators of the Strategic Plan.

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to take note of and approve the Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium.

Annex 1 Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016 – 2018 triennium Goal 1 Addressing the Drivers of Wetland Loss and Degradation

Target Activities Indicator Team Leader(s) Deadline

Target 1: Wetland benefits are featured in national/local policy strategies and plans relating to key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries at the national and local level.

1.1 Support Contracting Parties to increase attention in decision-making to the significance of wetlands benefits, through National Wetland Committees collaborating with relevant government departments (Resolution XII.9 target 1.2). Develop best practice examples targeted towards specific sectors.

Number of National Wetland Committees supported. Relevant guidance (e.g. TEEB report, Ramsar Handbooks) and case studies updated and disseminated to CPs and water users. Individual sectors namely water, aquaculture, tourism, agriculture, forestry, mining and land-use planning targeted with specific examples and best practices.

SG/DSG/SRAs By 2018

1.2 Implement the Conceptual Framework for the wise use of wetlands (Resolution IX.1 Annex A) the Integrated Framework for the Convention’s water-related guidance (Resolution IX.1 Annex C) and Resolution XI.21 Wetlands and sustainable development, as stated in Resolution XII.3 para.50, through resource mobilization for the protection and wise use of wetlands

Contracting Parties, IOPs and other interested stakeholders targeted and joint fundraising proposals developed in all regions, to bilateral and multilateral donors such as GEF and others, private sector entities and philanthropic foundations.

SG/DSG/SRAs By 2018

1.3 Broaden and deepen the integration of CEPA processes into national and local planning and policies; and provide the appropriate tools to increase awareness of CEPA’s impact, such as email networks (Res.XII.9 target 1.4).

Work with the established CEPA Working Group and the CEPA Oversight Panel to agree roles, responsibilities and working practices. CEPA Action Plan discussed with stakeholders, feedback incorporated. CEPA workshops organized in all regions, including stakeholders from other sectors such as water, aquaculture, tourism, agriculture, forestry, mining and land-use planning.

Head of Comms

By 2018

SC52-07 2


Target 2: Water use respects wetland ecosystem needs for them to fulfil their functions and provide services at the appropriate scale inter alia at the basin level or along a coastal zone.

2.1 Dissemination of Ramsar Handbooks, Factsheets, Briefing Notes and other STRP products on water related guidance, river basin management, water allocation and management, managing groundwater as well as other related guidance in IWRM and good practices to CPs and water users to ensure that the wise use provisions of the Convention are applied.

Ramsar guidance on water allocation and management for ecosystems disseminated to all Parties to support decision-making on water resource management, as a contribution to achieving water resources management and water efficiency plans. Networks of water users targeted to assist in dissemination.

SG/Head of Comms/ SRAs

By 2018

2.2 Increase efforts to integrate wetland management plans into integrated water resources management plans and efficiency plans at basin level, as well as into spatial planning/land-use plans.

Guidelines and projects developed together with river basin commissions to strengthen integration of wetland management plans into their work, with the aim of mobilizing GEF7 funding.

DSG/SRAs By 2018

2.3 Increase efforts to communicate on the values of ecosystem services of wetlands in other sectors’ strategies, plans and regulations, and integrate them into a basin approach to land-use plans and other relevant local, national and global decisions, as set out in Resolution XII.3 para.55.

Values of ecosystem services of wetlands and the basin approach mainstreamed in other development sectors’ strategies and plans. At least one example of changes in sectoral strategies or regulations shown in each targeted sector viz. water, aquaculture, tourism, forestry, mining, agriculture, or land-use planning.

DSG/SRAs By 2018

Target 3: The public and private sectors have increased their efforts to apply guidelines and good practices for the wise use of water and wetlands.

3.1 Promote the involvement of the public and private sector in the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Prepare and apply a strategy for working with business sector; identify potential partners in the business sector; prepare due diligence studies and make proposals to Standing Committee.

Benefits of maintaining wetlands and their ecosystem services recognized by relevant actors, especially World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Private sector actors in water, aquaculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and agriculture will be targeted.

Head of Partnerships/ SRAs

By 2018

3.2 Build on existing Partnerships both with the private sector and other key Partners, to provide increased mutual beneficial outreach and increase the visibility of the Convention (Resolution XII.3).

Number of MoUs signed with new Partners and networks.


By 2018

SC52-07 3


3.3 In line with Resolution X.12, work with Contracting Parties and Ramsar partners to make good use of the Principles for partnerships between the Ramsar Convention and the business sector, including within the frameworks of existing national, regional, and global initiatives and commitments.

Increased private sector engagement in the wise use of wetlands and applying the concepts and approaches for conservation and wise use of wetlands contained in Ramsar guidance (Ramsar Handbooks) and other relevant guidelines in their activities and investments affecting wetlands.

SG/DSG/SRAS/Head of Comms/ Head of Partnerships

By 2018

3.4 Continue existing Partnership between Ramsar and Danone and “Biosphere Connections” partnership with Star Alliance.

MOU 2017-2021 negotiated with Danone and Annual Danone work plan and budget approved; work plan and budget fully implemented.

SG/Head of Comms

By 2018

Ramsar experts supported to attend RAMs and meetings on wetlands with increased Star Alliance help. Contributions to the Biosphere Connections e-newsletter ensured, including travel reports and general Ramsar news.

DSG/SRAs/ Head of Comms

By 2018

Target 4: Invasive alien species (IAS) and pathways of introduction and expansion are identified and prioritized, priority invasive alien species are controlled or eradicated, and management responses are prepared and implemented to prevent their introduction and establishment.

4.1 Encourage Contracting Parties to develop national policies or guidelines, and a national inventory of invasive alien species that currently and/or potentially impact the ecological character of wetlands, especially Ramsar Sites (Resolution VIII.18 National Report formats) through disseminating global guidance.

Number of countries supported for national IAS policies, number of countries supported for national inventories of IAS.

DSG/ SRAs

By 2018

SC52-07 4

Goal 2 Effectively Conserving and Managing the Ramsar Site Network


Target 5: The ecological character of Ramsar Sites is maintained or restored, through effective planning and integrated management.

5.1 Promote the use of the R-METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) in line with Resolution XII.15, as well as the Integrated Framework for wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring in Resolution IX.1, Annex E.

Number of countries using R-METT to assess the management effectiveness of their Ramsar Sites in their National Report to COP13.

DSG/SRAs By 2018

5.2 Assist and encourage Parties in their actions in response to change or likely change in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites, eg. with direct advice on the application of the wise use principles, or, proposing to Parties to add the Site(s) to the Montreux Record or to invite a Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM) (Resolution XII.6.18).

Funds raised for RAMs. Number of RAMs carried out. Number of Ssites deleted from the Montreux Record.

DSG/SRAs Daily basis

5.3 Use tools and information provided by technical partners in assessing changes to the ecological character of Ramsar Sites (Resolution XII.6 para.22).

List of available tools compiled and made available to CPs.

DSG/SRAs Dec. 2016

Target 6: There is a significant increase in area, numbers and ecological connectivity in the Ramsar Site network, in particular under-represented types of wetlands including in under-represented ecoregions and Transboundary Sites.

6.1 Ensure the maintenance and operation of the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS); the RSIS delivers a range of tools and support to Contracting Parties to aid their identification of gaps and priorities for further Ramsar Site designation.

Effective and efficient services to Parties dealing with Ramsar Sites designation and updates; improved worldwide communication on Ramsar Sites. Better understanding of the conservation status of Ramsar Sites and integration of Ramsar Sites into worldwide networks of Protected Areas.

RSIS Core Team

Daily basis

6.2 Support countries to fulfil, as a matter of urgency, the terms of Resolution VI.13 and submit updated information of Ramsar Sites at least every six years using the online format of the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS), also for designating new Sites and extending existing Sites.

RSIS training videos produced. Number of updated Sites in the RSIS.


SC52-07 5


6.3 Manage and process Ramsar Sites’ new designations and updates, ensure complete RSIS data and maps (Resolution XII.6 para.12). Encourage wetland inventories and new Ramsar Site designation.

All RIS duly completed and updated; information on all Ramsar Sites summarized and made available; letters and certificates delivered. Increase in area of wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites. Increase in number of Ramsar Sites.


6.4 Encourage all CPs to designate as a new Ramsar Site at least one peatland area that is suitable for awareness raising about the wise use of peatlands and their services (Resolution XI.11 para.22).

Number of new peatlands designated as Ramsar Sites

DSG/IT By 2018

Target 7: Sites that are at risk of change of ecological character have threats addressed.

7.1 Advise Parties on Article 3.2, Montreux Record and Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM) issues; follow up on regular basis with Parties with all cases of potential and actual risk and work towards resolution of problems.

Number of open Article 3.2 cases resolved. Number of Sites removed from the Montreux Record.

DSG/SRAs 3 months before each SC

Goal 3 Wisely Using All Wetlands


Target 8: National wetland inventories have been initiated, completed or updated and disseminated and used for promoting the conservation and effective management of all wetlands.

8.1 Build an online library of national wetland inventories, also including peatlands (Resolution XII.11 para.24). Develop a global wetland observation system, through partnerships, to be covered by voluntary contributions, to increase accessibility of data and information on wetlands. Build up global knowledge on state and extent of wetlands under SOWWS and other means, in order to support monitoring of SDG and Aichi targets.

An easily accessible web-based meta-database in place, managed by the Secretariat, populated with information on all national wetland inventories, and linked to national and other international relevant databases. Global wetland distribution and status data and information available through web-portal mechanisms, derived from satellites and other sources.

SG/DSG/Head of Comms

By 2018 and updated by 2024

SC52-07 6


8.2 Convey request to IPBES for a thematic assessment on wetlands and their condition, to build into the regional and global assessments of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Support STRP involvement in IPBES (Resolutions XII.2 para.24; XII.3 para.48).

Request drafted and submitted. STRP contributes to IPBES assessment, assessment completed.

By 2018

Target 9: The wise use of wetlands is strengthened through integrated resource management at the appropriate scale, inter alia, within a river basin or along a coastal zone.

9.1 Support Contracting Parties in promoting wise use, integrated water resources management, and integration of wetlands in other sectoral policies, plans or strategies.

Toolkit prepared with revised Ramsar handbooks on water related guidance, river basin management, water allocation and management, groundwater, wise use of wetlands (Resolution IX. 1 Annex A and C, Resolution XI.21), IWRM and good practices (ibidem target 2).

DSG/SRAs By 2018

9.2 Support STRP to develop guidelines for National action plans on environmental water flow requirements(Resolution XII.12 para.24).

Additional funds raised for publication. Guidelines on environmental flow prepared. List of countries that implement environmental flow legislation developed.

DSG/STRP Chair

By 2018

Target 10: The traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities relevant for the wise use of wetlands and their customary use of wetland resources are documented, respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention, with a full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities at all relevant levels.

10.1 Support Ramsar Culture Network to encourage active and informed participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation and wise use of wetlands (Resolution XII.2 para.19).

Ramsar guidelines prepared and disseminated, RCN supported to establish and strengthen local communities’ and indigenous peoples’ participation in the management of wetlands. Relevant case studies published and disseminated.

SRAs/STRP/ RCN

2016/ 2017

10.2 Compile data on the relationship of indigenous peoples and local communities with wetlands (Resolution XII.2 para.20).

Additional support for Ramsar Culture Network raised, to develop the database and compile the evidence.

DSG/SRAs By 2018

SC52-07 7


Target 11: Wetland functions, services and benefits are widely demonstrated, documented and disseminated.

11.1 Develop voluntary Wetland City Accreditation system which demonstrates the functions, services and benefits of urban and peri-urban wetlands. Support Parties to propose cities in their territory to be Wetland Cities (Resolution XII.10 paras.11 and 12)

Wetland City Accreditation form developed, assessment committee established, timeline developed.

DSG/SRAs By Dec 2016

Number of cities supported for accreditation as Wetland Cities.

Head Comms/ DSG/SRAs

By 2018

11.2 Make available wetland education courses as on-line courses through the Ramsar website as well as supporting the capacity building work of the RRCs.

Number of online education courses, MOOCs and capacity building materials available through the Ramsar website.

Head of Comms/ DSG/SRAs

By 2018

11.3 Hold workshops and webinars: to deliver capacity-building training to a wide audience in a cost effective way.

Number of workshops and webinars held. Head of Comms/ DSG/SRAs

By 2018

11.4 Produce a quarterly newsletter highlighting the work of the Convention to a broad audience, to raise awareness and provide wise use tools and training.

Number of newsletters published. Head of Comms/ DSG/SRAs

2016/ 2017/ 2018

Target 12: Restoration is in progress in degraded wetlands, with priority to wetlands that are relevant for biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, livelihoods and/or climate change mitigation and adaptation.

12.1 Emphasise the importance of conserving, restoring and wise use of wetlands for disaster risk reduction (Resolution XII.13 para.22) and ecosystem based adaptation (EcoDRR and EbA), working together with STRP and IOPs.

Joint reports developed with other organizations, including through PEDRR; case studies and methods on EcoDRR and EbA disseminated to Contracting Parties.

DSG/SRAs By 2016

Target 13: Enhanced sustainability of key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries, when they affect wetlands, contributing to biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods.

13.1 Contribute on wetland issues towards the implementation and monitoring of Sustainable Development goals and targets, across all sectors, and especially as related to water (Goal 6) and biodiversity (Goal 15) (Resolution XII.3 para.52)

Ramsar Convention tasked with monitoring the wetland targets within the SDGs (Targets 6.6 and 15.1). Number of Parties supported to implement SDGs through conservation and wise use of wetlands.

DSG/SRAs

13.2 Prepare a report on opportunities for the Convention to strengthen its contribution to the post-2015 development agenda and the SDGs, as related to wetlands. Estimate the costs of options for working with relevant partners, for strengthening Parties’ access to data and monitoring tools related to the SDGs (Resolution XII.3 paras.41 and 53).

Report on Ramsar’s contribution towards the SDGs prepared for COP13. Number of Parties supported through earth observation projects. Costs of access to data and monitoring tools estimated.

DSG/SRAs

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Goal 4 Enhancing Implementation

Target Activities Indicator Team Leader (s) Deadline

Target 14: Scientific guidance and technical methodologies at global and regional levels are developed on relevant topics and are available to policy makers and practitioners in an appropriate format and language.

14.1 Support STRP to develop workplan for the triennium in full coherence with SP4. Continue to support STRP as detailed in Annex 1 (Resolution XII.5 paras. 20 and 22). Integrate STRP website into the Ramsar website (Resolution XII.9 target 9.4).

STRP supported in preparation and implementation of its work plan and thematic areas. STRP workplan approved by SC52. STRP website integrated into main Ramsar website.

DSG/SG/ STRP Chair/ STRP Officer/SRAs

By June 2016.

14.2 Organize and hold STRP meetings during the triennium.

STRP20 held in 2017. STRP21 held in 2018. DSG/SG/ STRP Chair/ STRP Officer/ SRAs

By 2018

14.3 Develop the new version of The State of the World’s Wetlands and their Services to People and explore modalities for its subsequent improvement and updating as a periodic flagship report of the Convention (Resolution XII.5 para.25).

SOWWS writing workshop held September 2016 (during INTECOL). First draft developed. Modalities for including information from National Reports as well as earth observation projects (GlobWetland Africa, Global Mangrove Watch, SWOS) explored.

DSG/STRP Chair/Head of Partnerships

By end 2016

14.4 Subject to the availability of resources, finalize the production of the current version of The State of the World’s Wetlands and their Services to People thereby also contributing to the Global Biodiversity Outlook of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and report on progress in this matter to the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Resolution XII.5 para.25).

Funding raised to support publication (CHF 137,000). The State of the World’s Wetlands and their Services to People document finalized and widely disseminated.


By end 2018

14.5 Mobilize additional resources for implementation of technical guidance and advice, and including for supporting Contracting Parties’ implementation of recommendations for conservation and wise use of Ramsar wetlands.

Additional financial resources of at least CHF 200,000 made available; STRP work plan implemented.


By 2018

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14.6 Work with the STRP, IOPs and other stakeholders, to compile guidelines and best practices in peatland inventories, designating peatlands as Ramsar sites, peatland restoration techniques, and implementing the Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands (Resolution XII.11 para.24)

Online best practice manuals developed on for peatland sites in each eco-region. Parties supported to designate at least one peatland as a Ramsar Site.

DSG/SRAs By 2018

14.7 Contents of the Handbooks reconfigured as training resource materials to support wise use of wetlands (Resolution XII.9 target 9.3).

Handbooks republished and then each handbook reconfigured online as a training module.

DSG/SRAs /Head of Comms

By 2018

Target 15: Ramsar Regional Initiatives with the active involvement and support of the Parties in each region are reinforced and developed into effective tools to assist in the full implementation of the Convention.

15.1 Support existing regional arrangements under the Convention and promote additional arrangements with new regional initiatives (Resolution XII.8). Continue to assess RRIs annually based upon reports on their progress and operations, and specifically on their success in fulfilling the Operational Guidelines, seeking support from the CEPA Oversight Panel as required. Prepare a summary of annual assessments 2016-2018 (Resolution XII.8 paras.12 and 24).

Ramsar Regional Initiatives support priority activities, including annual collaborative workshop together with the Ramsar Secretariat, and submit their annual reports to Secretariat. Annual progress assessment reports submitted. Triennual summary assessment provided in 2018. Funding support managed by Secretariat.

DSG/SRAs 2016/2017/2018

15.2 Publicize at global level regional initiatives as an operational means to provide support for the implementation of the objectives of the Ramsar Convention. Publish information provided by RRIs on the Convention’s website (Resolution XII.8 paras.18 and 20).

RRIs’ websites upgraded and linked with the Ramsar website. RRI activities and achievements published and made more visible on the Ramsar website.

DSG/SRAs/Head of Comms

2016/2017/2018

15.3 Undertake a review of the Operational Guidelines for RRIs (Resolution XII.8 para.9).

Review undertaken. Operational Guidelines 2016-2024 finalized

DSG/SRAs By end 2016

15.4 Identify, for possible inclusion among regional initiatives, transboundary river/groundwater basin organizations (Resolution XII.8 para.23).

River Basin Commissions approached to inform them about Ramsar and encourage registration as a Ramsar Regional Initiative. Links maintained with UNECE (Helsinki Convention) and UN Watercourses Convention.

DSG/SRAs By 2018

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Target 16: Wetlands conservation and wise use are mainstreamed through communication, capacity development, education, participation and awareness.

16.1 Preparation, production, dissemination and follow up of WWD materials for the triennium. Wide-reaching programmes and campaigns undertaken with diverse partners to raise awareness, in particular through the use of social media (Resolution XII.9 target 6.1)

Final WWD materials produced and provided to users and use and extent measured. Social media participation measured. WWD events take place globally with support as necessary by Secretariat staff.

SG/Head of Comms/SRAs

2016/2017/2018

16.2 Assist in strengthening the capacity of the CEPA Focal Points through the provision of training, toolkits, and templates, and developing the Ramsar website further to be fit for purpose and a useful platform for the sharing of information and resources (Resolution XII.9 target 3.3)

Networks of CEPA Focal Points established in each region, working together with the RRIs. Web-based materials such as training modules and MOOCs provided.

DSG/ Head of Comms

2016/2017/2018

16.3 Encourage those Contracting Parties with established, or proposed, wetland education centres or similar facilities to provide information on those centres as key places of learning and training about wetlands; set up a comprehensive database of wetland education centres (Resolution XII.9 target 7.5).

Database of wetland education centres developed in conjunction with WLI.

DSG/ Head of Comms/SRAs

By 2018

16.4 Develop libraries of photos, videos and other similar tools to support awareness-raising (Resolution XII.9.6.4).

Ramsar website provides clear and simple access to photos and videos relating to wetlands.

16.5 Develop partnerships with tertiary education institutions to support and deliver training and capacity building materials and programmes, and the production of targeted wetland education materials. (Resolution XII.9 targets 4.5 and 8.2)

Number of tertiary education institutions working together with Ramsar Secretariat and developing shared materials.


By 2018

16.6 Develop a global online network of cities which have obtained the Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention. (Resolution XII.10.16) Develop a web-based system for accepting city nominations, and supporting the work of the Wetland City International Advisory Committee (IAC).

Web development, branding and associated publicity for Ramsar Wetland Cities set up in advance, to be implemented immediately during COP13 as soon as the cities have been accredited. Ongoing work of the IAC supported, through a web-based system.

DSG/SRA Africa/SRAs/ Head of Comms

By 2018

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16.7 Strengthen the capacity of the CEPA Focal Points through the provision of training, toolkits, and templates for CEPA action planning, and provide technical support for CEPA National Focal Points through the establishment of a network for their knowledge sharing (Resolution XII.9 para.17).

CEPA mailing list updated, CEPA section within Ramsar website developed, CEPA training guides and toolkits developed.


By 2018

16.8 Improve the current Ramsar website to serve the purpose of the different targeted audience, and report on the progress of website improvement to the SC and to COP13 (Resolution XII.9 paras.26 and 27) eg. highlighting and disseminating STRP guidance; involving the RRIs; showcasing best practice by the CPs.

Ramsar website revised and improved, and user satisfaction survey completed prior to COP13.

SG/DSG/Head of Comms/ STRP

By 2018

16.9 Support CEPA expertise to be involved in guidance developed by STRP or SC; share CEPA stories illustrating how integration of CEPA can improve wetland management (Resolution XII.9 targets 2.1 and 3.5.)

Number of CEPA focal points involved in developing STRP guidance and other materials.

DSG/Head of Comms/SRAs

By 2018

Target 17: Financial and other resources for effectively implementing the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 from all sources are made available.

17.1 Contact CPs with outstanding contributions in excess of 3 years and work with them to identify appropriate options for making contributions (Resolution XII.1 para.18)

Number of Parties with outstanding contributions reduced by 30%.

SG/Finance Officer

By 2018

17.2 Evaluate and follow up processes of Wetlands for the Future (WFF) , Swiss Grants for Africa (SGA) and the Nagao Foundation.

On time technical and administrative follow up of funded projects. Successful on the ground implementation of the funded project contributing to the implementation of the Convention in Latin America and the Caribbean, in Africa and in Asia.

SRAs for Americas, Africa and Asia

Daily basis

17.2 Manage the Convention budget in a timely and efficient manner; ensure that COP13 delegate sponsoring is a priority for fundraising over the triennium (Resolution XII.1.12).

Efficient financial management undertaken. All financial reports satisfactory and approved by SC52 and SC53. Key donors identified and contacted to cover all COP13 delegates’ costs.

SG/Finance Officer

By SC52, SC53, SC54 and COP13

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17.3 Develop new approaches and tools including signature initiatives, as appropriate, to secure voluntary financial support for priority projects (Resolution XII.1 para.20).

Funding for non-core priority projects raised (target of CHF 4.2 million as in Resolution XII.1, Annex 3).

SG/Head of Partnerships

By 2018

17.4 Liaise with the Secretariats of UNFCCC and ISDR and establish strategic partnerships to ensure collaboration and access to global trust funds (Resolution XII.13 para.35).

Number of linkages to GEF, Green Climate Fund, IKI and other key funds established and collaborative partnerships developed together with CPs to access funds. Number of projects supported.

SG/Head of Partnerships

By 2018

17.5 Implement Resolution XI.6 on Partnerships and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions, UNCCD, CBD, etc (in line with Resolutions XII.3.42 and XII.7.21).

Plan prepared for increasing Ramsar’s cooperation with other MEAs.

SG/DSG/SRAs/ Head of Partnerships

Report to SC53

17.6 Continue to build up relationship with UNESCO’S Conventions on natural heritage to drive comparable practices, standards and management of globally important sites, and support work on sites where multiple designations exist.

CMS/AEWA and UNESCO-World Heritage joint work plans followed up.


Report to SC52 and SC53

Target 18: International cooperation is strengthened at all levels.

18.1 Consult CBD and other Biodiversity-related Conventions on their experiences of hosting high-level ministerial segments, and explore other means to increase the visibility of the Convention (Resolution XII.3 paras.33 and 35).

Experiences of hosting ministerial segments reported to SC53. Ramsar’s achievements and future actions recognized and supported by all Biodiversity-related Conventions.

SG/DSG Report to SC53

18.2 Align, where possible, the Strategic Plan indicators with the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Aichi targets and the work of IPBES. Develop the scope and modality of a review of SP4 to be approved at COP13, coordinated with CBD and undertaken before 2020 (Resolution XII.2 para.26).

Sustainable Development Goals and targets relating to wetlands monitored and reported. Scope and modality for a review of SP4 prepared in time for COP13.

SG/DSG/SRAs/STRP

By COP13.

18.3 Prepare a strategy for the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Ramsar Convention (Resolution XII.3 para.26), subject to the availability of resources.

Strategy developed, outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Ramsar Convention.

SG/SRA Asia Report to SC52, SC53 and COP13

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18.4 Work with the Biodiversity Liaison Group to enhance coherence and cooperation and to continue efforts to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary overlap and duplication at all relevant levels among the biodiversity-related conventions. Facilitate selection of representatives and participate in synergies workshop led by CBD in February 2016 (Resolutions XII.3 paras.44 and 46).

BLG meetings attended, coherence and cooperation enhanced, unnecessary overlap and duplication reduced. CBD workshop attended by CPs and Secretariat staff.

SG/DSG By end 2016

18.5 Work with UNEP on the implementation of the MOU and report progress of the activities concerned (Resolution XII.3 para.45).

MOU with UNEP implemented, joint actions reported.

SG/DSG/Head of Partnership

2016/2017/2018

18.6 Implement the Joint Work Plan with UNCBD to promote awareness of, and capacity-building for, ecosystem-based solutions for water management as a contribution to sustainable development, in line with CBD Decision XI/23. Contribute to implementation of the Aichi targets (Resolution XII.3 paras.47 and 51).

Joint Work Plan actions implemented, side event about the Ramsar Convention organized at the next CBD COP. National Report template modified to reflect Aichi targets.

SG/DSG/ Head of Partnerships

By SC52, SC53 and COP13

18.7 Build strategic partnerships with United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and other mechanisms on disaster risk reduction, to establish appropriate platforms for cooperation aiming at providing scientific and technical support as well as easing the access to financial resources for affected countries (Resolution XII.13 para.26).

UNCCD link established to help provide technical guidance as well as access to financial resources. PEDRR link established. Inter-agency flood and drought management programmes (APFM and IDMP) based at WMO) links established.

SG/DSG/SRAs/Head of Partnerships

By 2018

18.8 Strengthen collaboration with IUCN, World Heritage, UNDP, UNESCO, UNECE and other RECs, the World Bank, WHO, WMO, FAO, GEF and others (Resolution XII.3 para.43).

MOUs, reviewed and updated where they exist, new MOUs developed where necessary.

SG/DSG/ Head of Partnerships/ SRAs

By 2018

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18.9 Assist the Mediterranean Contracting Parties in the framework of the MedWet Initiative, to produce or update as a matter of high priority a complete, science-based inventory of their island wetlands, based on appropriate methodologies, and to share it with neighbouring countries, for example, through a MedWet database (Resolution XII.14 para.16).

Development of a MedWet database and information-sharing on island wetlands supported by Secretariat and STRP and shared with other regions through the work of Ramsar Regional Initiatives and other bodies.

DSG/SRAs Europe/Africa and Asia/ Head of Partnerships

By 2018

18.10 Assess needs and capacities of wetland site managers in order to define capacity-building priorities at regional and national levels. Assess needs and capacities of National Focal Points in order to define capacity-building priorities at regional and national levels (Resolution XII.9 target 4.2).

List of wetland site managers updated. All Ramsar site managers contacted with a survey to assess capacity-building needs. List of National Focal Points updated. All National Focal Points contacted with a survey to assess capacity-building needs. Report produced on results of the two surveys and the resulting priorities for capacity-building. Ramsar Regional Centres supported to deliver required capacity-building.

SG/DSG/STRP Chair /Head of Comms

By 2018

Target 19: Capacity building for implementation of the Convention and the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 is enhanced.

19.1 Communicate ongoing Ramsar information to reach stakeholders. Build up an online library of official and non-official government translated Ramsar documents to be publicly accessible (Resolution XII.3 para.30).

Online library of official and non-official government translated and peer-reviewed Ramsar documents made accessible on the Ramsar website, given that Parties provide such documents to the Secretariat.

SG/DSG/Head of Comms/ SRAs

By 2018

19.2 Support the Contracting Parties in their efforts to apply management effectiveness tools, through capacity building (Resolution XII.15 para.21).

Capacity built on the application of the R-METT tool, by developing workshops together with partners including IUCN, UNEP etc. Number of workshops held. Training materials developed.


By 2018

19.3 Develop the COP13 National Report Template to provide a more user-friendly, online instrument that reflects the goals and targets of SP4 (Resolution XII.2.17).

New National Report Template prepared with inputs from key stakeholders and CPs.

SG/DSG/SRAs By SC52

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19.4 Organize and hold Standing Committees 52, 53, 54.

All documents prepared, translated and posted on the web site 3 months in advance. Document review process by Parties implemented. All logistics for sponsored delegates well organized. Outputs of SC52, 53 and 54 disseminated and follow-up actions taken.

SG/all staff 3 months before SC meetings

Target 20. Other Secretariat activities Other ongoing Secretariat activities not covered under any of the above targets of the Strategic Plan 2016-2024

20.1 Organize and hold COP13 in and efficient and timely manner, including regional pre-COP meetings.

Successful regional preparatory meetings for COP13 held in all Ramsar Regions.

SRAs/DSG/ Head of Partnerships

Oct 2017

MOU with host country UAE followed up and implemented. Draft resolutions prepared. Costs of draft resolutions estimated and presented to SC54. All documents prepared, translated and posted on the web site 3 months in advance of the COP. All logistics for sponsored delegates well organized. Proceedings of the COP finalized and posted on the web. COP13 held in an efficient and timely manner.

SG/DSG/SRAs/IT officer/Doc-umentation Officer/ Comms team

3 months before the COP

Receive, review, enter in the national reports database, make public and analyse all National Reports to COP13 received on time.

DSG/SRAs/IT 2017

National Reports for COP13 posted online. Synthesis prepared for implementation reports to COP13. Contacts database updated with changes in National Focal Points.

DSG/IT 2017

20.2 Periodic briefings of missions in Geneva on activities taking place between Standing Committee meetings.

Missions in Geneva fully aware of the Convention’s work and importance of wetlands in their countries.

SG/DSG/SRAs Once a year

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20.3 Undertake general administration of the Secretariat and Convention.

Secretariat provides responsive, timely and effective service to Parties and other stakeholders.

SG/all staff daily basis

20.4 With the Management Working Group (MWG), keep under review the existing management structures of the Secretariat and Convention and discuss relevant issues as appropriate.

daily basis

SC52-07 17


SC52-08

Secretariat Work Plan for 2016

1. The 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties concluded with 16 Resolutions, containing

decisions and specific instructions to the Secretariat.

2. The activities of the Secretariat have been defined for each of the decisions derived from the COP12 Resolutions, and then mapped against the goals and targets of the Ramsar 4th Strategic Plan (SP4), to develop the Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium.

3. This workplanning was done in a collaborative workshop involving the participation of all staff

members of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, from 21-24 July 2015. The workshop resulted in a detailed spreadsheet of activities and tasks for the triennium, mandated by COP12 Resolutions, and cross-referenced against the targets of SP4. Each activity has a leader within the Secretariat, with the detailed tasks being allocated to various Secretariat staff in a collaborative way. Ongoing Secretariat duties are also considered within this spreadsheet. The 2016 workplan for the Secretariat as well as individual 2016 workplans for Secretariat staff members are derived from the spreadsheet.

4. Standing Committee Decision SC51-10 instructed the Secretariat to prepare a revised Secretariat

Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium. The annual Work Plan for 2016 in Annex 1 below was derived from the Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium. It also includes the priority action items requested by the Executive Team in the Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration (see Document SC52-04 Annex 1) as follows : • MOU for the COP13 (and other MOUs deemed appropriate by the Executive Team); • An audit of the Budget to ensure it properly aligns to priorities; • Preparations for SC52 in 2016; • Complete implementation of working webpage and RSIS; • Review consultancies and rationalize where possible; • Review resource mobilization, especially as it relates to fund-raising, to ensure the capture

of work undertaken already so that an incoming SG is in a position to reinvigorate this program. This review should be undertaken in conjunction with the Resource Mobilization Working Group;

• Evaluation of COP12 (this was completed in December 2015 and thus is not included in the 2016 workplan).

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to take note of and approve the Secretariat 2016 Work Plan, which is based upon the triennium workplan and also includes the priority actions requested by the Executive Team in the Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration of November 2015.

Annex 1 Secretariat 2016 Work Plan Goal 1 Addressing the Drivers of Wetland Loss and Degradation

Target Activities Indicator Team Leader(s)

Target 1: Wetland benefits are featured in national/local policy strategies and plans relating to key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries at the national and local level.

1.1 Support Contracting Parties to increase attention in decision-making to the significance of wetlands benefits, through National Wetland Committees collaborating with relevant government departments (Resolution XII.9 target 1.2). Develop best practice examples targeted towards specific sectors.

Number of National Wetland Committees supported. Relevant guidance (e.g. TEEB report, Ramsar Handbooks) and case studies updated and disseminated to CPs and water users. Individual sectors namely water, aquaculture, tourism, agriculture, forestry, mining and land-use planning targeted with specific examples and best practices.

SG/DSG/SRAs

1.2 Implement the Conceptual Framework for the wise use of wetlands (Resolution IX.1 Annex A) the Integrated Framework for the Convention’s water-related guidance (Resolution IX.1 Annex C) and Resolution XI.21 Wetlands and sustainable development, as stated in Resolution XII.3 para.50, through resource mobilization for the protection and wise use of wetlands. Undertake a review of all resource mobilization efforts together with the Working Group on Resource Mobilization.

Contracting Parties, IOPs and other interested stakeholders targeted and joint fundraising proposals developed in all regions, to bilateral and multilateral donors such as GEF and others, private sector entities and philanthropic foundations. Review of resource mobilization completed.

SG/DSG/SRAs

Target 2: Water use respects wetland ecosystem needs for them to fulfil their functions and provide services at the appropriate scale inter alia at the basin level or along a coastal zone.

2.1 Dissemination of Ramsar Handbooks, Factsheets, Briefing Notes and other STRP products on water related guidance, river basin management, water allocation and management, managing groundwater as well as other related guidance in IWRM and good practices to CPs and water users to ensure that the wise use provisions of the Convention are applied.

Ramsar guidance on water allocation and management for ecosystems disseminated to all Parties to support decision-making on water resource management, as a contribution to achieving water resources management and water efficiency plans. Networks of water users targeted to assist in dissemination.

SG/Head of Comms/ SRAs

2.2 Increase efforts to integrate wetland management plans into integrated water resources management plans and efficiency plans at basin level, as well as into spatial planning/land-use plans.

Guidelines and projects developed together with river basin commissions to strengthen integration of wetland management plans into their work, with the aim of mobilizing GEF7 funding.

DSG/SRAs

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2.3 Increase efforts to communicate on the values of ecosystem services of wetlands in other sectors’ strategies, plans and regulations, and integrate them into a basin approach to land-use plans and other relevant local, national and global decisions, as set out in Resolution XII.3 para.55.

Values of ecosystem services of wetlands and the basin approach mainstreamed in other development sectors’ strategies and plans. At least one example of changes in sectoral strategies or regulations shown in each targeted sector viz. water, aquaculture, tourism, forestry, mining, agriculture, or land-use planning.

DSG/SRAs

Target 3: The public and private sectors have increased their efforts to apply guidelines and good practices for the wise use of water and wetlands.

3.1 Promote the involvement of the public and private sector in the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Prepare and apply a strategy for working with business sector; identify potential partners in the business sector; prepare due diligence studies and make proposals to Standing Committee.

Benefits of maintaining wetlands and their ecosystem services recognized by relevant actors, especially World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Private sector actors in water, aquaculture, tourism, forestry, mining, and agriculture targeted. Water and Forests Day celebrated together with UNECE and WBCSD.


3.2 Build on existing Partnerships both with the private sector and other key Partners, to provide increased mutual beneficial outreach and increase the visibility of the Convention (Resolution XII.3). Conclude MOU with the UAE for COP13.

Number of MoUs signed with new Partners and networks. MOU for COP13 concluded and signed.


3.3 In line with Resolution X.12, work with Contracting Parties and Ramsar partners to make good use of the Principles for partnerships between the Ramsar Convention and the business sector, including within the frameworks of existing national, regional, and global initiatives and commitments.

Increased private sector engagement in the wise use of wetlands and applying the concepts and approaches for conservation and wise use of wetlands contained in Ramsar guidance (Ramsar Handbooks) and other relevant guidelines in their activities and investments affecting wetlands.

SG/DSG/SRAS/Head of Comms/ Head of Partnerships

3.4 Continue existing Partnership between Ramsar and Danone and “Biosphere Connections” partnership with Star Alliance.

MOU 2017-2021 negotiated with Danone and Annual Danone work plan and budget approved; work plan and budget fully implemented.

SG/Head of Comms

Ramsar experts supported to attend RAMs and meetings on wetlands with increased Star Alliance help. Contributions to the Biosphere Connections e-newsletter ensured, including travel reports and general Ramsar news.


SC52-08 3


Target 4: Invasive alien species (IAS) and pathways of introduction and expansion are identified and prioritized, priority invasive alien species are controlled or eradicated, and management responses are prepared and implemented to prevent their introduction and establishment.

4.1 Encourage Contracting Parties to develop national policies or guidelines, and a national inventory of invasive alien species that currently and/or potentially impact the ecological character of wetlands, especially Ramsar Sites (Resolution VIII.18 National Report formats) through disseminating global guidance.

Number of countries supported for national IAS policies, number of countries supported for national inventories of IAS.

DSG/ SRAs

Goal 2 Effectively Conserving and Managing the Ramsar Site Network


Target 5: The ecological character of Ramsar Sites is maintained or restored, through effective planning and integrated management.

5.1 Promote the use of the R-METT (Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool) in line with Resolution XII.15, as well as the Integrated Framework for wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring in Resolution IX.1, Annex E.

Number of countries using R-METT to assess the management effectiveness of their Ramsar Sites in their National Report to COP13.

DSG/SRAs

5.2 Assist and encourage Parties in their actions in response to change or likely change in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites, eg. with direct advice on the application of the wise use principles, or, proposing to Parties to add the Site(s) to the Montreux Record or to invite a Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM) (Resolution XII.6.18).

Funds raised for RAMs. Number of RAMs carried out. Number of Ssites deleted from the Montreux Record.

DSG/SRAs

5.3 Use tools and information provided by technical partners in assessing changes to the ecological character of Ramsar Sites (Resolution XII.6 para.22).

List of available tools compiled and made available to CPs.

DSG/SRAs

Target 6: There is a significant increase in area, numbers and ecological connectivity in the Ramsar Site network, in particular under-represented types of

6.1 Ensure the development, maintenance and operation of the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS).Ensure that the RSIS delivers a range of tools and support to Contracting Parties to aid their identification of gaps and priorities for further Ramsar Site designation.

Effective and efficient services to Parties dealing with Ramsar Sites designation and updates; improved worldwide communication on Ramsar Sites. Better understanding of the conservation status of Ramsar Sites.Integration of Ramsar Sites into worldwide networks of Protected Areas.

RSIS Core Team

SC52-08 4


wetlands including in under-represented ecoregions and Transboundary Sites.

6.2 Support countries to fulfil, as a matter of urgency, the terms of Resolution VI.13 and submit updated information of Ramsar Sites at least every six years using the online format of the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS), also for designating new Sites and extending existing Sites.

RSIS training videos produced. Number of updated Sites in the RSIS.

DSG/SRAs

6.3 Manage and process Ramsar Sites’ new designations and updates, ensure complete RSIS data and maps (Resolution XII.6 para.12). Encourage wetland inventories and new Ramsar Site designation.

All RIS duly completed and updated; information on all Ramsar Sites summarized and made available; letters and certificates delivered. Increase in area of wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites. Increase in number of Ramsar Sites.

DSG/SRAs

6.4 Encourage all CPs to designate as a new Ramsar Site at least one peatland area that is suitable for awareness raising about the wise use of peatlands and their services (Resolution XI.11 para.22).

Number of new peatlands designated as Ramsar Sites

DSG/IT

Target 7: Sites that are at risk of change of ecological character have threats addressed.

7.1 Advise Parties on Article 3.2, Montreux Record and Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM) issues; follow up on regular basis with Parties with all cases of potential and actual risk and work towards resolution of problems.

Number of open Article 3.2 cases resolved. Number of Sites removed from the Montreux Record.

DSG/SRAs

Goal 3 Wisely Using All Wetlands


Target 8: National wetland inventories have been initiated, completed or updated and disseminated and used for promoting the conservation and effective management of all wetlands.

8.1 Build an online library of national wetland inventories, also including peatlands (Resolution XII.11 para.24). Develop a global wetland observation system, through partnerships, to be covered by voluntary contributions, to increase accessibility of data and information on wetlands. Build up global knowledge on state and extent of wetlands under SOWWS and other means, in order to support monitoring of SDG and Aichi targets.

An easily accessible web-based meta-database in place, managed by the Secretariat, populated with information on all national wetland inventories, and linked to national and other international relevant databases. Global wetland distribution and status data and information available through web-portal mechanisms, derived from satellites and other sources.

SG/DSG/Head of Comms

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8.2 Convey request to IPBES for a thematic assessment on wetlands and their condition, to build into the regional and global assessments of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Support STRP involvement in IPBES (Resolutions XII.2 para.24; XII.3 para.48).

Request drafted and submitted. STRP contributes to IPBES assessment, assessment completed.

Target 9: The wise use of wetlands is strengthened through integrated resource management at the appropriate scale, inter alia, within a river basin or along a coastal zone.

9.1 Support Contracting Parties in promoting wise use, integrated water resources management, and integration of wetlands in other sectoral policies, plans or strategies.

Toolkit prepared with revised Ramsar handbooks on water related guidance, river basin management, water allocation and management, groundwater, wise use of wetlands (Resolution IX. 1 Annex A and C, Resolution XI.21), IWRM and good practices (ibidem target 2).

DSG/SRAs

Target 10: The traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities relevant for the wise use of wetlands and their customary use of wetland resources are documented, respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention, with a full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities at all relevant levels.

10.1 Support Ramsar Culture Network to encourage active and informed participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation and wise use of wetlands (Resolution XII.2 para.19).

Ramsar guidelines prepared and disseminated, RCN supported to establish and strengthen local communities’ and indigenous peoples’ participation in the management of wetlands. Relevant case studies published and disseminated.

SRAs/STRP/ RCN

SC52-08 6


Target 11: Wetland functions, services and benefits are widely demonstrated, documented and disseminated.

11.1 Develop voluntary Wetland City Accreditation system which demonstrates the functions, services and benefits of urban and peri-urban wetlands. Support Parties to propose cities in their territory to be Wetland Cities (Resolution XII.10 paras.11 and 12)

Wetland City Accreditation form developed, assessment committee established, timeline developed.

DSG/SRAs

Number of cities supported for accreditation as Wetland Cities.

Head Comms/ DSG/SRAs

11.3 Hold workshops and webinars: to deliver capacity-building training to a wide audience in a cost effective way.

Number of workshops and webinars held.

Head of Comms/ DSG/SRAs

11.4 Produce a quarterly newsletter highlighting the work of the Convention to a broad audience, to raise awareness and provide wise use tools and training.

Number of newsletters published. Head of Comms/ DSG/SRAs

Target 12: Restoration is in progress in degraded wetlands, with priority to wetlands that are relevant for biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, livelihoods and/or climate change mitigation and adaptation.

12.1 Emphasise the importance of conserving, restoring and wise use of wetlands for disaster risk reduction (Resolution XII.13 para.22) and ecosystem based adaptation (EcoDRR and EbA), working together with STRP and IOPs.

Joint reports developed with other organizations, including through PEDRR; case studies and methods on EcoDRR and EbA disseminated to Contracting Parties.

DSG/SRAs

Target 13: Enhanced sustainability of key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries, when they affect wetlands, contributing to biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods.

13.2 Prepare a report on opportunities for the Convention to strengthen its contribution to the post-2015 development agenda and the SDGs, as related to wetlands. Estimate the costs of options for working with relevant partners, for strengthening Parties’ access to data and monitoring tools related to the SDGs (Resolution XII.3 paras.41 and 53).

Report on Ramsar’s contribution towards the SDGs prepared for COP13. Number of Parties supported through earth observation projects. Costs of access to data and monitoring tools estimated.

DSG/SRAs

SC52-08 7

Goal 4 Enhancing Implementation

Target Activities Indicator Team Leader (s)

Target 14: Scientific guidance and technical methodologies at global and regional levels are developed on relevant topics and are available to policy makers and practitioners in an appropriate format and language.

14.1 Support STRP to develop workplan for the triennium in full coherence with SP4. Continue to support STRP as detailed in Annex 1 (Resolution XII.5 paras. 20 and 22). Integrate STRP website into the Ramsar website (Resolution XII.9 target 9.4).

STRP supported in preparation and implementation of its work plan and thematic areas. STRP workplan approved by SC52. STRP website integrated into main Ramsar website.

DSG/SG/ STRP Chair/ STRP Officer/SRAs

14.3 Develop the new version of The State of the World’s Wetlands and their Services to People and explore modalities for its subsequent improvement and updating as a periodic flagship report of the Convention (Resolution XII.5 para.25).

SOWWS writing workshop held September 2016 (during INTECOL). First draft developed. Modalities for including information from National Reports as well as earth observation projects (GlobWetland Africa, Global Mangrove Watch, SWOS) explored.


Target 15: Ramsar Regional Initiatives with the active involvement and support of the Parties in each region are reinforced and developed into effective tools to assist in the full implementation of the Convention.

15.1 Support existing regional arrangements under the Convention and promote additional arrangements with new regional initiatives (Resolution XII.8). Continue to assess RRIs annually based upon reports on their progress and operations, and specifically on their success in fulfilling the Operational Guidelines, seeking support from the CEPA Oversight Panel as required. Prepare a summary of annual assessments 2016-2018 (Resolution XII.8 paras.12 and 24).

Ramsar Regional Initiatives support priority activities, including annual collaborative workshop together with the Ramsar Secretariat, and submit their annual reports to Secretariat. Annual progress assessment reports submitted. Triennual summary assessment provided in 2018. Funding support managed by Secretariat.

DSG/SRAs

15.2 Publicize at global level regional initiatives as an operational means to provide support for the implementation of the objectives of the Ramsar Convention. Publish information provided by RRIs on the Convention’s website (Resolution XII.8 paras.18 and 20).

RRIs’ websites upgraded and linked with the Ramsar website. RRI activities and achievements published and made more visible on the Ramsar website.


15.3 Undertake a review of the Operational Guidelines for RRIs (Resolution XII.8 para.9).

Review undertaken. Operational Guidelines 2016-2024 finalized

DSG/SRAs

15.4 Identify, for possible inclusion among regional initiatives, transboundary river/groundwater basin organizations (Resolution XII.8 para.23).

River Basin Commissions approached to inform them about Ramsar and encourage registration as a Ramsar Regional Initiative. Links maintained with UNECE (Helsinki Convention) and UN Watercourses Convention.

DSG/SRAs

SC52-08 8


Target 16: Wetlands conservation and wise use are mainstreamed through communication, capacity development, education, participation and awareness.

16.1 Preparation, production, dissemination and follow up of WWD materials for the triennium. Wide-reaching programmes and campaigns undertaken with diverse partners to raise awareness, in particular through the use of social media (Resolution XII.9 target 6.1)

Final WWD materials produced and provided to users and use and extent measured. Social media participation measured. WWD events take place globally with support as necessary by Secretariat staff.

SG/Head of Comms/SRAs

16.2 Assist in strengthening the capacity of the CEPA Focal Points through the provision of training, toolkits, and templates, and developing the Ramsar website further to be fit for purpose and a useful platform for the sharing of information and resources (Resolution XII.9 target 3.3)

Networks of CEPA Focal Points established in each region, working together with the RRIs. Web-based materials such as training modules and MOOCs provided.

DSG/ Head of Comms

16.3 Encourage those Contracting Parties with established, or proposed, wetland education centres or similar facilities to provide information on those centres as key places of learning and training about wetlands; set up a comprehensive database of wetland education centres (Resolution XII.9 target 7.5).

Database of wetland education centres developed in conjunction with WLI.

DSG/ Head of Comms/SRAs

16.4 Develop libraries of photos, videos and other similar tools to support awareness-raising (Resolution XII.9.6.4).

Ramsar website provides clear and simple access to photos and videos relating to wetlands.

16.8 Improve the current Ramsar website to serve the purpose of the different targeted audience, and report on the progress of website improvement to the SC and to COP13 (Resolution XII.9 paras.26 and 27) eg. highlighting and disseminating STRP guidance; involving the RRIs; showcasing best practice by the CPs.

Ramsar website revised and improved, and user satisfaction survey completed prior to COP13.

SG/DSG/Head of Comms/ STRP

Target 17: Financial and other resources for effectively implementing the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 from all sources are made available.

17.1 Contact CPs with outstanding contributions in excess of 3 years and work with them to identify appropriate options for making contributions (Resolution XII.1 para.18)

Number of Parties with outstanding contributions reduced by 30%.

SG/Finance Officer

17.2 Evaluate and follow up processes of Wetlands for the Future (WFF) , Swiss Grants for Africa (SGA) and the Nagao Foundation.

On time technical and administrative follow up of funded projects. Successful on the ground implementation of the funded project contributing to the implementation of the Convention in Latin America and the Caribbean, in Africa and in Asia.

SRAs for Americas, Africa and Asia

SC52-08 9


17.2 Manage the Convention budget in a timely and efficient manner. Ensure that the budget reflects the priorities.Review consultancies and rationalize where possible. Ensure that COP13 delegate sponsoring is a priority for fundraising over the triennium (Resolution XII.1.12).

Efficient financial management undertaken. Audit of budget undertaken. Consultancies reviewed and rationalized. All financial reports satisfactory and approved by SC52. Resource mobilization strategy to prioritize fundraising for COP13 delegate sponsorship..

SG/Finance Officer

17.6 Continue to build up relationship with UNESCO’S World Heritage Convention to drive comparable practices, standards and management of globally important sites, and support work on sites where multiple designations exist. Implement Joint Work Plan with CMS. Strengthen relationship with AEWA.

CMS/AEWA and UNESCO-World Heritage joint work plans followed up.


Target 18: International cooperation is strengthened at all levels.

18.3 Prepare a strategy for the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Ramsar Convention (Resolution XII.3 para.26), subject to the availability of resources.

Strategy developed, outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Ramsar Convention.

SG/SRA Asia

18.4 Work with the Biodiversity Liaison Group to enhance coherence and cooperation and to continue efforts to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary overlap and duplication at all relevant levels among the biodiversity-related conventions. Facilitate selection of representatives and participate in synergies workshop led by CBD in February 2016 (Resolutions XII.3 paras.44 and 46).

BLG meetings attended, coherence and cooperation enhanced, unnecessary overlap and duplication reduced. CBD workshop attended by CPs and Secretariat staff.

SG/DSG

18.5 Work with UNEP on the implementation of the MOU and report progress of the activities concerned (Resolution XII.3 para.45).

MOU with UNEP implemented, joint actions reported.

SG/DSG/Head of Partnership

18.6 Implement the Joint Work Plan with UNCBD to promote awareness of, and capacity-building for, ecosystem-based solutions for water management as a contribution to sustainable development, in line with CBD Decision XI/23. Contribute to implementation of the Aichi targets (Resolution XII.3 paras.47 and 51).

Joint Work Plan actions implemented, side event about the Ramsar Convention organized at the next CBD COP. National Report template modified to reflect Aichi targets.

SG/DSG/ Head of Partnerships

SC52-08 10


Target 19: Capacity building for implementation of the Convention and the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 is enhanced.

19.1 Communicate ongoing Ramsar information to reach stakeholders. Build up an online library of official and non-official government translated Ramsar documents to be publicly accessible (Resolution XII.3 para.30).

Online library of official and non-official government translated and peer-reviewed Ramsar documents made accessible on the Ramsar website, given that Parties provide such documents to the Secretariat.

SG/DSG/Head of Comms/ SRAs

19.2 Support the Contracting Parties in their efforts to apply management effectiveness tools, through capacity building (Resolution XII.15 para.21).

Capacity built on the application of the R-METT tool, by developing workshops together with partners including IUCN, UNEP etc. Number of workshops held. Training materials developed.


19.3 Develop the COP13 National Report Template to provide a more user-friendly, online instrument that reflects the goals and targets of SP4 (Resolution XII.2.17).

New National Report Template prepared with inputs from key stakeholders and CPs.

SG/DSG/SRAs

19.4 Organize and hold Standing Committees 52.

All documents prepared, translated and posted on the web site 3 months in advance. Document review process by Parties proposed. All logistics for sponsored delegates well organized. Outputs of SC52disseminated and follow-up actions taken.

SG/all staff

Target 20: Other Secretariat activities Other ongoing Secretariat activities not covered under any of the above targets of the Strategic Plan 2016-2024

20.2 Periodic briefings of missions in Geneva on activities taking place between Standing Committee meetings.

Number of briefings. Missions in Geneva fully aware of the Convention’s work and importance of wetlands in their countries.

SG/DSG/SRAs

20.3 Undertake general administration of the Secretariat and Convention.

Secretariat provides responsive, timely and effective service to Parties and other stakeholders.

SG/all staff

20.4 With the Management Working Group (MWG), keep under review the existing management structures of the Secretariat and Convention and discuss relevant issues as appropriate.

SG

SC52-08 11


SC52-09 Rev.1

Costs of actions to be taken to implement COP12 Resolutions

in the 2016-2018 triennium

Background 1. In Decision SC48-20 the Standing Committee decided that an unfunded non-core budget would

be required to support the implementation of the COP12 Resolutions over the triennium 2016-2018. A resource mobilization effort is required to achieve this budget and has been set up, under the guidance of the Working Group on Resource Mobilization already established by the 50th meeting of the Standing Committee (SC50).

2. Contracting Parties at COP12 set out an initial estimate for these non-core funds in Resolution

XII.1 Annex 3, and specified a total amount of CHF 4.2m for non-core funding for priority projects over the triennium 2016-2018. Taking into account the actions detailed under all the Resolutions agreed by the Parties at COP12, a number of other actions have been identified by the Secretariat as not being reflected in the agreed budget for non-core funds in COP XII.1 Annex 3. This present document was therefore prepared to complement the non-core funding for priority projects already agreed, and to be in line with the workplans for the Secretariat as detailed in SC51-07.

3. The following costings indicate areas where further support would be needed to achieve the full

implementation of the COP12 Resolutions, in line with the requirement of Rule 14 of the Rules of Procedure1. The Secretariat notes that actions to comply with this Rule were not previously followed, and intends to include this in the preparations for COP13. This paper therefore reflects the requirement for the Secretariat to prepare details of the projected administrative and financial implications of all COP12 decisions after their approval in June 2015.

1 See www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/ramsar_rules_of_procedure_e.pdf. Rule 14 Secretariat’s report on administrative and financial implications of agenda items: The Secretariat shall report, within 24 hours of the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties, on the projected administrative and financial implications of all substantive agenda items submitted to the meeting and before decisions on these items are taken by the Conference of the Parties.

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to take note of the estimated costs of the actions that need to be taken to implement each of the COP12 Resolutions, and to advise the Secretariat on sources of funding to support implementation of the Resolutions.

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/ramsar_rules_of_procedure_e.pdf

Consideration of funds needed to implement all COP12 Resolutions over the triennium 4. All the COP12 Resolutions which require implementation involving non-core funds are listed in

Annex 1, with an estimate of the funds required for each. These funds are listed as one of the following: • Non-core funds that are already budgeted for under Resolution XII.1 Annex 3 (“Budgeted

non-core funds”) • Non-core funds that may be needed to support other implementation actions arising from

the various COP12 Resolutions (“Additional non-core funds”) 5. The actions to be implemented and the funds needed against each COP12 Resolution are set

out in more detail in Annex 2, referenced to the text of the relevant paragraphs from each of the Resolutions.

6. Annex 1 shows a total non-core funding requirement for the triennium of CHF 5,119,000,

including budgeted non-core funds and additional non-core funds needed. 7. The new Partnership Coordinator will be tasked with developing new fundraising approaches

and tools (as described in Resolution XII.1 paragraph 20).

8. Funds already raised as at June 2016 are set out in Doc.SC52-03 Report on resource mobilization.

9. If the resources mobilized over the triennium are below the amount of CHF 5,119,000 then it is

possible that not all actions agreed at COP12 can be fully implemented. 10. The Standing Committee is asked to guide the Secretariat on further actions to be taken, and

sources of funding to be approached for support in order to implement fully the COP12 Resolutions.

SC52-09 Rev.1 2

Annex 1 2016-2018 non-core expenditure needed to implement COP12 Resolutions Resolution

no. Activity

Budgeted non-core

funds*

Additional non-core

funds Res.XII.1 Regional meetings; sponsorship of delegates to

COP13; new fundraising approaches. 1,250,000

Res.XII.2 Indigenous people and local communities strategic project; preparation of mid-term review of 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan.

175,000 100,000

Res.XII.3 Increasing visibility and status of the Ramsar Convention, including its Small Grant Funds.

1,250,000 85,000

Res.XII.5 STRP programme of work for 2016-2018. 300,000 259,000

Res.XII.6 RSIS updates, RAMs and monitoring of changes in ecological character.

775,000 100,000

Res.XII.7 Increasing synergies with other MEAs.

Res.XII.8 Additional support to development of Regional Initiatives.

150,000 15,000

Res.XII.9 New CEPA networks and implementation of workplan.

300,000

Res.XII.10 Wetland City Accreditation. 60,000 Res.XII.11 Network of peatland site managers; best practice

manuals.

Res.XII.12 Handbook on water reserves and environmental flows.

100,000

Res.XII.13 Wetlands and DRR partnerships. Res.XII.14 Mediterranean island wetlands inventory and

information-sharing.

Res.XII.15 Implementation of Ramsar Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (R-METT).

200,000

CHF

TOTAL

4,200,000

919,000

*as included in Resolution XII.1 Annex 3. Total non-core funds required for 2016-2018 triennium = CHF 5,119,000

SC52-09 Rev.1 3

Annex 2 Costing of action list from COP12 for 2016-2018

Action Responsible work plan

Team

Deadline in Resolution Status and comments

Total cost in CHF per

Resolution over 3 years

Budgeted non-core

funds (Res. XII.1 Annex 3)

Additional non-core

funds

Resolution XII.1 Financial and budgetary matters (all Strategic Goals)

1,250,000 1,250,000

1.20. Develop new approaches and tools, including signature initiatives, as appropriate, to secure voluntary financial support for currently unfunded priority projects

Ramsar Secretariat (Finance & Admin / Partnerships/ Regional teams)

Ongoing Raise non-core funds of CHF 4,737,000 over 3 years 2016-2018 (target increased by CHF 537,000 compared to the estimate in Res.XII.1 Annex 3). New Partnership Coordinator will assist in fund-raising, support for innovative initiatives and programmes to be developed.

1.Annex 3 Ramsar Secretariat (DSG/Reg)

Jun-18 Pre-COP13 Regional Meetings (delegate support and meeting costs for preparatory meetings)

650,000

1.Annex 3 Ramsar Secretariat (SG/DSG, Part, Reg)

COP13 COP13 (2018) sponsorship to eligible delegates

600,000

Resolution XII.2 The Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 (all Strategic Goals)

275,000 175,000 100,000

2.17. REQUESTS the Secretariat and the Standing Committee to develop the COP13 National Report Template to provide a more user-friendly instrument that reflects the goals and targets of the new Ramsar Strategic Plan, for consideration at the 51st Meeting of the Standing Committee (SC51)

Ramsar Secretariat (SRAs/SG/ DSG/IT officer)

SC52 Preparation of National Report Template for COP13 with inputs from Contracting Parties and key stakeholders (WCMC, STRP, CMS and other MEAs, and others), development of on-line system for National Reports, reporting and indicator development

175,000

SC52-09 Rev.1 4


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

2.20. Compile data on the relationship of indigenous peoples and local communities with wetlands

Ramsar Secretariat (F&A/Part/ Reg)

SC52 Additional support for Ramsar Culture Network to be raised, to develop the database and compile the evidence.

100,000

2.26. Undertake a review of the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan at COP14 and to establish the modalities and scope for this review at COP13, taking into account inter alia the outcomes of the discussions of the Post-2015 Sustainable Development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, the work of IPBES and the coordination needs with regard to the review of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020

Ramsar Secretariat (SG/DSG/ Reg)

COP13 Establish modalities and scope of the strategic review, for COP13. Pre-COP meetings to gather information regarding other relevant global processes, identify coordination needs, Secretariat to develop a document proposing the modalities and scope of the necessary mid-term review.

Resolution XII.3 Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature, and increasing synergies with other MEAs

1,050,000 1,250,000 85,000

3.26. Develop a strategy, subject to the availability of resources, outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic and other UN languages into the work of the Ramsar Convention; Prepare a draft text for a Resolution addressing accommodation of the Arabic and other UN Languages into the Convention, outlining in detail the financial implications

Ramsar Secretariat (Reg)

SC51 Preparation of strategy, as set out in paper SC51-17. Implementation of translation of documents and simultaneous interpretation at COP13 for one additional language, i.e. Arabic.

250,000 30,000

3.40. Continue supporting Ramsar Regional Initiatives and applying the Operational Guidelines 2016-2018 for regional initiatives in the framework of the Convention on Wetlands (approved through Resolution XII.8 Regional initiatives 2016-2018 in the framework of the Ramsar Convention) to foster increased national- and regional-level political engagement and implementation of the Convention

All CPs and IOPs

Cost of additional coordination workshops approx. CHF 20,000 per year to be funded from Regional initiatives budget line.

SC52-09 Rev.1 5


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

3.44. Work with the Biodiversity Liaison Group to enhance coherence and cooperation and to continue efforts to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary overlap and duplication at all relevant levels among the biodiversity-related conventions

Ramsar Secretariat (SG/DSG/Reg)

Every SC meeting

Travel budget for supporting meeting attendance (using teleconferencing as much as possible)

3.45. Work with UNEP on the implementation of the MOU and report progress of the activities concerned

Ramsar Secretariat (Part)

Every SC meeting

Implementation under the MOU as part of ongoing activities

3.47. Implement the Joint Work Plan with UNCBD to promote awareness of, and capacity-building for, ecosystem-based solutions for water management as a contribution to sustainable development, in line with CBD Decision XI/23

Ramsar Secretariat (Part/Reg)

Dec-16 Support the activities under the Joint Work Plan and the organization of a side event about the Ramsar Convention at the next COP of the CBD

20,000

3.50. Implement the Conceptual Framework for the wise use of wetlands (Resolution IX.1 Annex A) the Integrated Framework for the Convention’s water-related guidance (Resolution IX.1 Annex C) and Resolution XI.21 Wetlands and sustainable development through Small Grants Funds for the protection and wise use of wetlands

All CPs Include Partners and other interested stakeholders

1,000,000

3.52. Contribute on wetland issues to any eventual monitoring and indicator framework for relevant Sustainable Development Goals and targets

STRP Ongoing involvement in indicator development,and relevant task forces, as part of ongoing activities

3.53. Estimate the costs of options for working with relevant partners (e.g., UNEP-GRID) and for strengthening Parties’ access to such data and monitoring tools


Ongoing development of monitoring tools and enabling Parties to access these (including ongoing work with SWOS, GlobWetland Africa, Global Mangrove Watch and others)

SC52-09 Rev.1 6


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

3.54. Increase efforts to integrate wetland management plans into integrated water resources management plans and efficiency plans at basin level, as well as into spatial planning/land-use plans. {Important for Strategic Goal 1}

All CPs Develop guidelines and projects with river basin commissions to strengthen integration of wetland management plans into their work, through GEF7 funding

20,000

3.55. Increase efforts to communicate on the values of ecosystem services of wetlands in other sectors’ strategies, plans and regulations, and integrate them into a basin approach to land-use plans and other relevant local, national and global decisions

All CPs Ongoing As above 15,000

Resolution XII.5 Proposed new framework for delivery of scientific and technical advice and guidance on the Convention (all Strategic Goals)

559,000 300,000 259,000

5.22. Continue to provide support to the STRP as detailed in Annex 1

Ramsar Secretariat (DSG/Reg)

Ongoing Non-core support of CHF 100,000 per year to support additional project involvement from non-STRP partners

300,000

5.24. Mobilize additional resources for implementation of STRP tasks, and including for supporting Contracting Parties’ implementation of recommendations for conservation and wise use of Ramsar wetlands

Ramsar Secretariat STRP

Ongoing Funding mobilized from WWF in support of STRP materials (100,000 for wetland water requirements, 22,000 for analysis of RAMs and their impact)

122,000

5.25. Finalize the production of the current version of The State of the World’s Wetlands and their Services to People and explore modalities for its subsequent improvement and updating as a periodic flagship report of the Convention

STRP Ramsar Secretariat (SG/DSG)

COP13 A one-off cost of CHF 137,000 for producing a substantial publication (book) on the 2018 State of the World's Wetlands for COP13, thereby also contributing to the Global Biodiversity Outlook of the Convention on Biological Diversity

137,000

SC52-09 Rev.1 7


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

Resolution XII.6 Status of Sites in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance (Goal 2)

875,000 775,000 100,000

6.13. Fulfil, as a matter of urgency, the terms of Resolution VI.13 and submit updated information of Ramsar Sites at least every six years using the most up-to-date format of the Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS), also for designating new Sites and extending existing Sites

CPs listed in Annex 3b of the SG’s report; Ramsar Secretariat

RSIS, IM/IT (website) continuing development. Also small grants of CHF 10,000 per site for capacity-building (especially in GIS) to designate new Ramsar Sites or update/extend existing Sites. 10 Sites supported over the triennium.

175,000 100,000

6.15. Adopt and apply a suitable monitoring regime, such as that outlined in the annex to Resolution VI.1 (1996), which incorporates the Convention’s Wetland Risk Assessment Framework (Resolution VII.10), in order to be able to report change or likely change in the ecological character of Ramsar sites in line with Article 3.2

All CPs COP13 Analytical work on the Ramsar Site Information System to assess the number of sites whose ecological character is under threat, and develop a monitoring regime together with the Parties concerned, which collects information on certain agreed parameters relating to ecological character on an ongoing basis

6.18. Assist and encourage Parties in their actions in response to change or likely change in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites, eg. with direct advice on the application of the wise use principles, or, when relevant, proposing to Parties to add the Site(s) to the Montreux Record or to invite a Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM)


Ongoing Funds needed to be raised for RAMs 600,000

6.22. Use tools and information provided by technical partners in assessing changes to the ecological character of Ramsar Sites

All CPs Ongoing Additional work with tools and information from IOPs and others in developing monitoring regime and guidance for Article 3.2 sites, ongoing

SC52-09 Rev.1 8


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

Resolution XII.7 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework of the Ramsar Convention) (Goals 3 and 4)

7.11. Prioritize fundraising activities to fund non-core budget activities from all sources, with a view to significantly increasing non-Party contributions, and to report regularly to the Standing Committee


Ongoing Raise non-core funds of CHF 4,737,000 over 3 years 2016-2018, as in Res 1.20 above

7.21. Strengthen partnerships with other MEAs such as inter alia the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the CBD and others, in order to enhance synergies and sharing of resources, avoid duplication and enhance implementation; provide a plan on how to increase cooperation with other MEAs


SC51 and subsequent SC meetings

Joint workshops and projects developing synergies among MEAs, ongoing

Resolution XII.8 Regional initiatives (RIs) 2016-2018 in the framework of the Ramsar Convention (Goal 4)

165,000 150,000 15,000

8.11. Continue to submit annual reports on their progress and operations, and specifically on their success in fulfilling the Operational Guidelines, and continue to submit annual plans according to the timetable and format adopted by the Standing Committee.

All RIs endorsed by the Convention

Every SC meeting

Ramsar Regional Initiatives support (priority activities, including annual workshop together with the Ramsar Secretariat)

150,000

8.18. Publicize at global level regional initiatives as an operational means to provide support for the implementation of the objectives of the Ramsar Convention


Ongoing Upgrade RRIs websites and linkage with the Ramsar home site, increased visibility for RRI activities and achievements, ongoing

8.20. Continue publishing information provided by the regional initiatives, including reports on their success in fulfilling the Operational Guidelines and work plans, on the Convention’s website, to make it accessible for the parties and the public


Ongoing As above. Also, budget CHF 15,000 to develop a publication for COP13, highlighting the work of the RRIs in implementing the work of the Ramsar Convention

15,000

SC52-09 Rev.1 9


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

8.23. Identify, for possible inclusion among regional initiatives, transboundary river/groundwater basin organizations

All CPs Ongoing Link with River Basin Commissions to inform about Ramsar and encourage registration as a Ramsar Regional Initiative. Maintain links with UNECE (Helsinki Convention) and UN Watercourses Convention). Ongoing.

Resolution XII.9 The Ramsar Convention’s Programme on communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) (all Strategic Goals)

300,000 300,000

9.17. REQUESTS the Secretariat subject to available resources to assist in strengthening the capacity of the CEPA Focal Points through the provision of training, toolkits, and templates for CEPA action planning, and further URGES the Secretariat to provide technical support for CEPA National Focal Points through the establishment of a network for their knowledge sharing;

Secretariat (Comms, STRP, Reg)

Ongoing Establish networks of CEPA Focal Points in each region, working together with the RRIs. Provide web-based materials such as MOOCs.

9.21. ENCOURAGES those Contracting Parties with established, or proposed, wetland education centres and/or similar facilities to support the development of those centres as key places of learning and training about wetlands and wetland-related CEPA and to support their participation in global networks of such centres REQUESTS the Secretariat to compile a list of global networks and make it available on the Ramsar website.

All CPs Ramsar Secretariat

Ongoing Support network of wetland education centres and gather relevant information for webpage.

9.Annex I : Goals and Targets of the CEPA Programme Secretariat (Comms)

Non-core budget required to support the CEPA programme as set out in the workplan 2016-2018

300,000

SC52-09 Rev.1 10


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

Resolution XII.10: Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention (Goals 2 and 3)

60,000 60,000

10.14. INSTRUCTS the Ramsar Secretariat, through their relevant Senior Regional Advisors, to submit the nominations received to the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) for its consideration;


Support the work of the Wetland City IAC, which will be largely web-based.

10.16. INSTRUCTS the Ramsar Secretariat to develop a global online network of cities which have obtained the Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention.

Ramsar Secretariat (Reg, Comms)

Web development, branding and associated publicity for Ramsar Wetland Cities, set up to be implemented immediately during COP13.

60,000

Resolution XII.11: Peatlands, climate change and wise use: Implications for the Ramsar Convention (Goals 2 and 3)

11.23. ENCOURAGES Contracting Parties, the Secretariat and other organizations to facilitate information exchange and cooperation among the administrative or managing bodies of these sites;

Ramsar Secretariat (Reg), All CPs

Ongoing Alert site managers and NFPs responsible for peatland sites, and share the latest materials and knowledge products with them.

11.26. REQUESTS the Secretariat to facilitate national and regional capacity building to enable Contracting Party experts to create inventories of peatlands;


Ongoing Support monitoring and updating of national wetland inventories to ensure peatlands are adequately reflected.

11.28. REQUESTS the Secretariat, working with the STRP, IOPs and other stakeholders, to compile best practices in peatland restoration techniques to support the work of wetland managers and share them through the official Ramsar Convention website;

Ramsar Secretariat (STRP, Reg, comms)

Develop online best practice manuals which bring together best practices for peatland sites in each eco-region, to be developed together with partner organizations in that region.

Resolution XII.12: Call to action to ensure and protect the water requirements of wetlands for the present and the future (Strategic Goals 1-3)

SC52-09 Rev.1 11


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

12.24. REQUESTS that the Scientific and Technical Review Panel and the Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness Oversight Panel consider drawing up, in cooperation with existing networks and initiatives, guidelines for the elaboration of national action plans, to conserve the water necessary to maintain the wise use of wetlands, which may be implemented at the regional and/or national level, in line with the 4th Strategic Plan.

STRP, CEPA Oversight Panel

Ongoing Major publication (handbook) as official Ramsar guidance on water reserves and environmental flow requirements. CHF 100,000 has been raised from WWF as key partner in this publication, see 5.24 above.

Resolution XII.13: Wetlands and disaster risk reduction (Strategic Goals 1-3)

13.26. URGES the Secretariat to build a strategic partnership with related international bodies and conventions, namely the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), to establish an appropriate platform for cooperation aiming at providing scientific and technical support as well as easing the access to financial resources for affected countries

Ramsar Secretariat (Part, SG/DSG)

Ongoing Link with UNCCD to help provide technical guidance as well as access to financial resources. Link with PEDRR. Also link with and input into the inter-agency flood and drought management programmes (APFM and IDMP) based at WMO.

13.35. REQUESTS that the Ramsar Secretariat liaise with the Secretariats of the UN ISDR and UNFCCC, in highlighting the importance of wetlands in climate change adaptation, especially for countries identified as vulnerable to climate change; and ALSO REQUESTS that the Ramsar Secretariat establish strategic partnerships to ensure collaboration on DRR and access to global trust funds

Ramsar Secretariat (SG/DSG, Part)

Develop strategic partnerships on eco-DRR with ISDR, UNFCCC, UNEP and others, and develop access to funding sources.

Resolution XII.14: Conservation of Mediterranean Basin island wetlands (Strategic Goals 2 and 3)

SC52-09 Rev.1 12


Team




Budgeted non-core


Additional non-core

funds

14.16. URGES Mediterranean Contracting Parties in the framework of the MedWet Initiative, to produce or update as a matter of high priority a complete, science-based inventory of their island wetlands, based on appropriate methodologies, and to share it with neighbouring countries, for example, through a MedWet database;

Mediterranean CPs

Ongoing Support the development of a MedWet database and information-sharing on island wetlands, and to share this information with other regions through the work of Regional Initiatives and other bodies

Resolution XII.15: Evaluation of the management and conservation effectiveness of Ramsar Sites (Strategic Goals 1-3)

200,000

15.21. URGES the Ramsar Secretariat, STRP, International Organization Partners (IOPs), Ramsar Regional Centres and other partners to consider supporting the Contracting Parties in their efforts, including capacity building to apply management effectiveness tools

Ramsar Secretariat (Reg), STRP, IOPs, RRCs, Partners

Ongoing Build capacity on the application of the R-METT tool, by developing workshops together with partners including IUCN, UNEP etc.

200,000

15.22. APPROVES the Ramsar Site Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (R-METT) annexed to this Resolution, as a voluntary self-assessment tool for evaluating the management effectiveness of Ramsar Sites and other wetlands

To build capacity within the Ramsar Secretariat on the use of R-METT

TOTAL

5,119,000 4,200,000 919,000

SC52-09 Rev.1 13


SC52-10

Report of the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) and amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to: a) note the report of the STRP Chair; b) consider and approve the amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan (Annex); and c) consider possible ways of sourcing funding for the implementation of tasks contained in the

approved STRP 2016-2018 work plan, if necessary. Introduction 1. This report from the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) covers the

amended draft work plan, including consultation efforts with National Focal Points and STRP National Focal Points, and provides an update on the work of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Consultation efforts on revising the draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan 2. Decision SC51-07 called for the presentation of an amended STRP work plan to SC52, after

seeking further input from Contracting Parties and their STRP National Focal Points. 3. On 15 December 2015, the Secretariat sent a message to the Heads of Administrative

Authorities, National Focal Points and STRP National Focal Points inviting comments on the draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan.

4. From 19-25 January 2016, the STRP held five webinars (one for each thematic work area) to

provide an additional avenue to receive input from STRP National Focal Points. 5. STRP members were also asked to use their personal contacts to reach out directly to STRP

National Focal Points to encourage them to provide input on the draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan.

6. We received comments during the consultation process from nine National Focal Points and

nine STRP National Focal Points, representing a total of 14 Contracting Parties. The specific comments, with responses, are available in a table at http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/ files/documents/library/strp_draft_workplan_201618_cp_feedback.pdf. Certain responses are elaborated in more detail below.

Responses to input received during the consultation process 7. Each of the five STRP thematic work areas considered the inputs received and discussed

electronically amendments in light of those comments. In some cases, the STRP received conflicting instructions. For example, for certain tasks, there was a split in opinion of

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/strp_draft_workplan_201618_cp_feedback.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/strp_draft_workplan_201618_cp_feedback.pdf

Contracting Parties on whether the tasks should remain in the work plan. In such cases, the STRP has decided to leave such tasks in the amended draft work plan for the Standing Committee’s consideration and ultimate resolution.

8. A core function of the STRP involves providing advice that may not necessarily lead to a tangible

published product. Within the framework of Resolution XII.5 (Annex I, paragraphs 2, 12(v), 15 and 38), these ad-hoc advisory functions include, inter alia: responding to requests for advice or input from the Secretariat (including on the CEPA Programme and the Fourth Strategic Plan indicators) and Standing Committee; drafting (at the request of Contracting Parties) or providing input on Draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties; responding to specific requests for advice from Contracting Parties; participating in Ramsar Advisory Missions when requested; advising on requests to remove Ramsar Sites from the Montreux Record; serving on the Wetland City Accreditation Independent Advisory Committee; and providing advice on emerging issues. In response to comments we have reconfigured the work plan so that the tasks in the thematic work areas generally contain only items that result in a clear output. The advisory tasks are now highlighted at the front of the work plan.

9. We received several comments of concern about the number of tasks related to peatlands. We

have amended the draft work plan so that the three proposed peatland tasks in the thematic work areas align more closely with the COP’s requests in Resolution XII.11. (A fourth peatland-related task appears under the advisory tasks.) As a scientific matter, it should be noted that peatlands is a general term that encompasses many different types of wetlands. It is estimated that globally at least one-third of all wetlands are peatlands. In the Ramsar Wetland Classification for Wetland Type, peatlands are expressly listed under Type U — Non-forested peatlands, which includes shrub or open bogs and fens, and Type Xp — Forested peatlands, which includes peat swamp forests. In addition, other wetland types, such as Type Vt — Tundra wetlands, include wetlands with sufficient organic soil layers to be considered peatlands. Peatlands are found in almost every country. Thus, in this context, in the STRP’s view, peatlands are not as overemphasized as they may have initially been seen in the initial draft work plan. This is particularly the case when considering that Task 1.3 specifically addresses tropical peatlands that are under immense pressure with regional implications for human wellbeing and biodiversity; Task 2.3 addresses the implementation of the Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands; and Task 5.3 addresses restoration techniques.

10. Moreover, it may be helpful to note that that Task 2.3 addresses multiple peatland types and

also has benefits unrelated to peatlands. To assess implementation of the Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands, the task contemplates reaching out to 20 STRP National Focal Points for information. The task itself would result in greater engagement between the STRP and its National Focal Points, as well as greater engagement with the STRP National Focal Points and their network (as the task would require them to coordinate with others to collect that data). Nevertheless, the STRP welcomes clarification and instruction from the Standing Committee on which peatland-related tasks should move forward.

11. Several comments expressed support for greater inclusion of Indigenous and Local Knowledge

(ILK) in the draft work plan. The amended draft work plan now includes specific references to ILK in task 1.2 on cultural inventories; tasks 3.1 and 3.2 on wetland valuation; and task 4.2 on the Ramsar Advisory Mission reports review. The STRP appreciates the offer from New Zealand to provide ILK case studies and welcomes such case studies from other Contracting Parties. In addition, Resolution XII.5 provides a mechanism for further involvement of ILK experts. Contracting Parties may suggest experts to participate in meetings or intersessional processes of the STRP with the approval of the STRP Chair (see Resolution XII. 5, Annex 1, paragraphs 9-

SC52-10 2

10). Although the STRP budget could not cover the travel costs of such additional experts, they would be most welcomed if they can secure funding from other sources. Such experts could also participate in tasks electronically.

12. A question was raised about the Wetland Extent Trends (WET) Index and its relationship to the

Ramsar Convention and other conventions, notably the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The WET Index was conceived as an indicator for the Ramsar Convention, filling a gap in the evidence base for Ramsar. Its first iteration was developed and tested by UNEP-WCMC, with funding from the Ramsar Convention and supported by in-kind time contributions from UNEP-WCMC. The WET Index does not belong to any other process and is not funded by the CBD or any other convention. We understand that it is listed in the CBD Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) report only to flag its existence and relevance as an indicator for Aichi Target 5. To be sure, the WET Index, as an ecosystem extent indicator, is relevant to the CBD and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) processes, and an early analysis was used in the Fourth Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-4). Nevertheless, the WET Index is and remains a Ramsar indicator of core relevance to the State of the World Wetlands and their Services to People (SoWWS) and for tracking implementation and impact of the Convention. Accordingly, in the amended draft work plan, the WET Index is now included as part of the SoWWS task.

13. A question was also raised about whether further work on the WET Index (and its proposed

budget of CHF 50,000) was necessary in light of the methodology’s publication in the journal Biological Conservation in 2015. It is important to note that the initial work was the first proof of concept establishing the methodology, and it only provided a trend analysis to 2008. Further investment will allow the index to be updated. Just as importantly, the first proof of concept had some geographic gaps and imbalances (most notably Latin America). Further work will help to fill these gaps to make it more representative as a global indicator, as well as enabling better sub-global/regional comparisons.

14. With respect to funding the SoWWS task, the initial draft work plan contained two budgetary

options, which created an ambiguity. The higher figure (CHF 250,000) contemplated fundraising and reliance on paid consultants from each Ramsar region. At this point, however, we do not anticipate such funds being voluntarily provided. Thus, we propose to proceed with a smaller figure (CHF 137,000). The STRP would draft the SoWWS report, and funds would be used for an authors meeting (CHF 20,000), and layout, design, translation, and other publication costs (CHF 67,000). Including the proposed cost for the WET Index (CHF 50,000), the total estimated cost for the SoWWS task in the amended draft work plan is CHF 137,000. As a point of comparison, the estimated budget for the pollinators assessment by IPBES (Decision IPBES-2/5) was $749,250.

15. A literature survey of all Ramsar guidance and IOPs’ guidance was assembled prior to the 19th

meeting of the STRP (STRP19), identifying more than 100 guidance documents relevant to the broad thematic work areas. The literature survey was provided to all STRP19 participants, and each thematic area working group was asked to consider the available guidance when developing recommendations. The 15 December 2015 message from the Secretariat sent to the Heads of Administrative Authorities, National Focal Points and STRP National Focal Points also asked for input on guidance to be added to the literature survey.

Amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan 16. The amended draft work plan, in the Annex to this report, is submitted for the approval of the

Standing Committee at its 52nd meeting. The amended draft work plan takes into account the

SC52-10 3

five thematic work areas approved by Contracting Parties at COP12 (identified in Resolution XII.5, Annex 3), the Fourth Ramsar Strategic Plan (Resolution XII.2), requests by Contracting Parties in COP12 Resolutions and the additional consultation conducted after SC51.

17. The amended draft work plan includes a new task related to advice on management of

mosquito disease vectors in wetlands for site managers, health practitioners and policymakers as an emerging issue under thematic work area 2. We have also added a new task related to the Montreux Record, also under thematic work area 2.

18. With respect to funding for task implementation, there are currently three available sources

from the Convention budget. First, approximately CHF 118,000 in non-time bound funds remain available from the previous triennium. Second, the budget for 2016-2018 allocates CHF 120,000 (CHF 40,000 per year) for work plan implementation. Third, because of prudent scheduling of STRP meetings, there is CHF 50,000 available from the 2016 budget allocated to STRP meetings. (STRP19 was held in 2015, using 2015 meeting funds; STRP20 will not be held until 2017 and will use 2017 meeting funds.) Assuming that the 2016 meeting funds may be devoted to authors meetings and workshops, there is approximately CHF 288,000 available for work plan implementation.

19. In addition, WWF may be in a position to fully fund Task 4.1 (CHF 100,000; Water Requirements

for Wetlands) and partially fund Task 4.2 (CHF 22,000; Review and Analysis of Ramsar Advisory Mission Reports). STRP greatly appreciates WWF’s strong support of the Convention.

20. In light of the resources available, the Panel recommends that particular attention be paid to

the following ten proposed tasks, plus the SoWWS report, listed in order of their appearance in the work plan. The total estimated cost for these suggested higher priorities (“SoWWS + 10”) is CHF 317,300, which results in a gap of CHF 29,300. Note, however, that the estimate generally assumes that the maximum cost for layout, design, review, translation and publication are: up to CHF 9,000 for a Policy Brief; up to CHF 13,000 for a Briefing Note; and up to CHF 33,500 for a Ramsar Technical Report. We expect that in some cases the actual costs will be less and thus we are relatively confident that the current resources available could support the “SoWWS + 10”.

Task title Task

no. Target audience(s) Estimated cost

(CHF) State of the World’s Wetlands and their Services to People (SoWWS)

Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers and stakeholders, including protected areas managers and wetland education centres)

137,000

Earth Observation as a “best practice” tool for inventorying, mapping and monitoring wetlands, including Ramsar Sites

1.1 Practitioners 33,500

Development of guidelines for inventories of peatlands for possible designation as Wetlands of International Importance

1.3 Practitioners (Ramsar Site managers) (Briefing Note) and policymakers (Annex to Draft Resolution)

13,000

SC52-10 4

Task title Task no.

Target audience(s) Estimated cost (CHF)

Ramsar wetland Sites management toolkit

2.1 Practitioners (Ramsar Site managers) No cost implications for STRP budget. Advice provided on a voluntary basis

Management of mosquito disease vectors in wetlands

2.5 Practitioners (wetland managers and urban/peri-urban health practitioners) and policymakers

22,000

Wetland Ecosystem Services Assessment and Valuation Policy Brief with Annex

3.1 Policymakers (Policy Brief) and practitioners (annexed protocol)

25,300

Protocol for assessing multiple values of wetlands – tool kit (IPBES)

3.2 Practitioners (wetland managers)

33,500

Wetland Ecosystems and Disaster Risk Reduction

3.3 Policymakers 9,000

Water Requirements for Wetlands

4.1 Policymakers and practitioners at national, basin, and local level

No cost implications for STRP budget [100,000 to be provided by WWF]

Review and Analysis of Ramsar Advisory Mission Reports

4.2 Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers).

22,000 [An additional 22,000 to be provided by WWF]

Promoting best practices in wetland restoration

5.1 Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers)

22,000

21. With respect to Task 4.2, the funds provided by WWF must be committed prior to the Standing

Committee’s meeting in June 2016. Otherwise, these funds will no longer be available for these STRP tasks. Accordingly, the STRP Chair will work with the Acting Secretary General and the Chair of the Standing Committee to explore mechanisms by which the work on these tasks could progress prior to SC52.

22. Priorities in the category of ad-hoc advisory functions and collaboration with other international

bodies include working with the Secretariat and the Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia on a simplified manual for Ramsar Site managers and engaging in the IPBES process.

IPBES update 23. The Fourth Plenary Session of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem

Services (IPBES-4) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 22-28 February 2016. The STRP Chair, who is an observer to the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel of IPBES, attended IPBES-4.

24. Significantly, IPBES’s first thematic assessment – on pollinators, pollination and food production

– was accepted by the Platform. One key message is that “the abundance, diversity and health of pollinators and the provision of pollination are threatened by direct drivers which generate risks to societies and ecosystems,” including land-use change. Wetlands are referenced in the assessment, including:

SC52-10 5

i) A statement that the decrease of several bumble bee and butterfly species in Europe is probably attributable to the loss of unmanaged grasslands, heathlands, wetlands and bogs.

ii) A case example involving livelihoods through beekeeping in mangroves in Guinea Bissau. iii) An observation that “large magnitudes of climate change will particularly affect species

with spatially restricted populations, such as boreo-alpine relicts and those confined to small and isolated habitats (e.g., bogs), as they may no longer find suitable habitats, or mountain tops (no upwards move possible), even if the species has the biological capacity to move fast enough to track suitable climates.”

iv) A report from honey-harvesters in Sentarum Lake, Indonesia “that smoke coming from the

deforestation for plantations has a direct negative impact on the arrival of the swarms in season and therefore on honey production.”

25. With respect to other thematic assessments of particular relevance to Ramsar, IPBES-4

welcomed the progress made in the land degradation and restoration assessment, which should be considered at IPBES-6 in 2018. The scoping report for the assessment on invasive alien species and their control was approved, but the decision on whether to undertake this assessment will be made at IPBES-5 in 2017. Similarly, a revised scoping report for the assessment on sustainable use and biodiversity also will be considered at IBPES-5.

26. IPBES-4 requested the IPBES Executive Secretary to finalize memoranda of cooperation with the

secretariats of the individual biodiversity-related conventions, including the Ramsar Convention and the Secretariat of the Platform.

27. Members of the Ramsar community remain engaged in the work of IPBES, including STRP

members Ritesh Kumar (expert group on valuation methodologies and regional/sub-regional assessments on biodiversity and ecosystem services) and Siobhan Fennessy (lead author for the thematic assessment on land degradation and restoration), as well as Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu, IWMI’s former representative to the STRP (Co-Chair of the Asia-Pacific regional assessment) and former STRP invited expert Susan Galatowitsch (review editor for chapter six of the thematic assessment on land degradation and restoration). In addition, Rashad Allahverdiev, the Ramsar National Focal Point for Azerbaijan, was elected to the IPBES Bureau at IPBES-4.

STRP20 28. Once the Standing Committee has formally approved the Work Plan, task leads intend to begin

working electronically. It is anticipated that STRP20 will be held in early 2017 to assess progress on the approved Work Plan.

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Scientific and Technical Review Panel Amended Draft Work Plan 2016-2018 triennium

The STRP developed its draft work plan for the 2016-2018 triennium at its 19th Meeting (2 to 6 November 2015) for approval by the Standing Committee at its 51st meeting, pursuant to Resolution XII. 5 (Annex 1, paragraph 49), taking into account the five Thematic Work Areas approved by Contracting Parties at COP12 (Annex 3), the Fourth Ramsar Strategic Plan2016-2024 (Resolution XII.2) and requests by Contracting Parties in COP12 Resolutions. In accordance with Decision SC51-07, the draft work plan has been revised after a broad consultation process with National Focal Points and STRP National Focal Points. Note that in addition to the specific Thematic Work Areas and tasks outlined below, it is important to recall that, within the framework of Resolution XII.5, the STRP has a number of core ad-hoc advisory functions (set forth below). The outputs proposed in this draft work plan are aimed at two target audiences, in line with Resolution XII. 5, Annex 1, paragraph 54, as follows:

i) Policy-makers, including those from the environment and water sectors and other related sectors such as energy, health and sanitation, agriculture, infrastructure; and

ii) Practitioners and in particular wetland managers and stakeholders, but also others from related fields, such as protected area managers and staff of wetland education centres.

Note, for clarity purposes, that for outputs seeking to target Ramsar Site managers, the target audience is specified as “Practitioners (Ramsar Site Managers)”. However, for outputs aimed at wetland managers in general, the target audience is specified as “Practitioners (wetland managers)”. The indicative budget for the tasks generally assumes that the costs for layout, design, review, translation and publication are: up to CHF 6,000 for a Factsheet, up to CHF 9,000 for a Policy Brief, up to CHF 13,000 for a Briefing Note and up to CHF 35,500 for a Ramsar Technical Report. These estimates are based on the Secretariat’s publication guidelines and translation costs per page. Ad-hoc Advisory Functions and collaboration with other International bodies and processes

Type of advice/collaboration Res. SP goal &

target

Description Costs CHF

Ramsar Convention Processes Providing advice to Ramsar Contracting Parties and stakeholders on the State of the World Wetlands and their Services to People (SoWWS)

XII.5, ¶ 25 3.11, 4.14, 4.16

Task description: Producing a 2018 edition of the periodic flagship publication on the state of the world’s wetlands, drivers of wetlands loss and responses to promote the Convention’s objectives with links to the Strategic Plan and other international processes (i.e. Sustainable

137,000 [67,000 for layout, design, review, translation and publication costs; 20,000 for

SC52-10 7

Development Goals (SDGs), Aichi Targets, Global Biodiversity Outlook). As an important component of this task, the STRP in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC will update the Ramsar-led Wetland Extent Trends (WET) Index to provide a post-2008 trend analysis and correct geographic gaps and imbalances (most notably in the Latin America and the Caribbean region) from the initial proof of concept. In addition, analysis of data from the Global Mangrove Watch produced by JAXA and GlobWetland Africa produced by ESA (see also Task 1.1) will provide critical contributions to the SoWWS. Expected output(s): A global report with derived outputs for specific audiences (i.e. Policy Briefs/Briefing Notes), resources permitting. Target audience(s): Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers and stakeholders, including protected areas managers and wetland education centres)

authors meetings; and 50,000 for updating the WET Index]

Responding to requests for advice or input from the Secretariat and Standing Committee

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2; 12 (iii), (v); 15

4.14 These may include, inter alia, advice to the Secretariat on the CEPA Programme, the Fourth Strategic Plan indicators, the revision of the Ramsar Handbooks, engagement with the development of the Global Wetlands Observation System (GWOS), collaboration with the Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR), simplifying and repackaging existing guidance on Ramsar Sites management for the production of a simplified manual, etc.

No cost implications for STRP budget. Advice provided on a voluntary basis.

Drafting or providing input on Draft Resolutions

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2, 12 (iii)

4.14 The STRP may draft, at the request of Contracting Parties, a Draft Resolution or it may provide input to Draft Resolutions submitted to the COP by Contracting Parties.


Responding to national or regional relevant requests for advice from Contracting Parties

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 2, 59

4.14 The STRP may, as appropriate, provide advice to Contracting Parties requesting it.


Ramsar Advisory Missions

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2, 12

2.5, 2.7, 4.14

STRP experts may participate in RAMs when requested to do so and if funds are available within the Secretariat’s budget to cover travel expenses.


Removals of Ramsar Sites from the Montreux Record

XII.5, Annex 1,

2.5, 2.7,

The STRP may respond to requests by Contracting Parties, as appropriate, concerning the removal of Ramsar Sites from the

No cost implications for STRP budget. Advice provided on a

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¶¶ 1- 2, 12 (v), 15, 38

4.14 Montreux Record. voluntary basis.

Wetland City Accreditation Independent Advisory Committee

Res. XII.10, Annex, ¶ 16 (e)

3.11, 4.14, 4.16

An STRP expert will serve in the Wetland City Accreditation Independent Advisory Committee.


Providing advice on emerging issues XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶2, 15 (ii), 38

4.14 The STRP may, as necessary and appropriate, keep under review emerging and more strategic issues of relevance for the Convention which may require action or advice in the near- or medium-term future.


Other international processes of relevance to the Convention and that contribute to implementation of the Convention’s Strategic Plan Engagement with IPBES XII.2, ¶ 24;

XII.3, ¶¶ 48, 49; XII.5, Annex 1, ¶ 13 (ix), 51

4.14, 4.18

Continue engaging in the work of IPBES through: participation of the STRP Chair in IPBES and MEP meetings, participation of STRP members and other Ramsar experts in global and regional assessments, review of requests to IPBES for thematic assessments, including a thematic assessment on the current status and trends of wetlands and the integration of outcomes from IPBES assessments (i.e. pollinators, land degradation and restoration) into the work of the STRP.

STRP Chair travel fund to cover travel costs

Peatlands Hotspot Atlas XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2

4.14, 4.18

Providing advice, as appropriate and as needed, to the Peatlands Hotspot Atlas project, a collaborative project between Wetlands International (WI), CBD, UNCCD and Ramsar, launched at the UNFCCC COP21. There may be potential for derived Ramsar products, resources permitting and contingent on the Standing Committee’s approval.


Thematic Work Area No. 1: Best practice methodologies/tools to monitor Ramsar Sites, including surveying, mapping and inventorying recognizing traditional practices of indigenous peoples and local communities Working Group lead(s) and participants: Lars Dinesen, Roy Gardner, Max Finlayson (lead), Vincent V. Hilomen, Jari Ilmonen, Laura Martinez, Dulce Infante Mata, Rubén

Quintana, Lisa-Maria Rebelo, Matt Walpole Contributing organizations: [IOPs/observers/others]

Wetlands International (WI) (Marcel Silvius), WWF International (Denis Landenbergue)/ CBD Secretariat (David Coates), European Space Agency (ESA) (Marc Paganini), International Peatland Society (IPS) (Jack Rieley), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) (Ake Rosenqvist, Shizu Yabe1), Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) (Nick Davidson), TNC (Boze Hancok), Tour du Valat (Christian Perennou), UNESCO-IHE (Anne van Dam), WCMC (Diego Juffe-Bignoli), World Heritage Center (Tim Badman)/ STRP NFP Canada (Barry Warner), STRP NFP Malaysia (Abd Rahman Kassim), STRP NFP Portugal (Ana Mendes)

1 On 14 March 2016 JAXA informed the Ramsar Secretariat that Ms Shizu Yabe would take over the duties of Mr Nobuyoshi Fujimoto as JAXA’s representative to the STRP.

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Task No. Title Priority Res. SP goal &

target Task description, expected outputs & target audiences Costs CHF

No. 1.1 Earth Observation as a “best practice” tool for inventorying, mapping and monitoring wetlands, including Ramsar Sites

Higher XII.5, ¶ 25 (as a component of SoWWS)

2.5, 2.7; 4.14

Task description: Reviewing and reporting on the role and use of earth observation for inventorying, mapping, and monitoring wetlands, including Ramsar Sites. The Global Mangrove Watch, GlobWetland Africa, and other earth observation efforts will be the focus of a Ramsar Technical Report (RTR). The RTR will discuss the use of radar imagery from satellites launched by JAXA as a “best practice” tool for mapping changes in global extent of mangroves over time, including seaward expansion as well as retreat. Mapping the change status of mangroves globally and regionally can facilitate prioritization for protection efforts and identification of restoration opportunities (See also, for example, the Monitoring System of Mangroves in Mexico (SMMM)). The RTR will also review the satellite-derived data from GlobWetland Africa (produced by the European Space Agency and national and local partners), and its resulting toolkit and scientific articles, highlighting earth observation as a “best practice” tool for inventorying, mapping, and monitoring African wetlands, including Ramsar Sites. The benefits of the Satellite-based Wetland Observation System (SWOS) to site management will also be examined. Expected output(s): Ramsar Technical Report Target audiences: Practitioners

Up to 33,500

No. 1.2 Wetland cultural inventories implementation workshop

XII.5, Annex 3

2.5, 2.7; 3.10, 3.11; 4.14, 4.16, 4.19

Task description: In collaboration with the Ramsar Culture Network and the Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research in the Western Hemisphere (CREHO), convene a small capacity building workshop for Ramsar Site Managers and STRP National Focal Points to examine the practical application of cultural inventories. Compile a set of case studies illustrating the application of wetland cultural inventories, including examples incorporating indigenous and local knowledge. Expected output(s): Capacity building workshop, a set of case studies to be published on the Ramsar website as part of the Ramsar Sites Management Toolkit (see task No. 2.1 below), and a webinar on cultural inventories. Target audience(s): Practitioners (Ramsar Site Managers)

Up to 10,000

1.3 Development of guidelines

Higher XII.11, ¶24 (a) and (b)

2.6; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task description: Review and develop guidelines for tropical peatlands’ inventories for their designation as Wetlands of International Importance. The “best practice” scientific and technical guidelines will be discussed in a Briefing Note, covering extent, depth, quality, elevation and survey

Up to 13,000

SC52-10 10

Task No. Title Priority Res. SP goal & target

Task description, expected outputs & target audiences Costs CHF

for inventories of peatlands for possible designation as Wetlands of International Importance

methodologies. In addition, guidelines will be developed regarding designation of peatlands as Wetlands of International Importance, especially with regards to Criterion 1 and in particular paragraph 121 (vi) of Annex 2 to Resolution XI.8 (hydrological importance in the context of at least regional climate regulation or stability).

Expected output(s): 1) Briefing Note for practitioners (Ramsar Site managers) to include extension, depths, quality, elevation and survey methodologies and 2) Revised guidelines as an Annex to a Draft Resolution to be submitted to Standing Committee and the 13th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP13) Target audience(s): Practitioners (Ramsar Site managers) (Briefing Note) and policymakers (Annex to DR)

Working Group lead(s) and participants Susanna Aguilar, Channa Bambaradeniya (lead), Ruth Cromie, Lars Dinesen, Jari Ilmonen, Guangchun Lei, Kassim Kulindwa,

Ritesh Kumar Contributing organizations [IOPs/observers/others]

BirdLife International (Zoltan Waliczky), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Stefano Barchiesi, William Darwall), International Water Management Institute (IWMI) (Sanjiv de Silva), WI (Marcel Silvius), WWT (Rob Shore)/ AEWA Technical Committee (David Stroud), SWS (Nick Davidson), Tour du Valat/Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (Christian Perennou), UNEP (Marisol Estrella), UN-Habitat (Rob McInnes), UNESCO-MAB (Marie Prchlova), World Heritage Center (Tim Badman)/ International Peatland Society (Jack Rieley)

Task No.

Title Priority Res. SP goal &


2.1 Ramsar wetland Sites management toolkit

Higher XII.11 ¶28; XII.13; ¶¶ , 27, 28;

3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14,

Task description: Compilation of an online ‘Ramsar Sites Management Toolkit’, which consists of a dedicated page on the Ramsar website with appropriate translation into Ramsar languages Expected output(s): A web page that would contain existing STRP guidance and outputs on site management, including best practices and case studies on wetland restoration and traditional and

No cost implications for STRP budget for providing

Thematic Work Area No. 2 : Best practices for developing and implementing management plans, action plans, and other tools for Ramsar Sites and other wetlands

SC52-10 11

local knowledge of indigenous peoples and local communities to be compiled by the Secretariat, along with a list of international and/or regional initiatives and capacity development resources and relevant reference sources. The site would be updated and maintained on a regular basis by the Secretariat. The STRP would provide relevant technical guidance and material with annotations to be included in this toolkit. Target audience(s): Practitioners (Ramsar Site managers)

advice. Possible translation costs, to be determined.

2.2 Transboundary wetland management

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2

3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14,

Task description: Produce a Policy Brief that outlines approaches and best practices for developing and implementing transboundary wetland management plans and other tools, as well as lessons learned, with an emphasis on sharing water resources, basin management and maintenance of the ecological character of transboundary wetlands, including an introduction on relevant international/regional initiatives. Expected output(s): Policy Brief Target audience(s): Policymakers

Up to 9,000

2.3 Assessment of the progress made with the implementation of the “Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands (GAP)”

XII.11, ¶24(c) and ¶27

2.6; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14, 4.18

Task description: Development and dissemination of a questionnaire to selected Contracting Parties through their STRP National Focal Points, based on peatland area/other criteria, with a view to identifying best practices for implementing a wetland action plan. Expected output(s): Summary report and webinar on the progress in implementing the GAP. Further outputs are dependent on findings. Target audience(s): Policymakers and practitioners.

Up to 9,000

2.4 Best practices for developing and implementing action plans to manage Invasive Alien Species in Ramsar Sites and other wetlands:

XII.2, Annex, ¶ 30

1.4; 2.5, 2.7; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14,

Task description: Produce a Briefing Note that provides a guide to available guidance on best practices for developing and implementing action plans to manage Invasive Alien Species in Ramsar Sites and other wetlands (in collaboration with AEWA). Expected output(s): Briefing Note Target audience(s): Practitioners (wetland managers)

Up to 13,000

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a guide to available guidance

2.5 Management of mosquito disease vectors in wetlands

Higher XII. 5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2; 15 (ii); 38

2.5, 2.7; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task description: Provide advice on management of mosquito disease vectors in wetlands for site managers, practitioners and policy makers. Expected output(s):

1) Briefing Note for practitioners (wetland managers and urban/peri-urban health practitioners) and

2) Policy Brief to set vector control in a broad health context, highlighting the value of health impact assessment processes to better understand likely health outcomes.

Target audience(s): Practitioners (wetland managers and health practitioners) and policymakers

Up to 22,000 [13,000 for a Briefing Note and 9,000 for a Policy Brief]

2.6 Montreux Record

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2; 12 (v); 15; 38

2.5, 2.7; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task description: Provide advice on utility of the Montreux Record as a tool for Ramsar Sites. Expected output(s): Publish the report on “Change in ecological character of wetland sites – a review of Ramsar guidance and mechanisms,” which discusses the Montreux Record, on the Ramsar website as part of the Ramsar Sites Management Toolkit (see task No. 2.1 above), and produce a webinar to discuss the possible utility of the Montreux Record to bring positive national and international conservation attention to Ramsar Sites. Target audience(s): Practitioners (Ramsar Site managers) and policymakers

No cost implications for STRP budget as the report has already been prepared and the Secretariat has the required webinar software

Thematic Work Area No. 3: Methods for economic and non-economic values of goods and services of wetlands Working Group lead(s) and participants Channa Bambaradeniya, Ruth Cromie, Lars Dinesen, Siobhan Fennessy, Max Finlayson, Vincent V. Hilomen , Kassim Kulindwa,

Ritesh Kumar (lead), Guangchun Lei, Laura Martinez, Dulce Infante Mata, Matt Walpole Contributing organizations BirdLife International (Zoltan Waliczky), IUCN (Stefano Barchiesi), IWMI (Sanjiv De Silva), WI (Marcel Silvius), WWF International

SC52-10 13

[IOPs/observers/others] (Denis Landenbergue), WWT (Rob Shore)/ Tour Du Valat/Mediterranean Wetlands Observatory (Christian Perennou), SWS (Nick Davidson), UN-Habitat (Rob McInnes), UNESCO-IHE (Anne van Dam), UNESCO-MAB (Marie Prchalova), World Heritage Center (Tim Badman)/ STRP NFP Malaysia (Abd Rahman Kassim)

Task No.

title Priority Res. SP goal &


3.1 Wetland ecosystem services assessment and valuation Policy Brief with Annex

Higher XII.13, ¶¶ 27; XII.15

1.1, 1.3; 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task description: Informing policymakers, through a Policy Brief, on the state of the art for recognizing, assessing and applying multiple values of wetlands for their integrated management. Scope of the Policy Brief to include: the case for integrating multiple wetland values and wise use, using multiple values in sectoral decision making, state of art on methods for recognizing and assessing multiple values, integrating indigenous and local knowledge in valuation; using values to support integrated wetland management. The Policy Brief would be annexed by a protocol for assessing multiple values of wetlands, which would be adapted from an existing IPBES (5-step) guide on assessing multiple values of nature. (The 5-step guide is an outcome of IPBES deliverable 3(d): Diverse conceptualization of multiple values of nature and its benefits, including biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, and is available online as Annex 2 of the working document for the 4th Plenary meeting.) Expected output(s): Policy Brief on recognizing, assessing and applying multiple values of wetlands for integrated wetland management, with an annexed protocol Target audience(s): Policymakers (Policy Brief) and practitioners (annexed protocol)

Up to 25,300 [9,000 for layout, design, review, translation and publication costs; 6,300 for consultant; and 10,000 for a six-person writing workshop]

3.2 Protocol for assessing multiple values of wetlands – tool kit

Higher XII.13, ¶¶ 27; XII.15, ¶ 21

1.1, 1.3; 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task description: Translating the method protocol developed as annex to task 3.1 into a toolkit for assisting wetland practitioners in application of the 5-step guidance. For each of the 5 steps in the multiple values protocol, guidance on tools, methods and case studies will be made available to assist with application. The toolkit will be included as part of a suite of wetland management tools proposed under Thematic Work Area 2 (above) (task No. 2.1). Expected output(s): Ramsar Technical Report and a toolkit on assessing multiple values of wetlands and applying them to integrated management Target audience(s): Practitioners (wetland managers)

Up to 33,500

SC52-10 14

3.3 Wetland Ecosystems and Disaster Risk Reduction

Higher XII.13, ¶¶25, 30

1.1, 1.3; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task Description: Provide an overview of current knowledge on the role of wetland ecosystem services in reducing disaster risk, opportunities and best practices for integrating wetland conservation and wise use and disaster risk reduction, and provide options for policy makers to consider in the two sectors (disaster risk reduction and wetland management) for joint action. Expected output(s): Policy Brief on integrating wetlands in Disaster Risk Reduction Target audience: Policymakers

Up to 9,000

3.4 Case studies on ‘wetland valuation and wise use’

XII.13, ¶ 27; XII.15, ¶ 21

1.1, 1.3; 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14

Task description: Develop case studies and methods (including those provided by other biodiversity-related conventions and organizations) on using multiple values of wetlands in the planning and decision making contexts, which will be synthesized for policymakers. Expected output(s): 1) Case studies and methods to be included as part of a suite of wetland management tools proposed under Thematic Work Area 2 (above) (task No. 2.1) and 2) Policy Brief Target audience(s): Practitioners (wetland managers) (case studies and methods) and policymakers (Policy Brief)

9,000

Thematic Work Area No. 4: Balancing wetland conservation and development e.g. infrastructure, urbanization, forestry, extraction, industries and agriculture Working Group lead(s) and participants: Ruth Cromie, Peter Davies, Roy Gardner, Max Finlayson, Kassim Kulindwa, Dulce Infante Mata, Laura Martinez (lead), Rubén

Quintana Contributing organizations: [IOPs/observers/others]

BirdLife International (Zoltan Waliczky), IUCN (Stefano Barchiesi), IWMI (Sanjiv da Silva), WWF International (Denis Landenbergue, Lifeng Li)/ SWS (Nick Davidson), UNESCO-IHE (Anne van Dam)/STRP NFP Malaysia (Abd Rahman Kassim)

Task No.



4.1 Water requirements for wetlands

Higher XII.12, ¶ 24

1.1, 1.2, 1.3; 2.5; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13; 4.14

Task description: A joint Technical Report with WWF that would discuss approaches to assess wetlands water requirements and how to determine and apply strategies and tools for the determination and allocation of water to wetlands. It will also include approaches for developing a programme to monitor the water requirements of wetlands. The Ramsar Technical Report will take

No costs implications for STRP budget [100,000

SC52-10 15

Task No. Title

Priority Res. SP goal & target


into account the experiences of Mexico with the establishment of water reserves, the experiences of China, Australia, South Africa, Kenya and EU member countries with the creation of river basin plans, and the experience of the United States with dam management. A policy brief that would provide options on approaches for incorporating wetlands water requirements into national sectoral policies/plans and river basin plans (mindful that such approaches would be specific to the national context). Expected output(s): 1) Technical Report for practitioners on assessing and implementing wetland water requirements and 2) Policy Brief on incorporating wetlands water requirement into national policies/plans and river basin plans Target audience(s): Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers) at the national, basin and local levels

would be provided by WWF]

4.2 Review and analysis of Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs) Reports

Higher XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2; 12

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4; 2.5, 2.7; 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13; 4.14

Task description: a review and analysis of all Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs) reports to raise awareness about the role and utility of RAMs to improve management, monitoring mechanisms and address threats to Ramsar Sites. More than 80 RAMs, many of which have dealt with infrastructure, urbanization, forestry, extraction, industries and agriculture-related issues, as well as Indigenous and Local Knowledge systems, have been conducted to date, and the reports provide a rich resource of potential case studies about Convention implementation, challenges and successes in balancing wetland conservation and development. STRP NFPs will be requested to provide feedback and assistance in this review process. Expected output(s): 1) A comprehensive analysis, which would be posted on the RAMs home page of the Ramsar website 2) The content from the analysis would be culled for a Policy Brief (facilitating the understanding and the use of the RAM concept and highlighting the value of RAMs to policy makers and lessons learned) 3) Briefing Note (facilitating the understanding and the use of the RAM process to Ramsar Site

Up to 44,000 [Of which WWF would provide 22,000 to cover the costs for a consultancy to produce the comprehensive analysis; 9,000 of STRP funds for a Policy Brief and 13,000 for a Briefing Note. Please note that there are no costs to the

SC52-10 16

Task No. Title

Priority Res. SP goal & target


managers), highlighting selected case studies and 4) Webinars may also be conducted to reach a wider audience Target audience(s): Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers). Note that the outputs maybe be useful in resource mobilization for more RAMs

STRP associated with the production of webinars, as the Secretariat has the required software]

4.3 Aquaculture developments and wise use of wetlands

XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4; 2.5, 2.7; 3.8, 3.9, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13; 4.14

Task description: Linking the main types of aquaculture production systems in the world to the Ramsar wetland classification system in the context of the interactive governance framework. This output would help inform policymakers in the conservation, aquaculture and finance sectors on the environmental and social impacts of aquaculture. The Policy Brief will discuss the risks of aquaculture and its potential to contribute to food security, wise use of wetlands and sustainable and equitable development. Expected output(s): Policy Brief on aquaculture developments and wise use of wetlands Target audience(s): Policymakers in both conservation and aquaculture communities

9,000 [possibility of holding a small writing workshop, linked to the SoWWS or other writing meetings]

Working Group lead(s) and participants: Susana Aguilar, Peter Davies, Lars Dinesen, Siobhan Fennessy (co-lead), Max Finlayson, Vincent V. Hilomen, Jari Ilmonen,

Dulce Infante Mata, Kassim Kulindwa, Ritesh Kumar, Guangchun Lei (co-lead) Contributing organizations: [IOPs/observers/others]

BirdLife International (Zoltan Waliczky), WI (Marcel Silvius)/ UNESCO-MAB (Marie Prchalova), SWS (Nick Davidson), Tour du Valat (Christian Perennou), UN Habitat (Rob McInnes)/ STRP NFP Canada (Barry Warner), STRP NFP Malaysia (Abd Rahman Kassim), STRP NFP Portugal (Ana Mendes), IPS (Jack Rieley)

Task No.,



5.1 Promoting best practices in wetland

Higher XII.2; XII.11, ¶ 28

1.3, 1.4; 2.5, 2.7; 3.8,3.9, 3.11, 3.12;

Task description: Compiling best practices in wetland restoration for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including policies, instruments, and incentives and technical innovations from different regions.

Up to 22,000 [13,000 for a Briefing Note

Thematic Work Area No. 5: Climate change and wetlands: innovative methodologies for wetlands restoration

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restoration 4.14, Expected output(s): 1) Building on Ramsar Briefing Note No.5, a new Briefing Note will highlight the potential for and reasons to conduct wetland restoration in the climate change context 2) Policy Brief will discuss best practices and policy options in wetland restoration incentives and instruments (e.g. carbon fund\private sector\VCS\CCBA climate community biodiversity alliance) to explain available approaches to invest in these efforts Target audience(s): Policymakers and practitioners (wetland managers)

and 9,000 for a Policy Brief; possibility of holding a small writing workshop, linked to the SoWWS or other writing meetings]

5.2 The implications of REDD-plus for the wise use of wetlands

XII.2; XII.5, Annex 1, ¶¶ 1-2

3.8,3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14,

Task description: A review of decisions made by multilateral environment agreements concerning REDD-plus and their implications both for restoration (enhancement) and the wise use of wetlands. Expected output(s): Policy Brief Target audience(s): Policymakers

Up to 9,000

5.3 Advice for the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties on practical methods for rewetting and restoring peatlands

XII.11, ¶24(d) and ¶28

1.1, 1.3; 2.5, 2.6; 2.7; 3.8,3.9, 3.11, 3.12; 4.14,

Task description: A Ramsar Technical Report that reviews the links between practical restoration and rewetting methods for peatlands in order to prevent carbon transfer from soils and vegetation to the atmosphere. Expected output(s): 1) a Ramsar Technical Report as an overview and with references to a compilation of experiences on methods of rewetting based on existing literature and 2) Guidance as an annex to a Draft Resolution, if desired by Contracting Parties, or as an Information Document for COP13 Target audience(s): Practitioners (Ramsar Site managers)

Up to 35,500

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SC52-11 Rev.1

Update on Ramsar Regional Initiatives

Introduction 1. At COP7 in 1999, the Ramsar Contracting Parties first recognized regional cooperation as an

effective way for them to promote and better implement the objectives of the Convention. This triggered the establishment and development of formally established regional cooperation

Actions requested: Standing Committee is invited to:

• take note of the annual reports received by the 15 ongoing Ramsar Regional Initiatives, published as received at: http://www.ramsar.org/library/field_date_period%253Avalue /2016/field_tag_body_event/ramsar-regional-initiatives-593;

• take note of the information papers SC52-Inf.Doc.04 providing an assessment of the ongoing Ramsar Regional Initiatives, and SC52- Inf.Doc.05 providing a common communications strategy for the Ramsar Regional Initiatives;

and to take the following two Decisions: • Standing Committee endorses the ongoing Ramsar Regional Initiatives as complying with

the Operational Guidelines 2013-2015 and operating within the framework of the Convention during the period 2016-2018:

- centre for Eastern Africa (RAMCEA), - centre for Central and West Asia (RRC-CWA), - centre for East Asia, - centre for the Western Hemisphere (CREHO), - network for the West African Coast (WacoWet), - network for the Niger River Basin (NigerWet), - network for the High Andean region, - network for the La Plata River Basin, - network for the Caribbean (CariWet), - network for [American] Mangroves and Reefs, - network for the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, - network for the Mediterranean (MedWet), - network for the Carpathian region, - network for the Nordic-Baltic region (NorBalWet), - network for the Black and Azov Sea Coasts (BlackSeaWet).

• Standing Committee adopts the revised Operational Guidelines for Ramsar Regional

Initiatives operating in the framework of the Convention 2016-2024 that were submitted to SC52 by the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives, after its concluding workshop on 12 June 2016.

http://www.ramsar.org/library/field_date_period%253Avalue/2016/field_tag_body_event/ramsar-regional-initiatives-593


mechanisms which have since been referred to as “Regional Initiatives”. This regional cooperation between Parties at international level is realized in two forms: either through physically established Ramsar Regional Centres for regional training and capacity building, or through Ramsar Regional Networks that are set up to support regional cooperation.

2. Most recently at COP12 in 2015 (Resolution XII.8), the Parties recalled that Regional Initiatives

are intended as operational means to provide effective support for an improved implementation of the Convention and its Strategic Plan through international cooperation on wetland-related issues of common concern (paragraph 1), and reaffirmed the effectiveness of regional cooperation, through networks and centres (paragraph 8).

3. For the past triennium (2013-2015), the Standing Committee endorsed 15 Regional Initiatives

(Decision SC46-13) as meeting the Operational Guidelines 2013-2015 for Regional Initiatives in the framework of the Convention on Wetlands, approved earlier by Standing Committee (Decision SC46-28). As requested by COP12 (Resolution XII.8, paragraph 11), all initiatives have submitted their annual report on progress with work in 2015 and a work plan for 2016 in the format approved by Standing Committee (Decision SC41-21). The reports are published in their original language (PDF) at: http://www.ramsar.org/library/ field_date_period%253Avalue/2016/field_tag_body_event/ramsar-regional-initiatives-593.

Endorsement of Regional Initiatives for the triennium 2016-2018 4. COP12 in Resolution XII.8, paragraph 12 requested “the Standing Committee to continue to

assess annually, based on the reports submitted, according to the format adopted through Standing Committee Decision SC41-21, the functioning of Ramsar regional initiatives in relation to the Operational Guidelines, the implementation of the Convention and the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024, seeking support from the CEPA Oversight Panel as required”.

5. Based on the annual reports received, and information exchanged through regular contacts

with the initiatives, the Secretariat suggests that Standing Committee endorse the following 15 ongoing Ramsar Regional Initiatives as continuing to comply with the Operational Guidelines and as operating within the framework of the Convention during the period 2016-2018:

Four regional Ramsar centres: - centre for Eastern Africa (RAMCEA) - centre for Central and West Asia (RRC-CWA) - centre for East Asia (RRC-EA) - centre for the Western Hemisphere (CREHO)

Eleven regional Ramsar networks: - along the West African Coast (WacoWet) - in the Niger River Basin (NigerWet) - in the High Andean region - in the La Plata River Basin - in the Caribbean (CariWet) - on [American] Mangroves and Reefs - along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway - in the Mediterranean (MedWet) - in the Carpathian region (CWI) - in the Nordic-Baltic region (NorBalWet) - along the Black and Azov Sea Coasts (BlackSeaWet)

SC52-11 Rev.1 2



6. Some of them received initial start-up funding from the Ramsar core budget for a period of two

consecutive triennia in between meetings of the Conference of the Parties. In accordance with the Operational Guidelines, none of them is any longer eligible to receive such start-up funds. None of those initiatives which had never asked for Ramsar core budget funding contributions requested such funding for their activities in 2016.

Operational Guidelines for the Regional Initiatives 7. COP12 instructed (through Resolution XII.8) “the Standing Committee to undertake a review of

the Operational Guidelines for regional initiatives to support the implementation of the Convention, as adopted for 2013-2015 through Standing Committee Decision SC46-28 and published on the Ramsar website, taking into account issues, among others, of governance, capacity, fundraising, and programmatic approach in alignment with the Ramsar Strategic Plan, and adopt the necessary amendments no later than the 52nd meeting of the Standing Committee (SC52)” (paragraph 9), and approved “the validity and use of the Operational Guidelines for regional initiatives, as adopted for 2013-2015, for the period 2016-2018, until the amendments requested are adopted by the Standing Committee” (paragraph 10).

8. During the 51st meeting of the Standing Committee (SC51), some Contracting Parties expressed

concern that new Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives were being prepared for adoption at SC52 before the assessment of existing Initiatives had been completed, and proposed the establishment of a working group to review the current Operational Guidelines and determine how best to produce revised Guidelines. It was also stated that the lack of clarity concerning the legal status of the Initiatives posed potential risks, and some Parties stated that any working group established to examine Operational Guidelines should look in particular at the legal status of Regional Initiatives.

9. These concerns led to Decision SC51-11: “The Standing Committee agreed to establish a new

Working Group to examine the implications of the proposed new Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives and asked the Secretariat to support the setting up of this group.” The Parties also made Decision SC51-13: “The Standing Committee agreed that a one-day workshop to revise the Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives should be held immediately before SC52.”

10. In February 2016 the Secretariat invited the Parties and the leaders of the Regional Initiatives to

indicate their interest to form part of such a Working Group. The membership of the Group is shown at Annex 1.

11. The work of the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives includes an initial

teleconference to agree on its terms of reference, work plan, timelines and the outputs to produce. The Group will work on the guidelines through electronic consultation with support from the Secretariat, and will finalize the text for proposed new Operational Guidelines during its workshop on 12 June 2016 at Gland. The final text will subsequently be submitted to SC52, for adoption during SC52, as requested in Resolution XII.8.

Assessment of the past achievements of Regional Initiatives 12. At COP12 (Resolution XII.8, paragraph 21), the Parties requested the Secretariat to assess the

achievements of Regional Initiatives in delivering technical, administrative and collaborative benefits to the Parties in their region, as well as their effectiveness and efficiency, and to

SC52-11 Rev.1 3

analyse weaknesses, strengths and difficulties of Regional Initiative implementation and management.

13. To do so, the Secretariat sent in August 2015 a list of questions to the leaders of all Regional Initiatives in order to collect up-to-date information for the assessment of their achievements in an organized and comparable way. A draft assessment report was submitted to the first workshop of the leaders of the Regional Initiatives on 22 November 2015, and feedback was collected during the workshop.

14. Then, through Decision SC51-12, “The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to complete the assessment of existing Ramsar Regional Initiatives and to develop further the common communications strategy taking into account the comments made at the meeting.”

15. Thus, the Secretariat invited all Parties to provide additional comments to the draft assessment report in December 2015. The subsequently revised assessment report is available as information document SC52-Inf.Doc.04.

Common communications strategy for the Ramsar Regional Initiatives 16. The Secretariat prepared an interactive session during the workshop on 22 November 2015 to

analyse the communications needs of the Regional Initiatives. After the workshop, in line with Standing Committee Decision SC51-12 (see above), the Secretariat invited all Parties to respond to a specific questionnaire. Based on the feedback received, the key points for a common communication strategy for the Ramsar Regional Initiatives are available as information document SC52-Inf.Doc.05.

SC52-11 Rev.1 4

Annex 1 Membership of the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives, May 2016 (showing Contracting Parties and Regional Initiatives represented) Africa: 10 Parties represented (11 participants) Mr Kossi Agbeti (Togo National Focal Point) Mr Tanguy Assana (Central African Republic NFP) Ms Ghania Bessah (Algeria, Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative/MedWet) Mr Kawsu Jammeh (Gambia NFP, CEPA FP, new Senegal River Basin Initiative) Mr Lamech Kaboré (Burkina Faso NFP, Niger River Basin Network/NigerWet) Mr Abdou Khane (Senegal NFP, Chair Standing Committee Sub-Group on Finance, new Senegal River Basin Initiative) Mr Djimasngar Mbaiti (Chad NFP) Ms Volatiana Rahaniotriniaina (Madagascar NFP) Mr Evariste Rufuguta (Burundi NFP, Ramsar Centre for Eastern Africa/RAMCEA) Mr Hervé Saboro (Central African Republic Mission in Geneva) Mr Griffin Shanungu (Zambia NFP) Asia and Oceania: 6 Parties represented (9 participants) Mr Raphaël Glemet (IUCN, Secretary new Indo-Burma Initiative) Ms Shirin Karryeva (Turkmenistan CEPA NGO FP, new Central Asia Initiative) Mr Guanchun Lei (China, STRP member, Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia/RRC-EA, East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership/EAAFP) Mr Antonio Manila (Philippines) Mr Spike Millington (Chief Executive EEAFP) Mr Abdul Qaimkhani (Pakistan STRP FP) Mr Sadegh Sadeghi Zadegan (I. R. Iran, Coordinator Ramsar Regional Centre – Central and West Asia /RRC-CWA) Mr Seung Oh Seo (Acting Executive Director RRC-EA) Mr Brijesh Sikka (India STRP FP, CEPA FP) Europe: 6 Parties represented (7 participants) Mr Alexei Andreev (Republic of Moldova STRP FP, Black Sea Coastal Wetlands Initiative /BlackSeaWet) Mr Grigore Baboianu (Romania, Coordinator BlackSeaWet, Carpathian Wetland Initiative/CWI) Mr Delmar Blasco (Coordinator MedWet) Mr Ján Kadlečík (Slovakia, Coordinator CWI) Ms Jenny Lonnstad (Sweden NFP, CEPA FP, Chair Nordic-Baltic Wetlands Initiative/NorBalWet) Ms Olesya Petrovych (Ukraine CEPA FP, BlackSeaWet, CWI) Ms Ekaterina Veselova (Russian Federation Administrative Authority, BlackSeaWet, NorBalWet) Latin America and the Caribbean: 11 Parties represented (14 participants) Ms Aixa Avendaño (Argentina, Coordinator Regional Initiative for the Conservation and Wise Use of High Andean Wetlands/HAW) Mr Alvaro Baez (Bolivia, Regional Initiative for the Conservation and Wise Use of the Plata River Basin) Ms Laura Benzaquen (Argentina, Coordinator HAW) Mr Hector Conde (Cuba, Coordinator Caribbean Wetlands Regional Initiative/CARIWET) Mr Felipe Costa (Brazil, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Ms Dafne Dominguez (Guatemala)

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mailto:[email protected]

Ms María Claudia García (Colombia NFP, new Amazon Basin Initiative) Ms Kafi Gumbs (UK/Anguilla local contact) Ms Georgina Mariona (El Salvador, Coordinator Regional Initiative for the Integral Management and Wise Use of Mangroves and Coral Reefs) Ms Juana Peña (Dominican Republic, Coordinator Mangroves and Coral Reefs) Ms Zuleika Pinzon (Panama NFP, Coordinator Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research in the Western Hemisphere/CREHO) Mr Walter Regueiro (Uruguay NFP, Coordinator La Plata River Basin) Mr Gustavo Rey (Bolivia, La Plata River Basin) Ms Claudine Sakimin (Suriname, Coordinator CARIWET)

SC52-11 Rev.1 6


SC52-12

Proposals for new Ramsar Regional Initiatives

Introduction and background 1. At the 51st meeting of Standing Committee in November 2015, the Secretariat introduced four

proposals for new Ramsar Regional Initiatives (Document SC51-12) and referred to the information submitted by them (which is on the Ramsar website at www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/ri_proposals_nov2015_efs_0.pdf). The Secretariat suggested that these new initiatives should be invited to submit an annual work and finance plan for 2016, in order to allow Standing Committee to endorse them on an equal footing along with those of the existing initiatives, during its 52nd meeting.

2. Standing Committee felt that it would not be appropriate to endorse any proposed new Ramsar

Regional Initiatives until it had had the opportunity to review all relevant documentation, and it suggested that Contracting Parties be invited to submit more complete documentation for the proposed new Regional Initiatives by February 2016 to allow these to be assessed at SC52.

3. Thus, through Decision SC51-14 “The Standing Committee agreed that proposed new Ramsar

Regional Initiatives be invited to submit relevant documentation against a checklist of requirements to be provided by the Secretariat for consideration by SC52.”

Actions requested: Standing Committee is invited to: • take note of the documentation received and the analysis undertaken by the Secretariat

concerning the proposals for four new Ramsar Regional Initiatives;

and to take the following Decisions: • SC52 endorses the proposed new Regional Initiatives for the Amazon Basin, Central Asia, the

Indo-Burma region and the Senegal River Basin, as complying with the Operational Guidelines for Ramsar Regional Initiatives and as operating in the framework of the Convention during the period 2016-2018;

• SC52 allocates funds from the Ramsar core budget 2016 line D for Regional Initiatives to provide start-up funding to new Ramsar Regional Initiatives for their activities in 2016: - 25,000 CHF to the Amazon Basin Initiative,

- 25,000 CHF to the Central Asian Initiative, - 25,000 CHF to the Indo-Burma Initiative, - 25,000 CHF to the Senegal River Basin Initiative, and

- 20,000 CHF for costs of the workshop for Regional Initiatives (Gland, 12 June 2016).

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/ri_proposals_nov2015_efs_0.pdf

4. Subsequently, the Secretariat sent a note to the Parties that had proposed new Ramsar Regional Initiatives, asking them to provide i) additional information against a checklist provided of points that mirrored the Operational Guidelines for Ramsar Regional Initiatives 2013-2015 (adopted by Decision SC46-28), and ii) an annual work and finance plan for 2016 (according to the format adopted by Decision SC41-21).

Proposals for new Ramsar Regional Initiatives, their endorsement and start-up funding contributions 5. The proponents of the new regional initiatives had contacts with the Secretariat and provided

detailed documentation and answers to the checklist of requirements. Their work and finance plans for 2016 are published, together with the annual plans of the existing Ramsar Regional Initiatives, here: www.ramsar.org/search?f[0]=field_tag_body_event%3A593&search_api_views_fulltext=.

6. The information summarized below highlights the issues where individual initiatives are already

well prepared, or still need to develop specific aspects further. It will be used as a checklist for further development of the initiatives during their start-up phase.

7. Based on the analysis of the comprehensive information received, the Secretariat considers that

the Parties proposing the new initiatives have undertaken significant preparatory work to be able to start their operations in 2016, and that their proposals comply with the Operational Guidelines.

8. COP10 entrusted the Standing Committee to endorse new Regional Initiatives (Resolution X.6,

paragraph 9). The Standing Committee is invited to endorse the new Regional Initiatives for the Amazon Basin, Central Asia, the Indo-Burma region, and the Senegal River Basin as operating in the framework of the Convention during the period 2016-2018 (according to Resolution XII.8 paragraph 11).

9. Based on the requests specified below and in their finance plans for 2016, the Standing

Committee is invited to allocate the following sums from the Ramsar core budget line D for Regional Initiatives (120,000 CHF) to the new initiatives for their activities in 2016 (according to Resolution XII.8 paragraph 15):

- 25,000 CHF to the Amazon Basin Initiative, - 25,000 CHF to the Central Asian Initiative, - 25,000 CHF to the Indo-Burma Initiative, - 25,000 CHF to the Senegal River Basin Initiative. In addition, it is suggested to allocate 20,000 CHF for the costs of the workshop of the Regional Initiatives (requested by SC51-13).

Documentation submitted by the proposed new Regional Initiatives against the checklist of requirements for Regional Initiatives 10. The points below reflect the checklist established according to the issues listed in the

Operational Guidelines for Ramsar Regional Initiatives. The text provides summaries of the questions that were submitted to the proponents of new Regional Initiatives (RI) in early 2016 and summaries of their answers provided. This allows also for easy comparison between the proposals.

A. The aim of Ramsar’s Regional Initiatives

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http://www.ramsar.org/search?f%5b0%5d=field_tag_body_event%3A593&search_api_views_fulltext

11. RIs as an operational means to provide effective support for improved implementation of the

objectives of the Convention and its Strategic Plan, and to raise the visibility of the Convention in the region:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Will act against further wetland loss and degradation in the

basin, increase the area of under-represented wetland types, transboundary Ramsar Sites and support efficient management of Ramsar Sites, restoration of degraded wetlands and work for the wise use of all wetlands, notably also by addressing tourism, fisheries, energy, mining and agricultural aspects.

- Central Asian Initiative: Promotes cooperation and synergies between Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are considering to join. The RI allows its members to present themselves as one region, strengthen synergies in joint activities with other bodies, and to serve as a bridge between its members and between its members and the Ramsar Secretariat.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Supports engagement, cooperation and knowledge sharing,

provides a regionally focused multi-stakeholder forum for establishing partnerships and improving wetland management, and supports research and dissemination of scientific information relating to drivers of wetland loss and degradation. The RI engages in advocacy, policy development and improving of capacity and awareness.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Supports the political implication of the four participating

countries for wetland wise use, will make an assessment on what has already been achieved, and define gaps and new challenges to be addressed. This will be done through the elaboration of an operational road map and by using the structure of the existing intergovernmental network of the Office for the valorisation of the Senegal river valley (OMVS).

12. The geographical region and a list of the countries that will actively participate:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Covers a unique river basin with an exceptional hydrological,

biological and cultural diversity facing significant threats through inappropriate land uses, mining, infrastructure development and water pollution. Initially Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil proposed the initiative in 2012, joined since also by Bolivia.

- Central Asian Initiative: Focuses on existing and potential Ramsar Sites, on their

ecosystem services, their contribution to biodiversity conservation, and their role in regional hydrological processes, notably in the Amu and Syr Darya transboundary river basins.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Will work on the territory of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar,

Thailand and Viet Nam and on regional coordination to implement the goals of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Comprises the Republic of Guinea, Mali, Mauritania and

Senegal, i.e. the river basin countries which are already cooperating in the framework of the OMVS, a high-level intergovernmental cooperation framework that will assure a lasting structure for the RI.

SC52-12 3

13. List of the letters of support received by national Ramsar Administrative Authorities and other partners:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Letters received from Colombia, and in preparation by the other

four Ramsar Parties. - Central Asian Initiative: Letters received from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan,

as well as from WWF and IUCN. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan consider to join. The Regional Environment Center for Central Asia (CAREC) is willing to provide support, once all five countries join the initiative. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expressed interest to provide training in Japan. The three participating countries drew up a list of additional organisations to develop partnerships with.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Support letters received from all five Ramsar Parties. The Mekong

River Commission and its national committees, UNDP and Ramsar’s IOPs are anticipated to become potential partners.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Support letters received from all four participating countries

Guinea, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal. 14. How the RI will provide lasting structural and operational support for Ramsar implementation:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Will use existing cooperation agreements and networks, making use of already active cooperation programmes, such as the trinational protected areas corridor in the middle Putumayo river basin, or the GEF project for sustainable Amazonia landscapes. It will also work for improved Ramsar Site management and the designation of new Ramsar Sites.

- Central Asian Initiative: Promotes stronger cooperation and synergies between countries

through coordination and a platform for mutual communication, through the coordinated designation and management of Ramsar Sites, a common CEPA programme, including training and capacity building.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The strategic vision and work plan 2016-2018 will be developed in

consultation with the Parties and key stakeholders for review and approval at an inception workshop in 2016 after the formal endorsement by SC52. The RI will promote the implementation of the Ramsar objectives, reinforce capacities, develop adaptive management of Ramsar Sites, transfer knowledge, and coordinate with other international initiatives.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will become a regional partnership platform for institutional

actors, conservation NGOs and network organisations and profit from the advice and support by the Ramsar Secretariat. It will endeavour to work for poverty reduction through the promotion of Ramsar objectives, notably for the elaboration of national wetland policies, the increase of know-how and awareness and for wetland restoration.

B. Coordination between Regional Initiatives and the Secretariat 15. How effective coordination between the RI and the Ramsar Secretariat will operate:

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- Amazon Basin Initiative: Will establish a forum to discuss and agree on regional priorities for the implementation of the Ramsar Strategic Plan, and establish regular contacts and exchanges with the Ramsar Secretariat.

- Central Asian Initiative: Through a coordination committee composed of the Ramsar

National Focal Points and the Ramsar Secretariat. A technical secretary will be hired to serve the committee and assure the coordination with the Ramsar Secretariat.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Two key governance bodies (steering committee and technical

committee), each including a representative of the Ramsar Secretariat, coordinated by a regional secretariat that will be hosted by the IUCN Asia Regional Office. Also, a regional scientific and technical review panel will be created.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: A coordinator and the High-Commissioner of OMVS will lead

the initiative. Governance bodies will be established according to the model of the OMVS with rotating chairs. During the set-up period, Senegal will be in charge through its National Parks Directorate in coordination with the Water Planning and Management Directorate.

16. The specific role and responsibilities of the RI, in addition to the role of the Ramsar Secretariat:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Will provide a space for dialogue and the definition of common priorities and activities to benefit the entire basin for the participating countries, who will remain responsible for the implementation of their national priorities.

- Central Asian Initiative: By operating in English and Russian, the RI will close a

communication gap between the Secretariat and the Parties, as well as between the Parties in the region. The RI will initiate and coordinate regional projects, such as wetland inventories, documentation of ecosystem services and raising wetland profiles in policy-making platforms.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Will be a transboundary facilitation platform. The secretariat

provides support to organise and undertake events and activities, produce regular communication, raise funds and ensure the timely delivery of work plans. Synergies with the existing water and wetlands programme of the IUCN regional office will be created, in close cooperation with the Ramsar National Focal Points, and with other existing RI in Asia (East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, Ramsar Regional Centre-East Asia).

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will provide lasting structural and operational support for

Ramsar implementation in the four countries. It will establish its identity in line with the model of the OMVS and according to Ramsar rules.

17. Plans to develop an own identity, a specific logo (to be used in combination with the Ramsar

logo) and to establish and regularly update a website for the RI:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Is developing its own logo and uses existing platforms for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It will reinforce the Parks Network of protected areas.

- Central Asian Initiative: Planned development of a concept communications plan

(including logo and website) in line with national priorities and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

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- Indo-Burma Initiative: The partners in the RI will jointly develop a communications strategy and publizise the role of the RI in supporting the implementation of the Ramsar objectives.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will develop its logo (to be endorsed by the Ramsar

Secretariat) and a website, to be located inside the Ramsar website. 18. Plans to develop, coordinate and run the RI. Advice and support expected from the Ramsar

Secretariat, including the possible mobilization of additional resources:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Secretariat support to help setting up regional cooperation activities, know-how transfer, exchange of experiences, and capacity building for a better management of Amazon wetlands will be sought.

- Central Asian Initiative: The Secretariat is providing support for the development of terms

of reference for the coordination committee and the technical secretary, to provide a solid framework for the operation of RIs, share best practices and lessons learnt among the RIs, and help with identifying donors and partner and fundraising.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Advice and support from the Secretariat during the initiation phase

is highly desirable to develop terms of reference and a solid framework for operation, to share best practices and lessons to be learnt from other RI, and to identify and contact donors and partners, and for fund raising.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Hopes to receive technical and financial support from the

Secretariat to develop a strategic action plan and annual work plans, rules of procedures, administrative and financial guidelines, and plans to increase capacities and to raise funds.

19. How the RI aligns its activities and operational targets with the objectives of the Convention’s

Strategic Plan 2016-2024:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Will work for the sustainable management of the strategic ecosystems in the Amazon biome and the maintenance of their goods and services by focusing on all goals of the Strategic Plan, and notably on the targets 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 13.

- Central Asian Initiative: Operational targets were identified in line with the Strategic Plan

and will directly contribute to its implementation in Central Asia, by promoting stronger cooperation and synergies between the members of the RI.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The operational targets of the RI were identified in line with the

Strategic Plan and will contribute to its successful implementation in the region. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Considers it essential that the four countries coordinate

their efforts to implement the Strategic Plan and will work together to this end. 20. Mechanisms to assure coordination between the Parties and other members of the RI.

Coordinating functions assigned to Parties or participating institutions on a rotating basis, and modalities to be reflected in a regional agreement:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: A technical secretariat will be established to coordinate the work,

originally hosted by Colombia, and then rotating every two years among the participating countries.

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- Central Asian Initiative: see below. - Indo-Burma Initiative: Ramsar Parties are represented by National Focal Points on the

steering and technical committees. The technical committee includes also representatives from intergovernmental organisations, Ramsar IOPs and other organisations.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: The country chairing the high commission of the OMVS will

coordinate the RI on a rotational basis. The high commission of the OMVS is located in Dakar, and Senegal will assure a permanent secretary for the RI, while the High Commissioner of OMVS and the chair of the RI will rotate.

21. Structure of the coordinating body or mechanism and its possible supervisory role of regional

projects to be developed within the framework of the RI:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: The national Ramsar Administrative Authorities will guide the initiative and supervise its projects to assure quality control and communication and information of the Ramsar Secretariat.

- Central Asian Initiative: High priority for projects in 2016-2018 are important wetland sites

(inventory, evaluation of ecosystem services, threats and opportunities). Lower priorities the evaluation of site management effectiveness, management plan development, restoration works, and the execution of projects for sustainable livelihoods and disaster and climate resilient communities. Followed by projects on awareness, CEPA, and wetland services and benefits.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The water and wetlands programme of the IUCN Asia Regional

Office already prepared a number of relevant projects to form part of the RI, such as “Building resilience of wetlands in the lower Mekong region through a Ramsar Regional Initiative” and “Protected area solutions for biodiversity and climate change” (both funded by Germany), “Climate change adaptation in wetland areas in Lao PDR” (GEF), “Sustainable management of the lower Mekong wetlands (KfW), or “Community-led coastal management in the Gulf of Mottama, Myanmar (Switzerland).

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: The coordinator of the initiative and its permanent secretary

will be in charge of the day-to-day administration of regional projects and programmes to be developed.

22. Plans to have dedicated professional staff involved in coordinating the operational aspects of

the RI:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: The dedicated Ramsar persons in each of the national Ramsar Administrative Authorities will provide the most appropriate contributions to guarantee good quality results.

- Central Asian Initiative: A technical secretary responsible for facilitating the coordination

of day to day activities in accordance with the terms of reference, agreed upon by the Ramsar National Focal Points of the member countries. Other professional staff will be hired on a needs basis when the RI raises funds for regional projects and starts to implement them.

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- Indo-Burma Initiative: The secretariat will be hosted by the IUCN Asia Regional Office in Bangkok with two dedicated staff, pending receipt of appropriate core funding.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: It is planned to have a chair for the governing body, a

coordinator and a permanent secretary. Depending on needs, additional project managers and administrative and support staff can be hired.

C. Governance of Initiatives 23. Explanation of the mechanisms to provide coordination, guidance and insight, accepted in their

role by the national administrations of the participating countries and other participating stakeholders:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Much emphasis will be put on using and further developing

existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation approaches, as well as to reinforce the Park Network of protected areas. Technical support provided by Ramsar’s IOPs will be developed into efficient tools for implementation.

- Central Asian Initiative: The main decision making body is the coordination committee

with a chair elected from one of the country representatives on a three-year rotation basis. The technical secretary reports to the committee. The Ramsar National Focal Points will approve the terms of reference of the committee, its chair, and the technical secretary. International and regional partner organisations carry out projects according to established priorities and will be observers in the coordination committee.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The steering committee is composed of the five Ramsar NFPs, a

representative of the Ramsar Secretariat, and the chair of the regional STRP. The committee is chaired by one of the Ramsar NFPs for a period of three years. The committee approves work plans, resolutions, documents and communication and meets annually. The technical committee assures that partners in the RI other than the Ramsar Parties are able to provide guidance. It is composed of representatives of Ramsar Parties and the Secretariat, delegates of the regional STRP, Mekong River Committees, IOPs, other international organisations (UNEP, FFI), local NGOs and academics. It leads the development of work plans, case studies and technical interventions, and reports to the decision-making steering committee. The regional STRP, composed of the national STRP focal points and additional experts, ensures peer review of draft materials and considers how best to disseminate them.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will develop a governing framework and rules of procedures

through a consultation process during the first year and endorse it during a workshop. 24. Details about the legal structure of the governance body and its reception of key support form a

host country, an International Organization Partner (IOP) of the Convention, or a host intergovernmental organization. How the governance body will be able to operate independently and be responsibly reporting to all members that constitute the RI (Contracting Parties and other members):

- Amazon Basin Initiative: A technical secretariat initially to be hosted by Colombia, cf.

above. Further details need to be developed.

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- Central Asian Initiative: The technical secretary will be hosted by a suitable organization that works at the regional level in Central Asia. The Ramsar Secretariat will act as an interim facilitator of the initiative until the host organization is identified and the technical secretary is hired.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The IUCN Asia Regional Office will host and support the secretariat. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Key support will be provided by the OMVS and the National

Parks Directorate of Senegal. 25. Progress and plans for 2016 to develop operational procedures, based on written, commonly

agreed terms of reference, rules of procedure, or operational guidance:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Needs to be discussed and developed. - Central Asian Initiative: The terms of reference will serve as a key document to establish

the governance, consultation and coordination mechanism outlined above and to ensure equitable, effective and transparent mechanism of governance, consultation and coordination.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The partners in the RI will finalize and adopt during an inception

workshop in early 2016 the terms of reference for the RI, its strategic vision and work plan 2016-2018. Minutes and proceedings of the governance bodies will be provided to the Ramsar Secretariat.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will elaborate rules of procedures and a specific manual

for administrative and financial management. 26. The composition of the governance body, and planning and timetable to elaborate terms of

reference (ToR), rules of procedure, or other written regulations for the governance and coordination of the RI:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: In process, needs to be developed. - Central Asian Initiative: ToR for the coordination committee are under development. ToR

for the technical secretary will be developed when the funding for the position is secured. The core functions of the secretary will be to facilitate information flow, support communication, promote good practices, carry out the work plan of the RI, and work with partner organisations.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: see above. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will specify these points during the first year of operating

through a consultative process, cf. above.

D. Substantive elements of Initiatives 27. Explanation of the RI’s bottom-up approach, to be supported by all Contracting Parties in the

region:

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- Amazon Basin Initiative: The individual countries will be driving the initiative and define together which activities are of regional interest. Thus the work of the initiative will be strongly supported by the countries.

- Central Asian Initiative: National needs and priorities will be brought forward to the

coordination committee. - Indo-Burma Initiative: National needs and priorities will be brought to the steering

committee for discussion and adoption. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Is based on a bottom-up participative concept, encouraging

the participating countries to take up leading roles on a rotational basis. 28. List of relevant stakeholders with an interest in and directly or indirectly responsible for wetland

issues in the region, including the ministries responsible for environment and water issues, intergovernmental bodies, Ramsar International Organization Partners (IOPs), other NGOs, academia, local communities, and economic actors that will be participating, from the start, in your initiatives, besides the national Ramsar Administrative Authorities:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Environment Ministries of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and

Brazil, WWF (Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia), WCS (Colombia-Ecuador-Peru-Brasil), Foundation Omacha, regional environmental authorities of Colombia, Amazon Research Institute (SINCHI) and Colombian National Parks, CorpoAmazonia, Sustainable Development Corporation for the NE Amazon (CDA).

- Central Asian Initiative: see below.

- Indo-Burma Initiatve: see above. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: OMVS and its national offices, Wetlands International Africa,

Water management planning authority (DGPRE), University Gaston Berger St-Louis (UGB), and national conservation NGOs.

29. Plans to develop networks of collaboration to create an enabling environment for the

involvement of all stakeholders at all levels in the region:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Cf. above, the initiative will work and further develop existing cooperation structures (trinational protected areas corridor, focus on specific Ramsar Sites, sustainable landscapes GEF project, park network SIRAP Northeast).

- Central Asian Initiative: Facilitate effective communication and information exchange,

focus efforts on priority issues affecting wetlands, avoiding duplication of activities, and promote the adoption of decisions for effective management of Ramsar Sites by applying the best available approached and technologies.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Provides an overarching framework to link ongoing policy

discussions, e.g. in the Mekong River Committee. The strategic vision and work plan of the RI will provide the needed coordination between ongoing and planned activities. The IUCN water and wetlands programme has working relationships with WWF, BirdLife and IWMI and the Ramsar Administrative Authorities. Memoranda of Cooperation will be established

SC52-12 10

with key organisations, and also other Ramsar RI in Asia (East Asia Centre, Flyway Partnership).

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: The website should serve as a platform for dialogue and

dissemination of best practices and policies to be applied at river basin scale. 30. Plan to make optimal use of the Ramsar tools and to take into account strong scientific and

technical backing provided by relevant institutions to become partners in the Initiative:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Main focus lies on targets 1 and 2 of the Strategic Plan, and handbook 7 on participatory skills and policies.

- Central Asian Initiative: Enhancing accessibility (translation into Russian), facilitate

dissemination, promotion and integration of Ramsar tools into regional projects. The coordination committee with the technical secretary will be responsible for effectively applying the Ramsar tools. Regional resources and experiences will be documented and up-scaled to the global level in cooperation with the Ramsar Scientific and Technical Review Panel.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: Will coordinate the translation of the most relevant existing

Ramsar tools into local languages and promote their use through increased training opportunities (e.g. on Ramsar METT) and a regional, web-based knowledge platform. The regional STRP will identify opportunities to apply Ramsar tools, to develop local resources and to support their upscaling for global use in cooperation with the Ramsar STRP.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will use and disseminate Ramsar tools that serve the

Parties, IOPs and others for their wetland-related activities. 31. CEPA plans and specific activities to raise the visibility of the Ramsar Convention and the

general awareness of Ramsar’s objectives:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Need to be developed. - Central Asian Initiative: A concept communications strategy will be developed to define

how the Ramsar Convention and Secretariat are to be presented in all activities, projects, and publications and to ensure that the distinct identity of the RI is promoted and the profile of the Ramsar Convention increased. Translation into Russian and promotion of the Ramsar tools will increase Ramsar’s visibility. If financial resources are made available, the RI will form a hub for carrying out workshops and coordination of projects and will actively facilitate cooperation and capacity building, also for other stakeholders working on wetlands.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: A communications strategy will be developed during the inception

phase to define how the Convention and its objectives will be presented. All tools and publications of the RI will adhere to this strategy, to ensure that the distinct identity of the RI is maintained and the profile of the Convention increased. The RI will form a key hub for the organisation of workshops and coordination of Ramsar-related projects. Through the association with the IUCN water and wetlands programme, the RI will ensure that the Convention is associated with projects related to Ramsar Site management in the region. The RI will maintain a website to facilitate the dissemination of Ramsar tools.

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- Senegal River Basin Initiative: With reference to the CEPA action plan of the Convention and the Strategic Plan, a specially adapted regional CEPA programme will be elaborated for implementation by the four countries sharing the Senegal river basin.

32. Plan to cooperate with and support the further work of STRP national focal points, members

and experts:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Extensive cooperation with research institutions, universities, stakeholder groups in catchment basins and NGOs is planned to make use of the existing wetland-related expertise to create a good knowledge base for the region, and also to support the work of Ramsar’s STRP.

- Central Asian Initiative: STRP national focal points will be represented in decision making

processes and operations and involved regional projects. - Indo-Burma Initiative: The STRP national focal points and additional experts will create a

regional STRP that will be an active part of the RI, see above. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Will use the outputs of the global working groups of STRP,

notably those related to wetland management. It will also inform the global Ramsar structures about its regional considerations.

E. Financial and other support 33. List of the Parties who provide political support and of those that provide financial support,

including other relevant partners in the region. Plan to reach equitably spread financial support by all parties to provide a stable financial base:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Political support provided by the Environment Ministries in the

five countries, financial support will be sought from WWF, WCS, national environmental authorities, NGOs and research institutions in each country.

- Central Asian Initiative: Will seek political support from the relevant Parties and organizations. Planned expenditures 2016-2018 are estimated around 7 million USD. Fundraising is anticipated from various sources, including the Ramsar core budget, countries participating in the Initiative, GEF, the World Bank, ADB, EBRD, EU, and USAID. Joint projects planned with IUCN, Wetlands International, UNDP, UNEP, Birdlife International, WWF, and GIZ.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The hydro-diplomacy programme of IUCN will be used to trigger additional political support beyond the Ramsar Administrative Authorities, with the National Mekong Committees, and others. The RI secretariat will be financially supported through overheads from the IUCN Asia Regional Office projects listed above (410,000 USD for 2016-2018), additional financial support from one or more Parties is anticipated, and an initial request for 60,000 USD start-up funding from the Ramsar core budget is requested for the inception workshop and follow up during the period 2016-2018.

- Senegal River Basin Initiative: Funding institutions and sources will be identified once the Ramsar Standing Committee will have endorsed the RI as operating in the framework of the Convention.

SC52-12 12

34. Host country or institutional support available to establish a coordinating office, plans to sign a hosting agreement:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: WWF Colombia is willing to host a coordination office and in a

good position to allow it to work independently in a professional and effective way and in fundraising activities, with its own budget.

- Central Asian Initiative: Discussions are being held to identify the host organization. - Indo-Burma Initiative: The IUCN Asia Regional Office will host the RI secretariat. A hosting

agreement is in preparation in consultation with the Ramsar Parties. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: The administrative procedures of OMVS will serve as

guidance. The OMVS and the National Parks Directorate of Senegal will host the offices of the RI and allow it to work independently. Until a high-level intergovernmental decision will provide the RI with a specific status, the National Parks Directorate bank account can be used, or a specific account opened within this organisation.

35. Funds already received, secured funding for planned work, activities and projects for an

inception phase: - Amazon Basin Initiative: The initiative aims to create sufficient support to become self-

sustainable after a start-up phase of six years with Ramsar core budget support. - Central Asian Initiative: Discussions are being held with partners and donors to develop

regional projects. - Indo-Burma Initiative: For 2016, the budget needed is 125,000 USD of which IUCN already

secured 30,000 USD from the German and Swiss projects listed above. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Preparatory discussions are ongoing, but can only be

concluded, after the Ramsar Standing Committee will have formally endorsed the RI. 36. Start-up finance plan. If Ramsar funding is part of it, with a six year plan to show how such

funding will be outphased to make the initiative self-sustaining:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: The operating budget for 2016 is 352,000 USD to be covered by the contributions from the participating countries (budgeted for 400,000 USD).

- Central Asian Initiative: Will apply for 30,000 USD from the Ramsar core budget for 2016

and seek to raise funds from various sources listed above. - Indo-Burma Initiative: Requests an annual Ramsar core budget contribution of 60,000 USD

for 2016-2018. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: A Ramsar core budget allocation for the start-up phase is

requested (2016: 85,000 CHF, 2017: 60,000 CHF, 2018: 35,000 CHF). Additional start-up support will be provided by the OMVS.

37. Operational readiness to receive and spend money, including Ramsar core budget support for

the costs of activities occurring in 2016:

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- Amazon Basin Initiative: They are in a position to receive Ramsar funding starting in 2016. - Central Asian Initiative: The allocation from the Ramsar core budget will be managed by

the Ramsar Secretariat until the host organization is identified and the technical secretary hired. The coordination committee will approve the budget and monitor expenditures.

- Indo-Burma Initiative: The IUCN Asia Regional Office is able to receive and spend money

on behalf of the Ramsar RI. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: Can receive funds initially through the National Parks

Directorate of Senegal. 38. Detailed plans to generate own resources and become financially self-sufficient after an initial

start-up phase and in the long term:

- Amazon Basin Initiative: Aims to become self-stustained after a six-year initial phase. - Central Asian Initiative: Will raise funds from various sources including donor

organizations and governments. - Indo-Burma Initiative: Will raise funds from various sources, including donor organisations

and governments. - Senegal River Basin Initiative: A long-term financial strategy will be developed during the

initial start-up phase with essential support by the Ramsar core budget and OMVS.

SC52-12 14


SC52-13

Draft format for National Reports to COP13

Introduction 1. The Secretariat has prepared the attached draft COP13 National Report format (NRF) for the

Standing Committee’s consideration. 2. As discussed during SC51 the new COP13 NRF has been structured in line with the Goals and

Targets of the new 2016-2024 Ramsar Strategic Plan adopted at COP12 as Resolution XII.2. 3. The Secretariat has sought to retain the overall structure and content of the National Report

form approved for the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12), with the reporting areas plotted against the Goals and Targets of the new Strategic Plan and the Strategies and Key Result Areas (KRAs) of the 2009-2015 Ramsar Strategic Plan. Such consistency with previous National Report formats is particularly important for continuity and to permit time-series analyses and reporting on progress in the implementation of the Convention.

4. The Secretariat has sought the advice of the STRP and other relevant groups of experts in

indicators, MEAs, organizations and processes concerning the adjustments or additional need for indicators.

5. In Section 3, several new indicators have been developed as appropriate for the new goals and

targets of the 4th Strategic Plan. In addition, the information on the national wetlands inventory and the wetlands extent in target 8 (question 8.5) is relevant to the indicator of target 6.6 for the Sustainable Development Goals. After consultation with the STRP, any other indicators will be revised as needed for the next triennium.

6. In preparing the proposal for the COP13 NRF, the Secretariat has reviewed the answers provided

by Contracting Parties to the general and specific questions in the COP12 format in order to determine whether certain questions might be duplicative or were difficult for Parties to answer, and it has incorporated feedback on such issues.

7. In line with Resolution XII.2, which urges Contracting Parties “to develop and submit to the

Secretariat on or before December 2016, and according to their national priorities, capabilities and resources, their own quantifiable and time-bound national and regional targets in line with the targets set in the Strategic Plan”, all Parties are encouraged to consider using the NRF as a comprehensive national planning tool, in order to identify the areas of highest priority for action and the relevant national targets and actions for each of them.

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to review and approve the COP13 National Report format for finalization and issuing to Contracting Parties as soon as possible after SC52.

8. The planning of national targets in the NRF offers, for each of them, the possibility of indicating the national priority for that area of activity as well as the level of resourcing available, or that could be made available during the triennium, for its implementation. In addition, there are specific boxes to indicate the National Targets for implementation by 2018 and the planned national activities that are designed to deliver these targets.

9. The Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 shows the synergies between CBD Aichi Biodiversity

Targets and Ramsar Targets, so the NRF provides an opportunity for Contracting Parties to indicate as appropriate how the actions they undertake for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention contribute to achievement of the Aichi Targets according to paragraph 51 of Resolution XII.3.

10. As in recent triennia, the Secretariat suggests that the format be finalized and issued as soon as

possible after SC52. This would allow Parties to have the NRF available as early as possible in the triennium so they can use it to guide their continuing implementation and prepare national targets to be submitted to the Secretariat on or before December 2016 according to Resolution XII.2. The deadline for submission of completed reports should remain as nine months before COP, for the COP13 National Reports this would be in September 2017. This timetable will be updated once the dates for COP13 are agreed.

11. The Secretariat has explored the development of an online system for national reporting by

Ramsar Parties to COP13 and will present an update of the progress during SC52, taking into consideration retention of the option of an “offline” format and additional voluntary funding. The Standing Committee may wish to consider whether it would be appropriate to develop such an online system for national reporting by Ramsar Parties to COP13.

12. The Standing Committee is invited to review and provide comments on the draft COP13

National Report format so that it can be finalized and issued to Parties in the three official languages of the Convention.

SC52-13 2

NATIONAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RAMSAR CONVENTION ON WETLANDS

National Reports to be submitted to the 13th Meeting

of the Conference of the Contracting Parties, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2018

The purpose of this Microsoft Word form is to help Contracting Parties to collect data for the National Report. However, the data collected through

this form must be transferred to the online National Reporting system at link by xxx 2017 for the official submission of the National Report.

SC52-13 3

Ramsar COP13 National Report Format (NRF)

Background information

1. The COP13 National Report Format (NRF) has been approved by the Standing Committee in

Decision SC52-xx for the Ramsar Convention’s Contracting Parties to complete as their national reporting to the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties of the Convention (United Arab Emirates, 2018).

2. The National Report Format is being issued by the Secretariat in 2016 to facilitate Contracting

Parties’ implementation planning and preparations for completing the Report. The deadline for submission of national targets is on or before December 2016 and the deadline for submission of completed National Reports is September 2017 (this timetable will be updated once the dates for COP13 are agreed).

3. Following Standing Committee discussions, this COP13 NRF closely follows that of the NRF used

for COP12, to permit continuity of reporting and analysis of implementation progress by ensuring that indicator questions are as far as possible consistent with previous NRFs (and especially the COP12 NRF). It is also structured in terms of the Goals and Strategies of the 2016-2024 Ramsar Strategic Plan adopted at COP12 as Resolution XII.2.

4. This COP13 NRF includes 79 indicator questions. In addition, Section 3 is provided in order to

facilitate the task of preparing the Party’s National Targets and Actions for the implementation of each of the targets of the Strategic Plan 2016-2024 according to Resolution XII.2.

5. As was the case for previous NRF, the COP13 Format includes a section (Section 4) to permit a

Contracting Party to provide additional information, on indicators relevant to each individual Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) within its territory.

6. Note that, for the purposes of this national reporting to the Ramsar Convention, the scope of

the term “wetland” is that of the Convention text, i.e. all inland wetlands (including lakes and rivers), all nearshore coastal wetlands (including tidal marshes, mangroves and coral reefs) and human-made wetlands (e.g. rice paddy and reservoirs), even if a national definition of “wetland” may differ from that adopted by the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention.

The purposes and uses of national reporting to the Conference of the Contracting Parties 7. National Reports from Contracting Parties are official documents of the Convention and are

made publicly available on the Convention’s website. 8. There are eight main purposes for the Convention’s National Reports. These are to:

i) develop national targets in line with the targets set in the Strategic Plan; ii) provide data and information on how, and to what extent, the Convention is being

implemented iii) provide information on how the implementation of the Ramsar Convention contribute to

achievement of the Aichi Targets according to paragraph 51 of Resolution XII.3. iv) capture lessons and experience to help Parties plan future action; v) identify emerging issues and implementation challenges faced by Parties that may require

further attention from the Conference of the Parties; vi) provide a means for Parties to account for their commitments under the Convention;

SC52-13 2

vii) provide each Party with a tool to help it assess and monitor its progress in implementing the Convention, and to plan its future priorities; and

viii) provide an opportunity for Parties to draw attention to their achievements during the triennium.

9. The data and information provided by Parties in their National Reports have another valuable

purpose as well, since a number of the indicators in the National Reports on Parties’ implementation provide key sources of information for the analysis and assessment of the “ecological outcome-oriented indicators of effectiveness of the implementation of the Convention”.

10. To facilitate the analysis and subsequent use of the data and information provided by

Contracting Parties in their National Reports, the Ramsar Secretariat holds in a database all the information it has received and verified. The COP13 reports will be in an online National Reporting system.

11. The Convention’s National Reports are used in a number of ways. These include:

i) providing the basis for reporting by the Secretariat to each meeting of the Conference of the Parties on the global and regional implementation, and the progress in implementation, of the Convention. This is provided to Parties at the COP as a series of Information Papers, including: • the Report of the Secretary General on the implementation of the Convention at the

global level; • the Report of the Secretary General pursuant to Article 8.2 (b), (c), and (d) concerning

the List of Wetlands of International Importance); and • the reports providing regional overviews of the implementation of the Convention and

its Strategic Plan in each Ramsar region;

ii) providing information on specific implementation issues in support of the provision of advice and decisions by Parties at the COP.

iii) providing the source data for time-series assessments of progress on specific aspects in the

implementation of the Convention included in other Convention products. An example is the summary of progress since COP3 (Regina, 1997) in the development of National Wetland Policies, included as Table 1 in Ramsar Wise Use Handbook 2 (4th edition, 2010); and

iv) providing information for reporting to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on the

national implementation of the CBD/Ramsar Joint Work Plan and the Ramsar Convention’s lead implementation role on wetlands for the CBD. In particular, the Ramsar Secretariat and STRP used the COP10 NRF indicators extensively in 2009 to prepare contributions to the in-depth review of the CBD programme of work on the biological diversity of inland water ecosystems for consideration by CBD SBSTTA14 and COP10 during 2010 (see UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/14/3). Similar use of COP12 NRF indicators is anticipated for the CBD’s next such in-depth review.

SC52-13 3

The structure of the COP13 National Report Format

12. The COP13 National Report Format (NRF) is in four sections:

Section 1 provides the institutional information about the Administrative Authority and National Focal Points for the national implementation of the Convention.

Section 2 is a ‘free-text’ section in which the Party is invited to provide a summary of various aspects of national implementation progress and recommendations for the future.

Section 3 This section is provided in order to facilitate the task of preparing the Party’s National Targets and Actions for the implementation of each of the targets of the Strategic Plan 2016-2024. In line with Resolution XII.2, which urges Contracting Parties “to develop and submit to the Secretariat on or before December 2016, and according to their national priorities, capabilities and resources, their own quantifiable and time-bound national and regional targets in line with the targets set in the Strategic Plan”, all Parties are urged to consider using this comprehensive national planning tool as soon as possible, in order to identify the areas of highest priority for action and the relevant national targets and actions for each target. The planning of national targets offers, for each of them, the possibility of indicating the national priority for that area of activity as well as the level of resourcing available, or that could be made available during the triennium, for its implementation. In addition, there are specific boxes to indicate the National Targets for implementation by 2018 and the planned national activities that are designed to deliver these targets. Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 shows the synergies between CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Ramsar Targets. Therefore, the NRF provide an opportunity that Contracting Parties indicate as appropriate how the actions they undertake for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention contribute to achievement of the Aichi Targets according to paragraph 51 of Resolution XII.3. This section also provides the 79 implementation indicator questions, grouped under each Convention implementation Goals and Targets in the Strategic Plan 2016-2024, and with an optional ‘free-text’ section under each indicator question in which the Contracting Party may, if it wishes, add further information on national implementation of that activity.

Section 4 allows Contracting Parties to provide additional information regarding its Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).

General guidance for completing and submitting the COP13 National Report Format Important – please read this guidance section before starting to complete the National Report format 13. All Sections of the COP13 NRF should be completed in one of the Convention’s official languages

(English, French, Spanish).

SC52-13 4

14. The deadline for submission of the completed NRF is September 2017 (final date will be updated once dates for COP13 have been agreed). It will not be possible to include information from National Reports received after that date in the analysis and reporting on Convention implementation to COP13.

15. All fields with a pale yellow background must be filled in. Fields with a pale green background are free-text fields in which to provide

additional information, if the Contracting Party so wishes. Although providing information in these fields is optional, Contracting Parties are encouraged to provide such additional information wherever possible and relevant, as it helps us understand Parties’ progress and activity more fully, to prepare the best possible global and regional implementation reports to COP.

16. For each target the planning of national targets section looks as follows (in the example of

Target 8 on inventory):

Planning of National Targets Priority: A= High; B= Medium; C= Low; D= Not relevant; E= No

answer

Resourcing: A= Good; B= Adequate; C= Limiting; D= Severely limiting; E= No answer

National Targets (Text Answer):

[Example text] To have comprehensive inventory of all wetlands by 2018

Planned Activities (Text Answer):

[Example text] To update the existing inventory so as to cover all the national territory, and to incorporate relevant information about wetlands, including digital information, when possible

Outcomes achieved by 2018 and how they contribute to achievement of the Aichi Targets

[Example text] A comprehensive inventory of all wetlands

The input has to be made only in the yellow boxes. For PRIORITY and RESOURCING, the coded answers are given in the right part of the table (always in italics). The answer chosen should be typed inside the yellow box at the left side of the coded options. TARGETS and PLANNED ACTIVITIES are text boxes; here, Contracting Parties are invited to provide more detailed information in the respective box on their National Targets for achievement in implementation by 2018 and the planned national activities that are designed to deliver these targets. Please note that only ONE coded option –the one that better represents the situation in the Contracting Party– should be chosen. Blanks will be coded in COP13 National Reports Database as “No answer”.

17. To help Contracting Parties refer to relevant information they provided in their National Report

to COP12, for each appropriate indicator a cross-reference is provided to the equivalent indicator(s) in the COP12 NRF, shown thus: {x.x.x}

18. For follow up and where appropriate, a cross-reference is also provided to the relevant Key

Result Area (KRA) relating to Contracting Parties implementation in the Strategic Plan 2009-2015.

SC52-13 5

19. Only Strategic Plan 2016-2024 Targets for which there are implementation actions for Contracting Parties are included in this reporting format; those targets of the Strategic Plan that do not refer directly to Parties are omitted (e.g. targets 6 and 14)

20. The Format is created as a form in Microsoft Word to collect the data. You will be able to enter

replies and information in the yellow or green boxes. For each of the ‘indicator questions’ in Section 3, a legend of answer options is provided. These

vary between indicators, depending on the question, but are generally of the form: ‘A - Yes’, ‘B - No’, ‘C - Partly’, ‘D - In progress’. This is necessary so that statistical comparisons can be made of the replies. Please indicate the relevant letter (A, B etc.) in the yellow field.

For each indicator question you can choose only one answer. If you wish to provide further

information or clarification, do so in the green additional information box below the relevant indicator question. Please be as concise as possible (maximum of 500 words in each free-text box).

The NRF should ideally be completed by the principal compiler in consultation with relevant

colleagues in their agency and others within the government and, as appropriate, with NGOs and other stakeholders who might have fuller knowledge of aspects of the Party’s overall implementation of the Convention. The principal compiler can save the document at any point and return to it later to continue or to amend answers. Compilers should refer back to the National Report submitted for COP12 to ensure the continuity and consistency of information provided. In the online system there will be also an option to allow consultation with others.

After each session, remember to save the file. A recommended filename structure is:

COP13NRF [Country] [date], for example: COP13NRFSpain13July2017.doc After the NRF has been completed, please enter the data in the NR online system in this link:

xxxx or enter the data directly by xxx 2017. The completed NRF must be accompanied by a letter that can be uploaded in the online

system in the name of the Head of Administrative Authority, confirming that this is the Contracting Party’s official submission of its COP13 National Report.

If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Ramsar Secretariat for advice (e-

mail).

SC52-13 6

National report to Ramsar COP13 Section 1: Institutional Information Important note: the responses below will be considered by the Ramsar Secretariat as the definitive list of your focal points, and will be used to update the information it holds. The Secretariat’s current information about your focal points is available at http://www.ramsar.org/search-contact. Name of Contracting Party: Designated Ramsar Administrative Authority Name of Administrative Authority:

Head of Administrative Authority - name and title:

Mailing address: Telephone/Fax: Email:

Designated National Focal Point for Ramsar Convention Matters Name and title: Mailing address: Telephone/Fax: Email: Designated National Focal Point for Matters Relating to The Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) Name and title: Name of organisation: Mailing address: Telephone/Fax: Email: Designated Government National Focal Point for Matters Relating to The Programme on Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) Name and title: Name of organisation: Mailing address: Telephone/Fax: Email: Designated Non-Government National Focal Point for Matters Relating to The Programme on Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) Name and title: Name of organisation: Mailing address: Telephone/Fax: Email:

SC52-13 7

http://www.ramsar.org/search-contact

Section 2: General summary of national implementation progress and challenges In your country, in the past triennium (i.e., since COP12 reporting): A. What have been the five most successful aspects of implementation of the Convention?

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

B. What have been the five greatest difficulties in implementing the Convention?

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

C. What are the five priorities for future implementation of the Convention?

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

D. Do you (AA) have any recommendations concerning implementation assistance from the Ramsar

Secretariat?

E. Do you (AA) have any recommendations concerning implementation assistance from the

Convention’s International Organisation Partners (IOPs)? (including ongoing partnerships and partnerships to develop)

F. How can national implementation of the Ramsar Convention be better linked with implementation of other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), especially those in the ‘biodiversity cluster’ (Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), World Heritage Convention (WHC), and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)?

SC52-13 8

G. How can implementation of the Ramsar Convention be better linked with the implementation of water policy/strategy and other strategies in the country (e.g., on sustainable development, energy, extractive industries, poverty reduction, sanitation, food security, biodiversity)?

H. Do you (AA) have any other general comments on the implementation of the Convention?

I. Please list the names of the organisations which have been consulted on or have contributed to the information provided in this report:

SC52-13 9

Section 3: Planning of national targets, indicator questions and further implementation information

Goal 1. Addressing the drivers of wetland loss and degradation Target 1. Wetland benefits. Wetland benefits are featured in national/ local policy strategies and plans relating to key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries at the national and local level.


answer





1.1 Have wetland issues/benefits been incorporated into other national strategies and planning

processes, including: {1.3.2} {1.3.3} KRA 1.3.i A=Yes; B=No; C=Partly; D=Planned

a) Poverty eradication strategies b) Water resource management and water efficiency plans c) Coastal and marine resource management plans d) National forest programmes e) National policies or measures on agriculture f) National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans drawn up under the CBD g) National policies on energy and mining h) National policies on tourism i) National policies on urban development, infrastructure and industry j) National policies on aquaculture and fisheries {1.3.3} KRA 1.3.i

1.1 Additional information:

Target 2. Water use. Water use respects wetland ecosystem needs for them to fulfil their functions and provide services at the appropriate scale inter alia at the basin level or along a coastal zone


answer

SC52-13 10





COP13 REPORT

2.1 Has the quantity and quality of water available to, and required by, wetlands been assessed to support the implementation of the Guidelines for the allocation and management of water for maintaining the ecological functions of wetlands (Resolution VIII.1, VIII.2) ? 1.24.

A=Yes; B=No; C=Partly; D=Planned


2.2 Have assessments of environmental flow been undertaken in relation to mitigation of impacts on the ecological character of wetlands (Action r3.4.iv)



2.3 Have Ramsar Sites improved the sustainability of water use in the

context of ecosystem requirements?



2.4 Has the Guidelines for allocation and management of water for

maintaining ecological functions of wetlands (Resolutions VIII.1 and XII.12 ) been used/applied in decision-making processes. (Action 3.4.6.)



2.5 Have projects that promote and demonstrate good practice in water allocation and management for maintaining the ecological functions of wetlands been developed (Action r3.4.ix. )


SC52-13 11


Target.3. Public and private sectors. Public and private sectors have increased their efforts to apply guidelines and good practices for the wise use of water and wetlands. {1.10}


answer Resourcing: A= Good; B= Adequate; C= Limiting; D= Severely

limiting; E= No answer National Targets (Text Answer):



COP13 REPORT

3.1 Is the private sector encouraged to apply the Ramsar wise use principle and guidance (Ramsar handbooks for the wise use of wetlands) in its activities and investments concerning wetlands? {1.10.1} KRA 1.10.i



3.2 Has the private sector undertaken activities or actions for the conservation, wise use and management of {1.10.2} KRA 1.10.ii:

a) Ramsar Sites b) Wetlands in general

A=Yes; B=No; D=Planned

a) b)


3.3 Have actions been taken to implement incentive measures which encourage the conservation and wise use of wetlands? {1.11.1} KRA 1.11.i



3.4 Have actions been taken to remove perverse incentive measures

SC52-13 12

which discourage conservation and wise use of wetlands? {1.11.2} KRA 1.11.i

A=Yes; B=No; D=Planned; Z=Not

Applicable 3.4 Additional information:

Target 4. Invasive alien species. Invasive alien species and pathways of introduction and expansion are identified and prioritized, priority invasive alien species are controlled or eradicated, and management responses are prepared and implemented to prevent their introduction and establishment.






COP13 REPORT

4.1 Does your country have a comprehensive national inventory of invasive alien species that currently or potentially impact the ecological character of wetlands? {1.9.1} KRA 1.9.i



4.2 Have national policies or guidelines on invasive species control and management been established or reviewed for wetlands? {1.9.2} KRA 1.9.iii



4.3 How many invasive species are being controlled through management actions. Xxx species

4.3 Additional information: (If ‘Yes’, please indicate the year of assessment and the source of the information):

SC52-13 13

4.4 Have the effectiveness of wetland invasive alien species control programmes been assessed?

A=Yes; B=No;

C=Partly; D=Planned 4.4 Additional information:

Goal 2. Effectively conserving and managing the Ramsar Site network

Target 5. Ecological character of Ramsar Sites. The ecological character of Ramsar Sites is maintained or restored through effective, planning and integrated management {2.1.}






COP13 REPORT

5.1 Have a national strategy and priorities been established for the further designation of Ramsar Sites, using the Strategic Framework for the Ramsar List? {2.1.1} KRA 2.1.i



5.2 Are the Ramsar Sites Information Service and its tools being used in national identification of further Ramsar Sites to designate? {2.2.1} KRA 2.2.ii



5.3 How many Ramsar Sites have a management plan? {2.4.1} KRA

2.4.i Xxx sites

5.4 For how many of the Ramsar Sites with a management plan is the plan being effectively implemented? {2.4.2} KRA 2.4.i

Xxx sites

SC52-13 14

5.5 For how many Ramsar Sites is a management plan currently being prepared? {2.4.3} KRA 2.4.i

Xxx sites

5.3 – 5.5 Additional information:

5.6 Have all wetland management plans been based on sound scientific research, including research on potential threats to the wetlands? {1.6.2} KRA 1.6.ii



5.7 How many Ramsar Sites have a cross-sectoral management committee? {2.4.6} KRA 2.4.iv

Xxx sites

5.7 Additional information (If at least 1 site, please give the name and official number of the site or sites):

5.8 For how many Ramsar Sites has an ecological character description been prepared (see Resolution X.15)? {2.4.7} KRA 2.4.v

Xxx sites

5.8 Additional information (If at least 1 site, please give the name and official number of the site or sites):

5.9 Have any assessments of the effectiveness of Ramsar Site management been made? {2.5.1} KRA 2.5.i

A=Yes; B=No; C=Some Sites

5.9 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Some sites’, please indicate the year of assessment, which assessment tool did you use (e.g. METT, Resolution XII.15, and the source of the information):

Target 7. Sites at risk. Sites that are at risk of change of ecological character have threats addressed {2.6.}.



limiting; E= No answer

SC52-13 15




COP13 REPORT

7.1 Are mechanisms in place for the Administrative Authority to be informed of negative human-induced changes or likely changes in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites, pursuant to Article 3.2? {2.6.1} KRA 2.6.i

A=Yes; B=No; C=Some Sites;

D=Planned 7.1 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Some sites’, please summarise the mechanism or

mechanisms established):

7.2 Have all cases of negative human-induced change or likely change in the ecological character of Ramsar Sites been reported to the Ramsar Secretariat, pursuant to Article 3.2? {2.6.2} KRA 2.6.i

A=Yes; B=No; C=Some Cases; Z=No

Negative Change 7.2 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Some cases’, please indicate for which Ramsar Sites the

Administrative Authority has made Article 3.2 reports to the Secretariat, and for which sites such reports of change or likely change have not yet been made):

7.3 If applicable, have actions been taken to address the issues for

which Ramsar Sites have been listed on the Montreux Record, including requesting a Ramsar Advisory Mission? {2.6.3} KRA 2.6.ii

A=Yes; B=No; Z=Not Applicable

7.3 Additional information (If ‘Yes’, please indicate the actions taken):

Goal 3. Wisely Using All Wetlands Target 8. National wetland inventories. National wetland inventories have been either initiated, completed or updated and disseminated and used for promoting the conservation and effective management of all wetlands {1.1.1} KRA 1.1.i



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COP13 REPORT

8.1 Does your country have a complete National Wetland Inventory? {1.1.1} KRA 1.1.i

A=Yes; B=No; C=In

Progress; D=Planned


8.2 Has your country updated a National Wetland Inventory in the last decade?

A=Yes; B=No; C=In

Progress; D=Planned


8.3 Is wetland inventory data and information maintained and made accessible to all stakeholders? {1.1.2} KRA 1.1.ii

A=Yes; B=No;

C=Partly; D=Planned


8.4 Has the condition* of wetlands in your country, overall, changed

since the last triennium? {1.1.3} a) Ramsar Sites b) wetlands generally

Please comment on the sources of the information on which your answer is based in the green free- text box below. If there is a difference between inland and coastal wetland situations, please describe. If you are able to, please describe the principal driver(s) of the change(s). * ‘Condition’ corresponds to ecological character, as defined by the Convention

N=Status Deteriorated; O=No Change;

P=Status Improved

a) b)

8.4 Additional information on a) and/or b):

8.5 Based upon the National Wetland Inventory if available please provide a baseline figure in square kilometres for the extent of wetlands

xx Km 2

SC52-13 17

(according to the Ramsar definition) for the year 2017 A=Yes; B=No; C=Partly;

D=Planned 8.5 Additional information: If the information is available please indicate the % of change in the

extent of wetlands over the last three years.

Target 9. Wise Use. The wise use of wetlands is strengthened through integrated resource management at the appropriate scale, inter alia, within a river basin or along a coastal zone {1.3.}.






COP13 REPORT

9.1 Is a National Wetland Policy (or equivalent instrument) in place? {1.3.1} KRA 1.3.i (If ‘Yes’, please give the title and date of the policy in the green text box)

A=Yes; B=No; C=In Preparation; D=Planned


9.2 Have any amendments to existing legislation been made to reflect Ramsar commitments? {1.3.6}

A=Yes; B=No; C=In

Progress; D=Planned 9.2 Additional information:

9.3 Do your country’s water governance and management systems

treat wetlands as natural water infrastructure integral to water resource management at the scale of river basins? {1.7.2} KRA 1.7.ii


SC52-13 18


9.4 Have Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) expertise and tools been incorporated into catchment/river basin planning and management (see Resolution X.19)? {1.7.3}



9.5 Has your country established policies or guidelines for enhancing the role of wetlands in mitigating or adapting to climate change? {1.7.5} KRA 1.7.iii



9.6 Has your country formulated plans or projects to sustain and enhance the role of wetlands in supporting and maintaining viable farming systems? {1.7.6} KRA 1.7.v



9.7 Has research to inform wetland policies and plans been undertaken in your country on: a) agriculture-wetland interactions b) climate change c) valuation of ecoystem services {1.6.1} KRA 1.6.i


a) b) c)


9.8 Has your country submitted a request for Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention, Resolution XII.10 ?

A=Yes; B=No;

C=Partly; D=Planned 9.8 Additional information: (If ‘Yes’, please indicate How many request have been submitted):

SC52-13 19

Target 10. Traditional knowledge. The traditional knowledge innovations and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities relevant for the wise use of wetlands and their customary use of wetland resources, are documented, respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with a full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities at all relevant levels.






COP13 REPORT

10.1 Have the guiding principles for taking into account the cultural values of wetlands including traditional knowledge for the effective management of sites (Resolution VIII.19) been used or applied?.(Action 6.1.2/ 6.1.6)



10.2 Have case studies, participation in projects or successful experiences on cultural aspects of wetlands been compiled. Resolution VIII.19 and Resolution IX.21? (Action 6.1.6)

A=Yes; B=No; C=In

Preparation; D=Planned

10.2 Additional information: (If yes please indicate the case studies or projects documenting information and experiences concerning culture and wetlands).

10.3 Have the guidelines for establishing and strengthening local

communities’ and indigenous people’s participation in the management of wetlands been used or applied. (Resolution VII. 8) (Action 6.1.5)

A=Yes; B=No; C=In


10.3 Additional information: (If the answer is “yes” please indicate the use or aplication of the guidelines)

10.4 Traditional knowledge and management practices relevant for the

SC52-13 20

wise use of wetlands have been documented and their application encouraged (Action 6.1.2 )



Target 11. Wetland functions. Wetland functions, services and benefits are widely demonstrated, documented and disseminated. {1.4.}


answer Resourcing: National Targets (Text Answer):



COP13 REPORT

11.1 Has an assessment been made of the ecosystem benefits/services provided by Ramsar Sites and other wetlands? {1.4.1} KRA 1.4.ii

A=Yes; B=No; C=In


11.1 Additional information: (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please indicate, how many Ramsar Sites and their names):

11.2 Have wetland programmes or projects that contribute to poverty alleviation objectives or food and water security plans been implemented? {1.4.2} KRA 1.4.i



SC52-13 21

11.3 Have socio-economic or cultural values of wetlands been included in the management planning for Ramsar Sites and other wetlands? {1.4.4} KRA 1.4.iii


11.3 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please indicate, if known, how many Ramsar Sites and their names):

Target 12. Restoration. Restoration is in progress in degraded wetlands, with priority to wetlands that are relevant for biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, livelihoods and/or climate change mitigation and adaptation. {1.8.}






COP13 REPORT

12.1 Have priority sites for wetland restoration been identified? {1.8.1} KRA 1.8.i



12.2 Have wetland restoration/rehabilitation programmes, plans or projects been effectively implemented? {1.8.2} KRA 1.8.i


12.2 Additional information: (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please indicate, if available the extent of wetlands restored ):

SC52-13 22

Target 13. Enhanced sustainability. Enhanced sustainability of key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries when they affect wetlands, contributing to biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods






COP13 REPORT 13.1 Have actions been taken to enhance sustainability of key sectors

such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries when they affect wetlands?


13.1. Additional information: (If ‘Yes’, please indicate the actions taken):

13.2 Are Strategic Environmental Assessment practices applied when

reviewing policies, programmes and plans that may impact upon wetlands? {1.3.4} KRA 1.3.ii

A=Yes; B=No;

C=Partly; D=Planned 13.2 Additional information:

13.3 Are Environmental Impact Assessments made for any development

projects (such as new buildings, new roads, extractive industry) from key sectors such as water, energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, urban development, infrastructure, industry, forestry, aquaculture and fisheries that may affect wetlands? {1.3.5} KRA 1.3.iii

A=Yes; B=No; C=Some Cases


SC52-13 23

GOAL 4. enhancing implementation

Target 15. Regional Initiatives. Ramsar Regional Initiatives with the active involvement and support of the Parties in each region are reinforced and developed into effective tools to assist in the full implementation of the Convention. {3.2.}






COP13 REPORT

15.1 Have you (AA) been involved in the development and implementation of a Regional Initiative under the framework of the Convention? {3.2.1} KRA 3.2.i


15.1 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Planned’, please indicate the regional initiative(s) and the collaborating countries of each initiative):

15.2 Has your country supported or participated in the development of other regional (i.e., covering more than one country) wetland training and research centres? {3.2.2}


15.2 Additional information (If ‘Yes’, please indicate the name(s) of the centre(s):

Target 16. Wetlands conservation and wise use. Wetlands conservation and wise use are mainstreamed through communication, capacity development, education, participation and awareness {4.1}.




Planned Activities

SC52-13 24

(Text Answer): Outcomes achieved by 2018 and how they contribute to achievement of the Aichi Targets

COP13 REPORT

16.1 Has an action plan (or plans) for wetland CEPA been established? {4.1.1} KRA 4.1.i

a) At the national level b) Sub-national level c) Catchment/basin level d) Local/site level

(Even if no CEPA plans have been developed, if broad CEPA objectives for CEPA actions have been established, please indicate this in the Additional information section below)

A=Yes; B=No; C=In Progress; D=Planned

a) b) c) d)

16.1 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘In progress’ to one or more of the four questions above, for each please describe the mechanism, who is responsible and identify if it has involved CEPA NFPs):

16.2 How many centres (visitor centres, interpretation centres, education centres) have been established? {4.1.2} KRA 4.1.ii a) at Ramsar Sites b) at other wetlands

a) xxx centres b) xxx centres

16.2 Additional information (If centres are part of national or international networks, please describe the networks):

16.3 Does the Contracting Party:

a) promote stakeholder participation in decision-making on wetland planning and management

b) specifically involve local stakeholders in the selection of new Ramsar Sites and in Ramsar Site management?

{4.1.3} KRA 4.1.iii


a)

b)

16.3 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please provide information about the ways in which stakeholders are involved):

SC52-13 25

16.4 Do you have an operational cross-sectoral National Ramsar/Wetlands Committee or equivalent body? {4.1.6} KRA 4.3.v


16.4 Additional information (If ‘Yes’, indicate a) its membership; b) number of meetings since COP12; and c) what responsibilities the Committee has):

16.5 Are other communication mechanisms (apart from a national committee) in place to share Ramsar implementation guidelines and other information between the Administrative Authority and:

a) Ramsar Site managers b) other MEA national focal points c) other ministries, departments and agencies

{4.1.7} KRA 4.1.vi


a) b) c)

16.5 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please describe what mechanisms are in place):

16.6 Have Ramsar-branded World Wetlands Day activities (whether on 2

February or at another time of year), either government and NGO-led or both, been carried out in the country since COP12? {4.1.8}

A=Yes; B=No


16.7 Have campaigns, programmes, and projects (other than for World

Wetlands Day-related activities) been carried out since COP12 to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands to people and wildlife and the ecosystem benefits/services provided by wetlands? {4.1.9}


16.7 Additional information (If these and other CEPA activities have been undertaken by other organizations, please indicate this):

Target 17. Financial and other resources. Financial and other resources for effectively implementing the fourth Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 from all sources are made available. {4.2.}






SC52-13 26

COP13 REPORT

17.1 a) Have Ramsar contributions been paid in full for 2015, 2016 and 2017?

{4.2.1} KRA 4.2.i


b) If ‘No’ in 17.1 a), please clarify what plan is in place to ensure future prompt payment:

17.2 Has any additional financial support been provided through

voluntary contributions to non-core funded Convention activities? {4.2.2} KRA 4.2.i

A=Yes; B=No

17.2 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ please state the amounts, and for which activities):

17.3 [For Contracting Parties with a development assistance agency only (‘donor countries’)]: Has the agency provided funding to support wetland conservation and management in other countries? {3.3.1} KRA 3.3.i


17.3 Additional information (If ‘Yes’, please indicate the countries supported since COP12): ..........

17.4 [For Contracting Parties with a development assistance agency only (‘donor countries’)]: Have environmental safeguards and assessments been included in development proposals proposed by the agency? {3.3.2} KRA 3.3.ii



17.5 [For Contracting Parties that have received development assistance only (‘recipient countries’)]: Has funding support been received from development assistance agencies specifically for in-country wetland conservation and management? {3.3.3}


17.5 Additional information (If ‘Yes’, please indicate from which countries/agencies since COP12):

17.6 Has any financial support been provided by your country to the implementation of the Strategic Plan?

A=Yes; B=No; Z=Not

Applicable 17.6 Additional information (If “Yes” please state the amounts, and for which activities): ..........

SC52-13 27

Target 18. International cooperation. International cooperation is strengthened at all levels {3.1}






COP13 REPORT

18.1 Are the national focal points of other MEAs invited to participate in the National Ramsar/Wetland Committee? {3.1.2} KRAs 3.1.i & 3.1.iv



18.2 Are mechanisms in place at the national level for collaboration between the Ramsar Administrative Authority and the focal points of UN and other global and regional bodies and agencies (e.g. UNEP, UNDP, WHO, FAO, UNECE, ITTO)? {3.1.3} KRA 3.1.iv



18.3 Has your country received assistance from one or more UN and other global and regional bodies and agencies (e.g. UNEP, UNDP, WHO, FAO, UNECE, ITTO) or the Convention’s IOPs in its implementation of the Convention? {4.4.1} KRA 4.4.ii. The IOPs are: BirdLife International, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), Wetlands International, WWF and Wildfowl & Wetland Trust (WWT).


18.3 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ please name the agency (es) or IOP (s) and the type of assistance received):

18.4 Have networks, including twinning arrangements, been established,

SC52-13 28

nationally or internationally, for knowledge sharing and training for wetlands that share common features? {3.4.1}


18.4 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please indicate the networks and wetlands involved):

18.5 Has information about your country’s wetlands and/or Ramsar Sites

and their status been made public (e.g., through publications or a website)? {3.4.2} KRA 3.4.iv



18.6 Has information about your country’s wetlands and/or Ramsar Sites been transmitted to the Ramsar Secretariat for dissemination? {3.4.3} KRA 3.4.ii



18.7 Have all transboundary wetland systems been identified? {3.5.1} KRA 3.5.i

A=Yes; B=No;

D=Planned; Z=Not Applicable


18.8 Is effective cooperative management in place for shared wetland systems (for example, in shared river basins and coastal zones)? {3.5.2} KRA 3.5.ii


18.8 Additional information (If ‘Yes’ or ‘Partly’, please indicate for which wetland systems such management is in place):

18.9 Does your country participate in regional networks or initiatives for wetland-dependent migratory species? {3.5.3} KRA 3.5.iii

A=Yes; B=No;

D=Planned; Z=Not Applicable


SC52-13 29

Target 19. Capacity building. Capacity building for implementation of the Convention and the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 is enhanced.






COP13 REPORT

19.1 Has an assessment of national and local training needs for the implementation of the Convention been made? {4.1.4} KRAs 4.1.iv & 4.1.viii



19.2 Are wetland conservation and wise-use issues included in formal education programmes}.

Additional information:


If you answer yes to the above please provide information on which mechanisms and materials

19.3 How many opportunities for wetland site manager training have been provided since COP12? {4.1.5} KRA 4.1.iv a) at Ramsar Sites b) at other wetlands

Number of opportunities:

a) xxx b) xxx

19.3 Additional information (including whether the Ramsar Wise Use Handbooks were used in the training):

19.4 Have you (AA) used your previous Ramsar National Reports in monitoring implementation of the Convention? {4.3.1} KRA 4.3.ii

A=Yes; B=No; D=Planned; Z=Not

Applicable 19.4 Additional information (If ‘Yes’, please indicate how the Reports have been used for

monitoring):

SC52-13 30

Section 4: Additional information on individual designated Wetlands of International Importance

Guidance for filling in this section

1. A Contracting Party is required to complete this Section 4 Annex as part of its COP13 Reporting.

2. Contracting Parties can provide additional information specific to any or all of their designated Ramsar Sites, given that the situation and status of individual Ramsar Sites can differ greatly within the territory of a Contracting Party.

3. The only indicator questions included in this section are those from Section 3 of the COP13 NRF which directly concern Ramsar Sites.

4. In some cases, to make them meaningful in the context of reporting on each Ramsar Site separately, some of these indicator questions and/or their answer options have been adjusted from their formulation in Section 3 of the COP13 NRF.

5. Please include information on only one site in each row. In the appropriate columns please add the name and official site number (from the Ramsar Sites Information Service).

6. For each ‘indicator question’, please select one answer from the legend.

7. A final column of this Annex is provided as a ‘free text’ box for the inclusion of any additional information concerning the Ramsar Site.

SC52-13 31

http://ramsar.wetlands.org/

Name of Contracting Party:

List of indicator questions: 5.3 Does the site have a management plan (or equivalent)? 5.4 If you answered yes to 5.3, is the management plan being implemented? 5.7 Has a cross-sectoral site management committee been established for the site? 5.8a Has a description of the ecological character of the Ramsar Site been prepared (See

Resolution X.15 ? 5.8b Has the RIS of the Ramsar Site been updated according to Resolution VI.13? 5.9 Has any assessment of the effectiveness of Ramsar Site management been made? (If ‘Yes’

or ‘Some sites’, please indicate the year of assessment, which assessment tool did you use (e.g. METT, Resolution XII.15), the result (score) of the assessment and the source of the information in the box for additional information.

7.1 Are mechanisms in place for the Administrative Authority to be informed of negative changes or likely negative changes in the ecological character of the Ramsar Site, pursuant to Article 3.2?

7.2 Have all cases of change or likely negative change in the ecological character of the Ramsar Site been reported to the Ramsar Secretariat, pursuant to Article 3.2?

8.4a Has the condition (ecological character) of the Ramsar Site changed since the last triennium? 11.1 Has an assessment been made of the ecosystem benefits/services provided by the Ramsar

Site? 11.3 Have socio-economic and cultural values of wetlands been included in the management

planning for the Ramsar Site? 16.2a Has a visitor/interpretation/education centre been established at the Ramsar Site? 16.3a Is stakeholder participation in decision-making promoted, especially with local stakeholder

involvement in the management of the Ramsar Site? 16.5a Have communication mechanisms been established to share information between the

Ramsar Administrative Authority and the Ramsar Site manager(s)?

SC52-13 32

Ramsar Site number

Ramsar Site name

5.3

5.4

5.7

5.8a

5.8b

5.9

7.1

7.2

8.4a

11.1

11.3

16.2a

16.3a

16.5a

Any additional comments/information about the site

Ex:1603 Lake White B – No

B - No

A - Yes

B - No A - Yes

A - Yes

A - Yes

B - No

O – No change

A - Yes

A - Yes

A - Yes B - No D – Plan ned

A=Yes; B=No; D=Planned A=Yes; B=No; C=In Preparation A=Yes; B=No; C=Partly; D=Planned A=Yes; B=No; C=Partly; Z=No Management Plan A=Yes; B=No; Z=No Negative Change N=Status Deteriorated; O=No Change; P=Status Improved

SC52-13 33


SC52-14 Rev.1

Progress report on the implementation of the Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention

Background 1. Resolution XII.10 Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention formalized a framework

to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands and regional and international co-operation, as well as to generate sustainable socio-economic benefits for the local populations.

2. Resolution XII.10 states that: “This accreditation would encourage cities that are close to and

depend on wetlands, primarily Wetlands of International Importance, but also other wetlands, to establish a positive relationship with these wetlands through increased participation and awareness and consideration of wetlands in local planning and decision making”.

3. Paragraph 7 of the Framework for Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention annexed

to Resolution XII.10 states that “a candidate city for the Wetland City accreditation would be approved as an accredited Wetland City by the Independent Advisory Committee, after being proposed by the Contracting Party on whose territory it stands and completing the accreditation procedure described below. Newly accredited cities join the global network of Wetland Cities established by this framework. Accreditation as a Wetland City of the Ramsar Convention is not intended to confer any legal rights or legal obligations on the city or the Contracting Party.”

4. Resolution XII.10 calls (in paragraphs 13 and 14) for Contracting Parties to submit proposals to

the Secretariat for forwarding to the Independent Advisory Committee. According to paragraph 15.b of the annexed Framework, these proposals should be submitted “within one year of the closing of the previous meeting of the Conference of the Parties”. It is noted that this would have required a call for proposals to Parties early in 2016, before the membership of the Independent Advisory Committee could be approved by the 52nd meeting of the Standing Committee (SC52), and the rules for proposals and formats developed. Exceptionally, the Secretariat proposes in the timeframe below that the first round of proposals in this triennium for COP13 are only submitted after the Independent Advisory Committee has first been put in place. The next round of proposals for COP14 would then take place in accordance with paragraph 15.b.

Actions requested Standing Committee is invited to:

• note the progress of the Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention; • approve the composition of the Independent Advisory Committee, and advise on the best

response to the request for involvement by the Global Wastewater Initiative; • endorse the proposed timeframe for implementation; and • adopt the proposed MoU between UN-Habitat and Ramsar which is annexed to

document SC52-16.

Consideration and timings for the implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation 5. SC51 noted the presentation on process and proposals for a timeframe to implement the

Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention, and through Decision SC51-18 agreed that the Secretariat could continue its work along the lines indicated in the presentation.1

6. SC52 is invited to confirm the composition of the Independent Advisory Committee according to

the options provided in paragraph 16 of the Framework:

“It is proposed that the composition of the Independent Advisory Committee shall be chosen by the Standing Committee from the following:

a. A representative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), who

shall act as Chair of the Committee: Name to be provided

b. A representative of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI): Liz Metcalfe, Professional Officer

c. A representative of the Ramsar Convention’s International Organization Partners: Name to

be provided

d. A Standing Committee member representative from each of the six Ramsar regions, selected by the regions: - Africa: Tunisia - Asia: RO Korea - Europe: Azerbaijan - Latin America and the Caribbean: Name to be provided - North America: Name to be provided - Oceania: Australia

e. One representative of the Global Waste Water Initiative (GW2I) of UNEP: Name to be

provided

f. One representative of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP): Name to be provided

g. A representative of the Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) Oversight Panel of the Ramsar Convention; Chair of CEPA Oversight Panel

h. The Ramsar Secretary General or his/her designated representative: Ramsar Secretary

General

i. The Ramsar Senior Advisor for the concerned region (rapporteur); and

j. The coordinator of the Regional Initiative concerned, if any.”

1 The presentation is available on the Ramsar web site at http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/presentation_wetland_city_accreditation.pdf.

SC52-14 Rev.1 2

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/presentation_wetland_city_accreditation.pdf

7. The Steering Committee of the Global Wastewater Initiative (UNEP/GW2I) which met on 3 March 2016 requested that GW2I be involved as a member of the Independent Advisory Committee. GW2I would like to apply its expertise on the assessment of criteria related to “appropriate standards regarding water quality, sanitation and management in the entire area under the city’s jurisdiction”. A letter to this effect from the Director of UNEP’s Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) is included at Annex 1. Standing Committee is invited to consider this request and advise on the appropriate response.

8. The following timeframe is proposed for the implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation:

Year 2016 – 2018

• February 2016: Secretariat develops a draft MoU with UN-Habitat for approval by SC52 and signature; Secretariat develops drafts of the Wetland City Accreditation forms.

• June 2016: SC52 approves the proposed membership of the Independent Advisory Committee from names submitted by the Secretariat.

• December 2016: The Independent Advisory Committee develops the forms for submitting proposals on Wetland Cities, prepares an outline of the process for accreditation, distributes details of the process and sends out the prepared forms to Contracting Parties through the Secretariat.

• January 2017: Secretariat issues a call for applications.

• January-Sept 2017: Secretariat receives applications from Contracting Parties.

• 30 September 2017: Independent Advisory Committee receives all applications.

• December 2017: Independent Advisory Committee reviews the applications and decides whether to accredit proposed cities, prior to submission to SC532.

• January-February 2018: SC53 reviews the report of the Independent Advisory Committee listing those cities approved for accreditation and transmits it to the Conference of the Parties3.

• October 2018: Presentation of newly accredited cities at COP13.

Year 2018 – 2021

• 2019: SC56 to approve the six-year draft review form.

• February-March 2019: The Secretariat issues a call for applications.

• March-September 2019: Secretariat receives applications from Contracting Parties.

• 30 September 2019: Independent Advisory Committee receives all applications.

2 As defined at paragraph 15.c of the Framework for Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention. 3 Ibid, para.15.d

SC52-14 Rev.1 3

• December 2019: Independent Advisory Committee reviews the applications and decides

whether to accredit proposed cities, prior to submission to SC58.

• January-February 2021: SC58 reviews the report of the Independent Advisory Committee listing those cities approved for accreditation and transmits it to the Conference of the Parties.

• June-October 2021: Presentation of new accredited cities at COP14. 9. Based on this, and taking into account ongoing preparatory activities to involve UN-Habitat (see

the proposed MoU between UN-Habitat and Ramsar at Annex 4 of SC52-16 Update on formal agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar Convention and partners) and other Independent Advisory Committee members, Tunisia, Korea, ICLEI4, WWF, Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia and MedWet with the support of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat have started to draft an accreditation form to be adopted by SC52. A first draft of the form is at http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/ documents/library/wetland_city_accreditation_nomination_form_draft_1.pdf.

4 The MoU between ICLEI and Ramsar is at: http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/iclei_mou_2015-2021_signed.pdf.

SC52-14 Rev.1 4

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/wetland_city_accreditation_nomination_form_draft_1.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/wetland_city_accreditation_nomination_form_draft_1.pdf

http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/iclei_mou_2015-2021_signed.pdf

Annex 1: UNEP/GW2I request to become a member of the Independent Advisory Committee

Reference: DEPI/GPA/GW2I/bl 22 March, 2016

Dear Mr Rucks,

In May 2013, UNEP launched a multiple stakeholder platform, the Global Wastewater Initiative (GW2I), to promote wastewater as a resource and to prompt coordinated action and encourage new investments in wastewater management. The GW2I intends to bring a paradigm shift to world water politics in order to prevent further pollution and damage, emphasizing that wastewater is a valuable resource for future water security.

The Initiative currently has 48 members comprised of multiple stakeholders,

including international organizations, governments, academia, private sector, development banks and non-profit organizations. Our activities involve joint projects in different parts of the world on sanitation and wastewater management, several publications on good practices on wastewater management as well as economic valuation of wastewater, and joint meetings and organizations.

We have recently been informed by Paul Ouedraogo, Ramsar Representative at

the GW2I Steering Committee, about the Wetland City Accreditation Framework of the Ramsar Convention to establish a positive relationship between cities and wetlands. In this respect, effective wastewater management is indispensable to achieve good water quality status for wetlands. We, therefore, believe that the activities of the GW2I have a strong connection with respect to the objectives of the Wetland City Accreditation Framework.

We would hereby like to express our willingness to become a member of the

Independent Advisory Committee and look forward to a strong collaboration. Let me also use this opportunity to thank Ramsar for its effective contribution to the work of the GW2I.

Yours Sincerely,

Mette L. Wilkie

Director, DEPI

To: Mr Jorge Rucks, The Chair of Ramsar Standing Committee, [email protected]


Cc: Dr Ania Brobicki, Acting Secretary General, Ramsar Secretariat Rue Mauverney 28 CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland +41 22 9990284 [email protected]

Dr Aslihan Kerç GW2I, Chairperson İstanbul, Turkey [email protected]




SC52-15

Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with

Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions

Background 1. Resolution XII.3 on Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature, and

increasing synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions instructs the Secretariat to report annually on progress in implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions to the Standing Committee.

2. Paragraph 43 of Resolution XII.3 instructs the Secretariat to continue working to strengthen

collaboration with IUCN World Heritage Outlook, UNEP, UNEP-GRID, UNDP, UNESCO, Regional Economic Commissions of the UN, the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and others, and report on progress to the Standing Committee and the Contracting Parties on a regular basis.

3. The Secretariat is also requested, in paragraph 44, to continue its work with the Biodiversity

Liaison Group (BLG) to enhance coherence and cooperation and to continue efforts to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary overlap and duplication at all relevant levels among the biodiversity-related Conventions.

4. Paragraph 33 of Resolution XII.3 requests the Secretariat to consult Multilateral Environmental

Agreements (MEAs) about their experiences in hosting high-level ministerial segments, so as to identify possible ways to utilize such opportunities to improve the visibility, political support and impact of the Convention.

5. Resolution XII.7 on Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework of the Ramsar

Convention, in paragraph 21, requests the Secretariat to strengthen partnerships with other MEAs such as inter alia the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in order to enhance synergies and sharing of resources, avoid duplication and enhance implementation, respecting the mandate of each Convention; and requests the Secretariat to provide to the Standing Committee at its 51st

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to take note of the progress report on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and Synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions and provide advice as appropriate.

meeting (SC51) a plan on how to increase cooperation with other MEAs and report regularly on its actions to the Standing Committee.

6. Accordingly this report covers the main activities undertaken under Resolutions XII.3 and XI.6,

specifically activities under the BLG, IPBES and progress made with MEAs, UNEP and other institutions.

Work under the Biodiversity Liaison Group and the scientific bodies of the biodiversity-related Conventions 7. The Ramsar Secretariat has continued to participate in the meetings and joint actions of the

BLG according to its Plan for Joint Activities. The Deputy Secretary General chaired the meeting of the BLG in September 2015, where key issues were discussed including: • the BLG session on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); • the request of IPBES to the Secretariats of the MEAs to develop strategic partnerships,

modelled on the existing strategic partnership arrangement with the Secretariat of CBD; • the CBD COP decision XII/6 on the established party-led process concerning cooperation

among the biodiversity-related Conventions and the workshop on synergies for this purpose (Geneva, February 2016);

• synergies in the development of reporting systems, including future online reporting systems;

• contributions of the biodiversity-related Conventions and other organizations to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets;

• outreach and communication; and • CBD COP decision XII/30 on the financial mechanism.

8. The Secretariat also participated in the Workshop on synergies among the biodiversity-related

Conventions organized by the CBD Secretariat and the Informal Advisory Group (IAG) that took place from February 8-11 in Geneva. The National Focal Points of the seven biodiversity-related Conventions discussed options, including elements of a possible road map, for increasing synergy and improving the efficiency of the Conventions in fulfilling their mandates. The findings and recommendations of the workshop will be transmitted to the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation of the CBD in May 2016, so that it can negotiate a draft decision for consideration by the COP at its 13th meeting in December 2016. The agenda and documents of the meeting are available on the CBD website at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=BRCWS-2016-01.

Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 9. The STRP remains fully engaged in IPBES. The STRP Chair is an observer to the IPBES

Multidisciplinary Expert Panel (MEP), and participated in the 4th meeting (IPBES-4). Most significantly, IPBES issued its first thematic assessment, which was fast-tracked and focused on pollinators, pollination and food production. IPBES-4 welcomed the progress made in the land degradation and restoration assessment, which is scheduled to be considered at IPBES-6 in 2018. The scoping report for the assessment on invasive alien species and their control was approved, but the decision on whether to undertake this assessment will be made at IPBES-5 in 2017. Similarly, a revised scoping report for the assessment on sustainable use and biodiversity will also be considered at IBPES-5.

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https://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=BRCWS-2016-01

Actions to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme and other international institutions 10. As noted in previous reports to Standing Committee, the Secretariat is continuing to work to

strengthen collaboration with UNDP, UNESCO, UNECE, the World Bank, WHO, WMO and others.

11. The MOU with UNEP is included for SC52 approval as an annex of SC52-16 Update on formal

agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar Convention and partners. 12. The Secretariat continues to work with UNEP-GRID on the refinement of the new Ramsar Sites

Information Service (RSIS), as well as on a new project entitled “Live Monitoring of Earth Surface” (LiMES). UNEP-WCMC has been instrumental in informing the preparation of the National Report Format for COP13 in the online reporting system and the Secretariat expects to continue to work with them on this matter.

Collaboration with UNESCO 13. Following up on the successful 2013 launch of the Ramsar Chair on Wise Use of Wetlands at

UNESCO-IHE, a number of publications have been produced and a keynote presentation on the SDGs and wetlands delivered to the International River Symposium in September 2015. The costs of the Ramsar Chair are being covered by Charles Sturt University and the UNESCO centre.

14. A joint Ramsar/IUCN/UNESCO project has been carried out with a view to harmonizing the

integrated management of areas with multiple international designations under Ramsar, the World Heritage Convention (WHC), Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks. This is a new project with Republic of Korea funding. The DSG participated in the kick-off workshop on the project in Jeju in April 2015, and the project was introduced to Parties in a side event at Ramsar COP12 in June 2015. A guidance document has been prepared, intended as a manual for site managers of multiply designated sites, and also relevant for national authorities and international organizations. It will be launched at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawaii, USA. The final report is now available and the list of multiply designated sites has been updated.

Plan to increase cooperation with other MEAs 15. As indicated in the previous section the Secretariat participates actively with other MEAs, and

according to paragraph 44 of Resolution XII.3, the Secretariat has concentrated efforts to:

a. increase cooperation, coordination and attention to synergies in the exploration of reporting systems, including future online reporting systems and indicators, as a means to increase synergies in national reporting under the biodiversity-related Conventions;

b. consider ways and means to increase cooperation on outreach and communication strategies; and

c. find options for enhanced cooperation with regard to work on cross-cutting issues.

16. The Secretariat has signed memoranda of cooperation and agreed joint work plans with two of

the biodiversity-related Conventions, namely the CBD and the WHC, as well as with the UNCCD. The joint work plan with the CMS is being finalized and will be submitted for the approval of the

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next Standing Committees of each Convention (SC45 of CMS in November 2016 and SC53 of Ramsar in 2017).

17. The Secretariat has also been involved in collaborations with the biodiversity-related

Conventions such as the MEA Information and Knowledge Management Initiative (InforMEA), and has been part of the Law and Environment Ontology (LEO) project, to develop an internationally accepted semantic standard for environmental law and policy, and the project “Improving the effectiveness of and cooperation among biodiversity-related Conventions and exploring opportunities for further synergies” with UNEP. The Secretariat will continue to engage on these through participation in the InforMEA working group.

18. A joint Ramsar/UNECE/FAO celebration will take place on World Forests Day, 21 March 2016.

The event is organized jointly by the UNECE Secretariat of the Water Convention, the UNECE Housing and Land Management Unit , FAO, and the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, with support from the Governments of Switzerland and Finland. This year’s event will be organized under the theme “Forests and Water” and will aim to raise awareness of the multiple links between forests and water sources. The event will feature country experiences and case studies emphasizing forest ecosystem services safeguarding water balance and supply as well as forests’ role in increasing landscape resilience to water-related hazards. Through the Secretariat’s efforts, the private sector will also present some experiences through WBCSD.

19. With regards to hosting high-level ministerial segments, the Secretariat consulted the

Secretariats of the CMS, CBD, CITES and WHC about their experiences. The advice received is summarized below.

Nature of the high-level ministerial segment and main outcomes 20. Except for the CBD, for all other Conventions the segments are often high level ministerial

panels or ministers’ roundtables, all with the aim of discussing specific thematic issues. The segment can take place before or at the end of meetings of the COP or committees with advantages and disadvantages for each case. For some, it is better for the segments to take place before the main meeting in order to provide inputs to relevant issues being addressed at the meeting. Others consider that it is better at the end, in order to include relevant issues in the conclusions.

21. In the case of high-level ministerial segments the main outcomes are often the adoption of

declarations that are separate to the negotiations of the COP meeting. For high level panels or ministers’ roundtables the main outcomes are in the form of a chair´s statement from the segment or joint statements.

22. In general, it is considered that the high-level segments (high-level ministerial panels or

ministers’ roundtables) offer opportunities to improve the visibility, political support and impact of the Conventions. However, one of the main challenges is to guarantee the attendance of the relevant ministers.

Organization and cost 23. In all cases, the high-level ministerial segments or high-level ministerial panels/ministers’

roundtables are organized and funded by the host country. The Secretariats collaborate in the preparation of the agenda but in general all aspects of logistics and protocol, including invitations, are prepared by the host country.

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SC52-16 Rev.1

Update on formal agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar

Convention and partners

(Including revised draft agreements at Annexes 2 and 3 that were deferred from SC51)

Introduction 1. The Ramsar Convention acknowledges the importance of entering into partnerships with

relevant organisations in order to enhance the implementation of the Convention. This is reflected in the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024, paragraph 42:

“The wise use of wetlands and their resources will ultimately involve a range of actors well beyond those responsible for the management and maintenance of Ramsar Sites and other wetlands. This holds at local, national, regional and global levels where existing partnerships with Ramsar Regional Initiatives, IOPs and MEAs should be strengthened and new partnerships with civil society and the business sector forged in order to enhance Convention implementation and reverse the rates of loss and degradation of wetlands.”

2. The Convention, through the Secretariat, has supported numerous collaborations with formal

written and signed agreements. These have taken the form of an exchange of signed letters, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Memorandum of Co-operation (MOC), or a Joint Work Plan (JWP). The Secretariat displays a list of all these agreement on its web site at http://www.ramsar.org/about/partnerships.

3. Resolution XI.6 Partnerships and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and

other institutions lists at Annex 1 the names of organizations with which the Ramsar Convention had already developed co-operation, synergies and partnerships at the time of COP11 in 2012.

4. A number of Resolutions agreed by the Contracting Parties at COP12 are relevant to the partnerships listed at Annex 1 of this document, and to efforts by the Secretariat to develop formal agreements with partners:

a. In Resolution XII.2 The Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024: Goal 4 focuses on enhancing

implementation, including through:

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited: • to review and approve the revised draft agreements at Annexes 2-4. • to note that in future, the Ramsar Secretariat will, as far as possible, use IUCN’s standard

templates for agreements when developing new Memoranda of Understanding etc.

http://www.ramsar.org/about/partnerships

i. Target 17: “Financial and other resources for effectively implementing the 4th Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 from all sources are made available”; and

ii. Target 18: “International cooperation is strengthened at all levels”.

b. In Resolution XII.9 The Ramsar Convention’s Programme on communication, capacity

building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) 2016 ‐ 2024: paragraph 18 “REQUESTS the Secretariat to seek improved cooperation between Multilateral Environmental Agreements, through the Biodiversity Liaison Group, with regard to capacity building”.

c. In Resolution XII.3 Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature,

and increasing synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions:

i. Paragraph 42 “INSTRUCTS the Secretariat to report annually on progress on

implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions to the Standing Committee”; and

ii. Paragraph 43 “FURTHER INSTRUCTS the Secretariat to continue working to strengthen collaboration with IUCN World Heritage Outlook, UNEP, UNEP-GRID, UNDP, UNESCO, Regional Economic Commissions of the UN, the World Bank, WHO, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), FAO, GEF, Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and others, and report on progress to the Standing Committee and the Contracting Parties on a regular basis”.

d. In Resolution XII.7 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework of the Ramsar

Convention, paragraph 21 “REQUESTS the Secretariat to strengthen partnerships with other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) such as inter alia the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the CBD and others, in order to enhance synergies and sharing of resources, avoid duplication and enhance implementation, respecting the mandate of each Convention; and REQUESTS the Secretariat to provide to the Standing Committee at its 51st meeting a plan on how to increase cooperation with other MEAs and report regularly actions to the Standing Committee”.

5. The purpose of this document is to provide for Standing Committee:

a. A summary of signed agreements currently in force as well as those which have expired,

along with their start and expiration dates (Annex 1);

b. The status of the update to the JWP between the Ramsar Convention and the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) to cover the period until 2017;

c. A draft of a proposed new MOU between UNEP and the Ramsar Convention (Annex 2);

d. A draft of a proposed MOC between the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat (Annex 3);

e. The draft of a proposed new MOU between UN-Habitat and the Ramsar Convention on the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention (Annex 4).

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6. The table in Annex 1 list the current and expired agreements and an asterisk has been placed next to the name of those that are priorities. This is because they are considered to be able to deliver clear benefits to Ramsar Contracting Parties worldwide in implementing the Convention’s Resolutions and the Strategic Plan 2016-2024.

7. The Secretariat signed an MOC with the Convention’s five International Organization Partners in

2011, to serve until 2017. Through Resolution XII.3 at COP12, Contracting Parties approved the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust as the Convention’s sixth IOP. As a result, the Secretariat is now preparing to sign an MOC with the WWT as they have with other IOPs.

8. The Secretariat will work to re-initiate MOCs that have expired during the last triennia and

these are listed in Table 2 of Annex 1.

9. In future, the Ramsar Secretariat will, as far as possible, use IUCN’s standard templates for agreements when developing new Memoranda of Understanding etc.

10. The new CMS-Ramsar Joint Work Plan 2015-2017 was approved by the 44th Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) in October 2015. During SC51, the Secretariat took note of the comments expressed by Contracting Parties with regards to some of the activities of the Work Plan, and has discussed with the CMS Secretariat the need to adjust the Work Plan according to the comments received by the Contracting Parties. Both Secretariats will work on the adjustments of the JWP in order to be submitted for the approval of the next Standing Committees of each Convention (SC45 of CMS in November 2016 and SC53 of Ramsar in 2017) .

11. The proposed new MOU between UNEP and the Ramsar Convention and the MOC between the

Nagao Natural Environment Foundation and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat have been updated following comments by SC51 in November 2015.

12. The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) is a Japanese NGO that promotes nature

conservation mainly in the Asia-Pacific region, through providing a comprehensive programme for conservation research and activities, research grants, and educational scholarships. The main aim of the Donor Agreement at Annex 3 is to establish the ‘Nagao Wetland Fund’ which will support a number of wetland projects annually to help Ramsar Administrative Authorities, local governments, researchers, NGOs and communities from developing countries in the Asia-Oceania region to implement the Ramsar Convention and in particular, the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024. Under the Donor Agreement, the NEF will provide JPY 10 million (approx. USD 80,000) annually to the Ramsar Secretariat, which will then manage the Fund and the projects that are supported.

13. The draft MOU with the Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia and the Draft Terms of Reference

for collaboration between the Ramsar Convention and Shell that were presented as Annex 5 and Annex 6 in SC51-23 Rev.2 have both been removed from this paper, according to comments made at SC51. The former has been replaced by a tripartite agreement concluded between the Steering Committee of the RRC-EA, the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, and the Mayor of Suncheon City on 31 December 2015, without the involvement of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

14. A bilateral agreement between the Chair of the Steering Committee for the Ramsar Regional

Centre-East Asia (RRC-EA) and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat was signed on 15 December 2015. The full text is appended as Annex 4. This bilateral agreement was agreed by all

SC52-16 Rev.1 3

participating Contracting Parties in East and South-east Asia. It is not an MOU, but a renewal of the existing arrangements under which the RRC-EA was set up in 2010 under the Operational Guidelines 2009-2012. The agreement was defined in accordance with paragraph 6 of the “Operational Guidelines 2013-2015 for Regional Initiatives in the framework of the Convention on Wetlands” approved by Decision SC46-28 (2013) which states that: “The complementary roles of the coordinating mechanisms of Regional Initiatives and the Ramsar Secretariat, including their respective responsibilities, may be defined in written arrangements, if agreed by all participating Contracting Parties.”

15. The Framework for Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention, which is annexed to

Resolution XII.10 Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention, proposes that a representative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) shall act as Chair of the scheme’s Independent Advisory Committee. The terms of this collaboration are set out in the proposed MOU at Annex 5.

Annexes 1 Current and expired agreements 5

2 Proposed MOU between Ramsar and UNEP (as of 29 February 2016) 8

3 Memorandum of Cooperation between the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat

19

4 Renewal of agreement between the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and RRC-EA 23

5 Proposed MOU between Ramsar and UN-Habitat on the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention

27

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Annex 1 Current and expired agreements Table 1. Currently active signed agreements and their validity

Organization Name Start Date Expiration Date

Global Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

International Agencies and Organizations and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity on implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Achievements of the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets

20 September 2011 2020

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 4 November 2011 2020 Liaison Group of the Biodiversity-related Conventions 4 September 2011 No expiration date Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals – CMS

14 May 2012 MOU: No expiration date

UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme 20 March 2002 No expiration date United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa

5 December 1998 No expiration date

UNESCO – World Heritage Centre 14 May 1999 No expiration date Regional Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Carpathian Convention 13 November 2006 No expiration date Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles

8 July 2012 8 July 2017

Global intergovernmental organisations and processes (IGOs)

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 1 September 2002 No expiration date UNEP-GRASP (Great Apes Survival Project Partnership) 6 February 2007 No expiration date

UNESCO - IHE 3 November 2013 3 November 2018

Regional intergovernmental organisations and processes (IGOs)

African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) 28 June 2013 28 June 2018 The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity 17 November 2011 No expiration date Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) – Working Group of the Arctic Council

12 July 2012 No expiration date

ICPDR – International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River, on observer status of Ramsar Convention at DRP Convention

8 November 2000 No expiration date

LCBC – Lake Chad Basin Commission 23 November 2002 No expiration date The Niger Basin Authority (NBA) 23 November 2002 No expiration date

International Organization Partners (IOPs)

IOPs (BirdLife, IUCN, IWMI, Wetlands International, WWF International)

19 May 2011 19 May 2017

IUCN-US, Letter of Agreement on mobilization of funds 4 July 2012 3 July 2017

Other International NGOs and organizations

France - Association Ramsar France : Charte pour la gestion des sites Ramsar

15 November 2011 No termination date

Charles Sturt University 3 November 2013 3 November 2018

SC52-16 Rev.1 5

Conservation International 10 April 2013 10 April 2018 Ducks Unlimited 2 February 2012 No expiration date ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability 12 May 2015 30 June 2021 International Association for Impact Assessment 22 June 2001 No expiration date JICA – Japan International Cooperation Agency 3 June 2015 31 December 2020 Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) 31 January 2012 31 January 2018 Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) 1 July 2011 1 July 2017 Stetson University College of Law 1 March 2016 28 February 2022 The Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS) 23 May 2013 22 May 2018 The Nature Conservancy (TNC) 7 July 2012 No expiration date Université Senghor 13 May 2013 No expiration date World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) 17 June 2009 No expiration date

Private sector

Danone Evian 1 January 2016 31 December 2016 Star Alliance-IUCN- Ramsar: Biosphere Connections September 2014 Automatic annual

renewal

Table 2. Expired signed agreements and their validity * Agreements under renewal

Organization Name Start Date Expiration Date Center for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University (USA), and Wetlands International

April 2000 31 December 2002

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) – Joint Work Plan

14 May 2012 2014

Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention)

7 February 2006 7 February 2012

Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention)

29 June 2005

29 June 2011

Commission Internationale du Bassin Congo-Oubangui-Sangha (CICOS)

20 March 2006 19 March 2012

European Environment Agency 27 February 2006 27 February 2012 European Space Agency (ESA) 18 June 2009 31 December 2011 Eurosite 24 September 1999 24 September 2002 FAO-GTOS (Global Terrestrial Observing System) 13 June 2006 13 June 2012 Global Nature Fund 29 September 2004 29 September 2010 Greece, Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works (concerning Secretariat of the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative, for the period 2009-2011)

12 April 2010 31 December 2011

Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency (JAXA) 12 October 2010 12 October 2012 International Ocean Institute 17 October 2006 17 October 2012 Organization of American States (OAS) 17 February 2010 17 February 2016 Panama – The Government of the Republic of Panama (Regional Center in the Western Hemisphere)

28 February 2003 28 February 2013

South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) December 2012 31 December 2015

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UNEP-GPA (Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from land-based activities)

17 October 2006 17 October 2011

* UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

January 2007 January 2013

UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) 4 June 2010 31 December 2012 UN World Tourism Organization (WTO) 2 February 2010 2 February 2013 Wetland Link International (WLI) 12 November 2005 12 November 2011 * The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) with Wetland Link International (WLI)

1 November 2011 1 November 2014

World Bank 16 February 2010 30 June 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) 18 February 2011 18 February 2012

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Annex 2 Proposed MOU between Ramsar and UNEP (as of 29 February 2016)

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN

THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP) AND

THE CONVENTION ON WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE, ESPECIALLY AS WATERFOWL HABITAT

WHEREAS the United Nations Environment Programme (hereinafter referred to as “UNEP”) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, including biological diversity, worldwide; WHEREAS UNEP has the mandate to catalyze use by countries and regions of the ecosystem approach that integrates the management of land, water and living resources to conserve biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services for sustainable development and improved human wellbeing, building on participatory approaches including the use of UNEP’s convening power to work with governments and key stakeholders; WHEREAS the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat (hereinafter referred to as “Ramsar Convention”) is an international treaty whose stated mission is: “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world." WHEREAS UNEP and the Ramsar Convention (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Parties”) share common objectives with regard to the conservation, protection, enhancement and support of nature and natural resources, including biological diversity worldwide, and wish to collaborate to further these common goals and objectives within their respective mandates and governing rules and regulations; WHEREAS UNEP and the Ramsar Convention wish to contribute to the implementation of The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and related Sustainable Development Goals as well as the Medium-term Strategy of UNEP 2014-2017 and Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024; WHEREAS the Parties intend to conclude this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as “MOU”) with the aim of consolidating, developing and detailing their cooperation and effectiveness to achieve the common objectives in the field of environment; THEREFORE, UNEP AND RAMSAR CONVENTION HAVE AGREED TO COOPERATE UNDER THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AS FOLLOWS:

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Article 1 Interpretation

1. References to this MOU shall be construed as including any Annexes, as varied or amended in accordance with the terms of this MOU. Any Annexes shall be subject to the provisions of this MOU, and in case of any inconsistency between an Annex and this MOU, the latter shall prevail. 2. Implementation of any subsequent activities, projects and programmes pursuant to this MOU, including those involving the transfer of funds between the Parties, shall necessitate the execution of appropriate legal instruments between the Parties. The terms of such legal instruments shall be subject to the provisions of this MOU. 3. This MOU represents the complete understanding between the Parties and complements all prior MOUs, communications and representations, whether oral or written, concerning the subject matter of this MOU. 4. Any Party’s failure to request implementation of a provision of this MOU shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other provision of this MOU.

Article 2 Duration

1. This MOU shall be effective upon the last date of signature of the approving officials and remain in force until 31 December 2018, unless renewed by the Parties or terminated in accordance with Article 15 below.

Article 3 Purpose

1. The purpose of this MOU is to provide a framework of cooperation and understanding, and to facilitate collaboration between the Parties to further their shared goals and objectives in regard to the support of data, shared ambitions, and use of technology, in order to promote sustainable development benefits conferred by all types of wetlands (for instance, rivers, lakes, coral reefs, marshes, estuaries and peatlands, inter alia.) 2. The objectives of this MOU shall be achieved through:

a. Regular dialogue and meetings between UNEP and Ramsar Convention; b. Execution of separate legal instruments between the Parties to define and implement any subsequent activities, projects and programmes pursuant to Article 1.2. c. Implementation of a set of activities listed in Article 4 that can be reviewed, revised and adjusted by the Parties.

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Article 4 Areas of Cooperation

1. Areas of Cooperation are agreed jointly through the cooperation mechanism in the MOU. Policies and priorities under this MOU may also be jointly reviewed annually by the Parties pursuant to Article 5 to allow the Parties to respond to newly emerging issues in the realm of environment and sustainable development. 2. The Parties have agreed to the following overarching themes for this MOU, which form part of UNEP’s mandate and programme of work and have been approved by UNEP’s governing body. The items listed below are also priorities or ongoing activities of Ramsar Convention, in accordance with its mandate and Strategic Plan for 2016 - 2024. All could be strengthened through the cooperation of the Parties. 3. Details of activities under the following overarching themes are to be presented in work plans agreed by the Parties. These work plans are considered documents in progress, which can be updated according to emerging needs identified by the Parties. This MoU will not require amendment. The first agreed work plan is attached to this MoU as Annex 1.

a. Improve access to useful information about the status, condition of wetlands, globally.

i. Online platform for sharing key, up to date, data and information relating to wetlands.

ii. World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). iii. Strengthen Economic Analysis. iv. Improve biodiversity indicators and monitoring.

b. Improve synergies and the catalytic role of each Party.

i. Leverage a broader range of benefits that wetlands provide for sustainable development.

ii. Protection of biodiversity. iii. Clean supplies of freshwater. iv. Supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster risk reduction. v. Supporting implementation of relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements. vi. Degraded wetlands. vii. Integrated management of river basins and other specialist groups. viii. Supporting conflict-affected countries. ix. Sharing UNEP and Ramsar Convention relevant expertise

c. Efficient exchange of information and advice.

The activities below will support achievement of Resolution XII.3 ‘Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature, and increasing synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions’.

i. UNEP, according to its mandate and within available resources, may provide support

to the achievement of the Ramsar Convention Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2024, including indicators development, and where possible shall participate in meetings.

SC52-16 Rev.1 10

ii. Ramsar Convention shall continue to participate in the UNEP Information and Knowledge Management Initiative for MEAs (InforMEA).

iii. Ramsar Convention and UNEP will provide support to the process of enhancing synergies and cooperation among biodiversity-related MEAs.

iv. UNEP and the UNEP-WCMC shall continue to participate in the Ramsar Convention Scientific, Technical and Reporting Panel (STRP) as Observer.

d. To increase financing of wetlands

The activity below will support achievement of Target 17 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 on making available financial and other resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 from all sources.

i. The Parties may collaborate in order to maximize opportunities for wetlands financing

including through the GEF funding.

Article 5

Organization of the Cooperation 1. The Parties shall hold annual meetings on matters of common interest, electronically if necessary, in accordance with an agenda agreed in advance by the Parties, to discuss technical and operational issues related to furthering the objectives of this MOU; 2. Within the context defined above, further bilateral technical and operational meetings may be called including ad hoc meetings as deemed necessary by the Parties to address matters of common interest for the implementation of activities in specific areas, countries and regions. 3. Each Party undertakes to share knowledge and information in its area of operations and expertise relevant to the MOU with the other Party. 4. No financial obligation shall result from this MOU to either Party. Any financial arrangement shall be the subject of a separate agreement according to Article 1 and sub-article 2.

Article 6 Status of the Parties and their Personnel

1. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Ramsar Convention is an entity separate and distinct from the United Nations, including UNEP. The employees, personnel, representatives, agents, contractors or affiliates of Ramsar Convention, including the personnel engaged by Ramsar Convention for carrying out any of the project activities pursuant to this MOU, shall not be considered in any respect or for any purposes whatsoever as being employees, personnel, representatives, agents, contractors or affiliates of the United Nations, including UNEP, nor shall any employees, personnel, representatives, agents, contractors or affiliates of UNEP be considered, in any respect or for any purposes whatsoever, as being employees, personnel, representatives, agents, contractors or affiliates of Ramsar Convention. 2. Neither Party shall be entitled to act or make legally binding declarations on behalf of the other Party. Nothing in this MOU shall be deemed to constitute a joint venture, agency, interest grouping or any other kind of formal business grouping or entity between the Parties.

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Article 7 Fundraising

1. To the extent permitted by the Parties’ respective regulations, rules and policies, and subject to Article 1, sub-article 2, the Parties may engage in fundraising from the public and private sectors to support the activities, projects and programmes to be developed or carried out pursuant to this MOU. The Parties shall keep each other informed of ongoing fundraising efforts related to this MOU, as appropriate. 2. Neither Party shall engage in fundraising with third parties in the name of or on behalf of the other, without the prior express written approval of the other Party in each case.

Article 8 Intellectual Property Rights

1. Nothing in the MOU shall be construed as granting or implying rights to, or interest in, intellectual property of the Parties, except as otherwise provided in Article 8, sub-article 2. 2. In the event that the Parties foresee that intellectual property that can be protected shall be created in relation to a particular activity, project or programme to be carried out under this MOU, the Parties shall negotiate and agree on terms of its ownership and use in the relevant legal instrument concludes as per Article 1, sub-article 2.

Article 9 Use of Name, Emblem and Logo

1. Neither Party shall use the name, emblem, logo or trademarks of the other Party, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, or any abbreviation thereof, in connection with its business or for public dissemination without the prior expressly written approval of the other Party in each case. In no event shall authorization of the UN or UNEP name or emblem be granted for commercial purposes. 2. Ramsar Convention acknowledges that it is familiar with the independent, international and impartial status of the UN and UNEP, and recognizes that their names and emblems may not be associated with any political or sectarian cause or otherwise used in a manner inconsistent with the status of the UN and UNEP. 3. The Parties agree to recognize and acknowledge this partnership, as appropriate. To this end, the Parties shall consult with each other concerning the manner and form of such recognition and acknowledgement.

Article 10 United Nations Privileges and Immunities

1. Nothing in or relating to this MOU shall be deemed a waiver, express or implied, of any of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, including its subsidiary organs.

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Article 11 Confidentiality

1. The handling of information shall be subject to each Party’s corporate confidentiality policies. 2. Before disclosing internal documents, or documents that by virtue of their content or the circumstances of their creation or communication must be deemed confidential, of the other Party to third parties, each Party shall obtain the express, written consent of the other Party. However, a Party’s disclosure of another Party’s internal and/or confidential documents to an entity the disclosing Party controls or with which it is under common control, or to an entity with which it has a confidentiality agreement, shall not be considered a disclosure to a third party, and shall not require prior authorization. 3. For UNEP, a principal or subsidiary organ of the United Nations established in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, shall be deemed to be a legal entity under common control.

Article 12 Responsibility

1. Each Party will be responsible for dealing with any claims or demands arising out of its actions or omissions, and those of its respective personnel, in relation to this MOU. 2. Ramsar Convention shall indemnify, hold and save harmless and defend at its own expense, the United Nations and UNEP, their officials, personnel and representatives, from and against all suits, claims, demands and liability of any nature or kind which may arise in relation to this MOU due to any actions or omissions attributable to Ramsar Convention.

Article 13 Dispute Settlement

1. The Parties shall use their best efforts to settle amicably any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of this MOU. Where the Parties wish to seek such an amicable settlement through conciliation, the conciliation shall take place in accordance with the UNCITRAL Conciliation Rules then prevailing, or according to such other procedure as may be agreed between the Parties. 2. Any dispute, controversy or claim between the Parties arising out of this MOU which is not settled amicably in accordance with the foregoing sub-article may be referred by either Party to arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules then in force. The arbitral tribunal shall have no authority to award punitive damages. The Parties shall be bound by any arbitration award rendered as a result of such arbitration as the final adjudication of any such controversy, claim or dispute.

Article 14 Notification and Amendments

1. Each Party shall promptly notify the other in writing of any anticipated or actual material changes that will affect the execution of this MOU. 2. The Parties may amend this MOU by mutual written agreement, which shall be appended to

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this MOU and become an integral part of it.

Article 15 Termination

1. Either Party may terminate this MOU by giving three months’ prior written notice to the other Party. 2. Upon termination of this MOU, the rights and obligations of the Parties defined under any other legal instrument executed pursuant to this MOU shall cease to be effective, except as otherwise provided in this MOU. 3. Any termination of the MOU shall be without prejudice to (a) the orderly completion of any ongoing collaborative activity and (b) any other rights and obligations of the Parties accrued prior to the date of termination under this MOU or legal instrument executed pursuant to this MOU. 4. The obligations under Articles 8 to 13 do not lapse upon expiry, termination of or withdrawal from this MOU. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the Parties affix their signatures below. For United Nations Environment Programme For Ramsar Convention ………………………………………………….…. …………………………………………………………. Name: Name: Mr. Achim Steiner, Dr. Ania Grobicki UNEP Executive Director Acting Secretary General, Ramsar

Convention

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Annex 1. Work Plan

a. Improve access to useful information about the status, condition of wetlands, globally.

i. Online platform for sharing key, up to date, data and information relating to wetlands. Together, UNEP’s Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA), the Global Resource Information Database GRID-Geneva as part of the global group of environmental information centres collaborating with UNEP (linking with the UNEP Live knowledge management platform) and the Ramsar Convention are collaborating in a system for gathering and reporting information that allows for continually tracking the condition of wetlands. The Parties are collaborating towards reporting system for the Ramsar Convention’s ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ around the world. The next level of collaboration will leverage earth observation (including via existing partners of each organization) as appropriate and ground data in order to develop a more detailed and complete picture of the condition of all wetlands, globally. This system can help highlight ‘hotspots’ (areas under rapid change or facing significant pressures) and become a valuable tool for tracking wetland extent changes relevant to Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.6 “By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes”. This work will also support achievement of Target 8 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning the use of remote sensing data to support national wetland inventories, to promote the conservation and effective management of wetlands.

ii. World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Cooperate in order to provide available

information to WDPA in order to request them to include all relevant information on Ramsar Sites through the development and maintenance of appropriate links between the WDPA and the Ramsar Site Information Service. UNEP and Ramsar Convention will build on this so as to increase opportunities for assessing the relationship between Ramsar Sites and protected areas, including other internationally Convention of Biological Diversity and World Heritage Convention recognized sites. This work will support achievement of Goal 2 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning the effective conservation and management of Ramsar Sites, and in particular Target 6 on increasing the area, numbers and ecological connectivity of protected sites.

iii. Strengthen Economic Analysis. Co-operate in order to bolster the availability of sound

economic analysis relating to the conservation and wise use of wetlands, including via support for Payment for Ecosystem Services, development of Water and Wetland Habitat Funds, and continued strong and deeper reflection of the economic value of wetlands in on-going UNEP’s work including the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) and the Valuation & Accounting of Natural Capital for Green Economy (VANTAGE). Special focus can be given to accounting of wetland ecosystems, valuation of regulating and cultural services of the wetlands and application of market based instruments for wetland management (e.g. wetland banking). Economic analysis of ecosystem services from wetland would provide a strong rationale for “bankable” projects in the wetland management programme, which in turn would pave the path of mainstreaming these critical ecosystems into design and implementation of development policies. This work will support achievement of Target 11 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 that wetland functions, services and benefits are widely demonstrated, documented and disseminated.

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iv. Improve biodiversity indicators and monitoring. UNEP/DEWA and UNEP-WCMC, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat and the Scientific and Technical Review Panel of the Ramsar Convention (STRP) will continue collaboration in development of indicators, including via the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership, and other products that support a deeper assessment and description of the ‘State of the World’s Wetlands’, as well as supporting the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals. The work might highlight underpinning of regulating services of wetlands. In addition, as part of work to promote and build capacity for data mobilization, indicators and assessment, UNEP will work with Ramsar national focal points. This work will support achievement of Target 14 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning the development of scientific guidance and technical methodologies at global and regional levels on relevant topics and which is then made available to policy makers and practitioners.

b. Improve synergies and the catalytic role of each Party.

i. Leverage a broader range of benefits that wetlands provide for sustainable

development. UNEP, according to its mandate and within available resources, may support Ramsar Convention Contracting Parties to fulfil their commitments under the Convention, especially where co-benefits exist for other relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Ramsar Convention Senior Regional Advisors will work directly with UNEP staff, including regional seas conventions and action plans, to ensure a coordinated approach. This work will support achievement of Target 18 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning strengthening international cooperation at all levels.

ii. Protection of biodiversity. UNEP, according to its mandate and within available

resources, may support Ramsar Convention Contracting Parties to fulfil their commitments under the Convention, in line with the development and revision of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs). UNEP may assist with gathering information about the status and pressures on biodiversity that exist in designated ‘Ramsar Sites’, and increase understanding of wise use concepts put forward by the Convention. Ramsar Convention Senior Regional Advisors will work directly with UNEP staff to ensure a coordinated approach. This work will support achievement of Target 18 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning strengthening international cooperation at all levels.

iii. Clean supplies of freshwater, an expert selected by the Ramsar Convention may

participate as an observer in the Steering Committee of UNEP/DEPI’s Wastewater Initiative. Other freshwater opportunities shall be explored and developed in particular where there is a role for better management of wetland ecosystems to contribute to better freshwater outcomes. This work will support achievement of Target 3 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 to engage with the public and private sectors in order that they increase their efforts to apply guidelines and good practices for the wise use of water and wetlands.

iv. Supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation and disaster risk reduction,

wetland ecosystems face severe effects from climate change and disasters, but also provide critical ecosystem services that mitigate climate change and disaster impacts and contribute to local and national resilience. Recalling the Ramsar Convention Resolution X.24 on Climate Change and Wetlands and recognizing the recently adopted Resolution XII.13 on Wetlands and Disaster Risk Reduction, the Parties will work

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together to support countries in mainstreaming ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction and adaptation approaches into national wetland management plans and their implementation, for instance by carrying out climate and disaster risk assessments, reviewing and updating existing guidance on wetlands, capacity building and technical assistance. The Parties will also cooperate to ensure that wetland management plans and other water and catchment management plans are integrated into national strategic plans, including national disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies. Wetland ecosystems (in particular peatlands and mangroves) can also provide very important mitigation services. The Parties may therefore support countries and stakeholders in their climate change mitigation, especially Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), actions on readiness efforts, on planning, financing and delivery of Result Based Actions and for receiving Result Based Payments and other Payments for Ecosystems Services”. This work will support achievement of Target 1 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 to feature wetland benefits in national/ local policy strategies and plans relating to key sectors.

v. Supporting implementation of relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements:

When developing and implementing activities which support implementation of relevant multilateral environmental agreements at the national level, UNEP may collaborate with Ramsar Convention national focal points in order to help ensure coherent implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, and effective integration of multilateral environmental agreements into national policies and practices. This work will support achievement of Target 18 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning strengthening international cooperation at all levels.

vi. Degraded wetlands. Whether due to unsustainable management, climate change or

disasters, the Parties, according to their mandate and within available resources, will support countries and stakeholders in their ecosystem restoration and climate change adaptation efforts. This work will support achievement of Target 12 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 concerning the restoration of degraded wetlands, with priority to wetlands that are relevant for biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction, livelihoods and/or climate change mitigation and adaptation.

vii. Integrated management of river basins and other specialist groups. The Parties will

collaborate, as appropriate, to strengthen the role of basin organizations in the integrated management of river basins, and with other specialists groups working on rivers, lakes, mangroves, coral reefs, peat-lands and bogs. This work will support achievement of Target 9 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 on strengthening the wise use of wetlands through integrated resource management at the appropriate scale, inter alia, within a river basin or along a coastal zone

viii. Supporting conflict-affected countries. Where competition over wetland resources

may be a source of conflict the Parties may collaborate to sensitize and advise decision-makers on actions to reduce risks to wetlands. This may include collaborating in carrying out joint advisory missions, supporting conflict-affected countries in carrying out wetland inventories and management plans, developing relevant policies and regulations, and supporting the implementation of community-based wetland and catchment management projects. Ramsar Convention experts will provide technical support including on best practices. This work will support achievement of Goals 1, 2 and 3 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024.

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ix. UNEP and Ramsar Convention relevant expertise. In World Wetlands Day and the

Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (CoP), UNEP may provide expertise, including resource persons at cost to UNEP, in Ramsar Convention related events that take place around the world, including World Wetlands Day and the CoP. This work will support achievement of Target 16 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 on mainstreaming wetland conservation and wise use through communication, capacity development, education, participation and awareness.

x. The Ramsar Convention may provide expertise, including resource persons at cost to

the Ramsar Convention in UNEP related events that take place around the world, including World Environment Day and the sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP. This work will support achievement of Resolution XII.3 ‘Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature, and increasing synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions’.

c. Efficient exchange of information and advice.

The activities below will support achievement of Resolution XII.3 ‘Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature, and increasing synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions’.

i. UNEP, according to its mandate and within available resources, may provide support to

the achievement of the Ramsar Convention Strategic Plan for 2016 – 2024, including indicators development, and where possible shall participate in meetings.

ii. Ramsar Convention shall continue to participate in the UNEP Information and

Knowledge Management Initiative for MEAs (InforMEA). iii. Ramsar Convention and UNEP will provide support the process of enhancing synergies

and cooperation among biodiversity-related MEAs. iv. UNEP and the UNEP-WCMC shall continue to participate in the Ramsar Convention

Scientific, Technical and Reporting Panel (STRP) as observer.

d. To increase financing of wetlands The activity below will support achievement of Target 17 of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 on making available financial and other resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024 from all sources. The Parties may collaborate in order to maximize opportunities for wetlands financing including through the GEF funding.

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Annex 3 Proposed MOU between the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat

Memorandum of Understanding

(the “MOU”)

between The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (hereinafter “Ramsar Secretariat”), represented by IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, an association established under the laws of Switzerland and having its seat at Rue Mauverney 28, 1196 Gland, Switzerland (hereinafter “IUCN”);

and

The Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (hereinafter “NEF”), a non-governmental organization existing under the laws of Japan with its headquarters located at 3-3-7 Kotobashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0022 Japan; herein referred to as the “Parties” and “Party”, as the context may reasonably indicate or require. Preamble Whereas that since its inception in 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (hereinafter the ‘Ramsar Convention’), has formed the key international framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources, and noting that the Ramsar Convention's Contracting Parties are committed to working towards wise use of all their wetlands, to designating suitable Wetlands of International Importance and ensuring their conservation, and to cooperating on shared wetland systems; Whereas the mission of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world; Whereas the mission of the NEF is dedicated to promoting nature conservation in developing countries, mainly in the Asia-Pacific region, through comprehensive programme for conservation research and activities, research grant scheme and scholarship scheme, and the NEF has especially contributed to the conservation, wise use and research of wetland and its biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific region including the Mekong – Chao Praya basins; Whereas the Strategic Plan 2016-2024 of the Ramsar Convention calls for action to address the drivers of wetland loss and degradation, ensure the effective conservation and management of the Ramsar Site network, and the wise use of all wetlands;

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Whereas the NEF, through its activities, can further contribute to the effective implementation of the Ramsar Convention by assisting the attainment of aims and targets of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024. Therefore, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

Article 1 Purpose

1.1 The Parties agree to establish the Nagao Wetland Fund (hereinafter the ‘NWF’) with the aim to

support the crucial and important efforts of the Administrative Authorities of Contracting Parties of the Ramsar Convention, local governments, researchers, non-governmental organizations and local communities of developing countries in the Asia-Oceania region to implement the Ramsar Convention and in particular, the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024. The NWF aims in particular to support projects concerning the conservation, restoration and wise use of wetlands, including communications, education and awareness, and also training for park rangers or staff working in wetland education centers.

1.2 With a view to achieving this aim, the NEF agrees to provide financial support to the Ramsar

Secretariat through the NWF in accordance with this Memorandum of Understanding.

Article 2 Obligations of the Parties

2.1 The NEF undertakes to provide to the Ramsar Secretariat an annual amount of JPY 10,000,000

(ten million Japanese yens) corresponding to approx. USD 80,000 (eighty thousand United States Dollars) during this MOU for the NWF (the “Funds”). The first annual Fund payment shall be transferred to the account designated by the Ramsar Secretariat within thirty (30) days from the entry into force of this MOU. The subsequent annual Funds shall be transferred to the account designated by Ramsar Secretariat no later than the end of May of each year.

2.2 The Asia-Oceania Team within the Ramsar Secretariat, in due consultation with the NEF, as

appropriate, will manage the NWF and provide regular updates in a timely and effective manner to the NEF on the use of the Funds provided and on the progress of the Projects contemplated in Article 1 above.

Article 3

Administration of the NWF 3.1 Each year, the Funds provided will be used to support three to four projects for a maximum

amount of USD 20,000 (twenty thousand United States Dollars) per project (the “Project”). In principle, each Project will be implemented within a one year period, which period can be extended to a maximum of two years.

3.2 The Ramsar Secretariat shall administer the NWF and shall be entitled to use 10% of the Funds

to cover administration costs. 3.3 The NEF and the Ramsar Secretariat shall constitute a selection committee composed by two

representatives appointed by NEF and two members of the Asia-Oceania Team within the Ramsar Secretariat (the “Selection Committee”). The Selection Committee will select Projects

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using clear and recognized criteria and a transparent, independent and accountable review process in line with the process used for the Ramsar Small Grants Fund.

Article 4

Applications for the NWF 4.1 Successful Project applications shall be designed to ensure that Project operations will

contribute to the achievement of the specific objectives of the Ramsar Convention, in particular the achievement of the targets of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024.

4.2 The Ramsar Secretariat shall make available an application form for the NWF based on the

application for the Ramsar Small Grants Fund (Annex 1). 4.3 Without prejudice to the above, Project applications shall be eligible only if the total cost for

equipment and salaries does not exceed 20% of the overall Project costs. In addition, the Project applications can include organization of workshops and the provision of reasonable hospitality for such workshops.

Article 5

Entry into Force and Duration 5.1 This MOU shall enter into force on 1st July 2016 and shall continue until 30th April 2021 (the

“Initial Period”). 5.2 Unless terminated by written notice provided to the other Party at least sixty (60) days prior to

the expiration of the Initial Period, the MOU shall be renewed for one additional period of five (5) years.

Article 6

Limitation of Liabilities 6.1 The Ramsar Secretariat shall not assume any liability for damages or loss resulting from injury to

persons or property, arising out of or in relation to the execution of this MOU, except where such damage or loss was a result of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Ramsar Secretariat.

Article 7

Intellectual Property

7.1 The Ramsar Secretariat and the NEF understand and acknowledge that the intellectual property, title rights, copyrights and all other rights whatsoever in nature in any material produced under the provisions of this MOU shall be vested jointly with the Ramsar Secretariat and the NEF. Any use of materials developed under, or as a result of, the terms of this MOU shall not be used subsequent to the termination of this MOU without written permission being granted by the Ramsar Secretariat and the NEF.

7.2 All outputs provided for in the framework of this MOU should explicitly refer to the Ramsar

Convention and the NEF and prior written consent shall be sought and provided before the office logos of either the Ramsar Convention or NEF may be used.

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Article 8 Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution

8.1 This MOU shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of

Switzerland. 8.2 Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of, or in connection with this MOU or its subject

matter or formation shall in the first place be settled by direct consultations and negotiations in good faith between the Ramsar Secretariat and the NEF. Failing such settlement, any dispute or claim shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Geneva, without prejudice to each Party’s right to appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- Dr. Ania Grobicki Prof Dr Ryutaro Ohtsuka Acting Secretary General President Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands Nagao Natural Environment Foundation

-------------------------- -------------------------- Date Date

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Annex 4 Agreement between the Steering Committee of the Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia and the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, regarding their complementary roles and respective responsibilities Introduction

1. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (hereinafter termed the ‘Ramsar

Convention’), is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

2. The day-to-day coordination of the Convention’s activities is carried out by a Secretariat

(hereinafter termed the ‘Ramsar Secretariat’) based in Gland, Switzerland. The Ramsar Secretariat supports the Ramsar Convention’s Contracting Parties and partners to implement the Convention’s Strategic Plan, namely to address the drivers of wetland loss and degradation, effectively conserve and manage the Ramsar Site Network, and ensure the wise use of all wetlands.

3. The Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia (hereinafter termed the ‘RRC-EA’) works to enhance the

implementation of the Ramsar Convention primarily in East Asia and also in Southeast Asia. This is done through inter alia, capacity building, awareness raising, enhancing cooperation and networking, and providing technical and financial support.

4. The RRC-EA is fully endorsed as a regional initiative under the Ramsar Convention based on

Decisions SC40-18 (2009) and Decision SC46-13 (2013) of the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention, as fully meeting the Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives operating within the framework of the Ramsar Convention.

5. The work of the RRC-EA has grown to provide support to 17 countries in East Asia and also in

South-east Asia. It has also developed cooperation with a number of organizations in the region. 6. This written agreement has been developed in accordance with paragraph 6 of the ‘Operational

Guidelines 2013-2015 for Regional Initiatives in the framework of the Convention on Wetlands’ approved by Decision SC46-28 (2013) of the Standing Committee which states that:

“The complementary roles of the coordinating mechanisms of Regional Initiatives and the Ramsar Secretariat, including their respective responsibilities, may be defined in written arrangements, if agreed by all participating Contracting Parties.”

Coordination between the RRC-EA and the Ramsar Secretariat

7. The Steering Committee of the RRC-EA is the governing mechanism of the Initiative. It will

ensure:

a) effective coordination between the RRC-EA, acting regionally, and the Ramsar Secretariat, acting globally and being responsible to the Standing Committee and the Ramsar Conference of the Parties (COP);

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b) that the RRC-EA will describe itself as an operational means to provide support for the implementation of the Strategic Plan and objectives of the Ramsar Convention, and present itself with its own identity, in order to avoid any confusion between the roles of Regional Initiatives, the Ramsar Administrative Authorities at national level, and the Ramsar Secretariat at international level. Practical means of achieving this include the adoption of a specific logo, to be used in combination with the Ramsar logo, and the establishment and regular updating of a specific website;

c) that the RRC-EA provides regular reports on their progress to the Ramsar Secretariat, the

Standing Committee and the COP as required;

d) that the RRC-EA establish mechanisms that assure a minimal coordination between the Contracting Parties and other members participating in the Initiative.

8. The Ramsar Secretariat will:

a) endeavour to the best of its ability and the availability of its human and financial resources,

to assist Regional Initiatives, including through mobilization of additional resources. b) will maintain regular links with the RRC-EA and provide advice so that global Ramsar

guidelines are applied and that the strategic and operational targets of the RRC-EA are aligned with the Convention’s Strategic Plan.

Governance of the RRC-EA 9. The Contracting Parties to the RRC-EA will approve the formation of the Steering Committee

which will be the governance and advisory mechanism for the RRC-EA, and will work to provide coordination, guidance and insight for its work.

10. The Steering Committee will:

a) operate independently and be responsible through its work and reporting to all members

that constitute the RRC-EA (Contracting Parties and other members), not only to the host country or body;

b) operate in an equitable and transparent manner following operational procedures that are

based on written, commonly agreed statutes, terms of reference, rules of procedure, or operational guidance;

c) inform the Ramsar Secretariat of its establishment and submit a list of its composition,

statutes, terms of reference, rules of procedure, or other written regulations for the governance and coordination of the RRC-EA with the Secretariat, as well as the minutes and decisions taken by all meetings of the governance body;

11. The Ramsar Secretariat will provide assessment reports on the activities of the RRC-EA to the

Standing Committee and the Conference of the Parties, and shall oversee their general policies relating to the implementation of the Convention.

Substantive elements of the work of the RRC-EA

12. The Steering Committee will ensure that the RRC-EA:

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a) is based on a bottom-up approach, to serve the interests of all Contracting Parties of the

specific region covered by the RRC-EA, and that support from all such Contracting Parties is sought from the start;

b) involves the participation, from the start, not only of the Administrative Authorities

responsible for the implementation of the Convention in the relevant countries, but also of all other relevant stakeholders with an interest in and directly or indirectly responsible for wetland issues, including the ministries responsible for environment and water issues, intergovernmental bodies, Ramsar International Organization Partners ((hereinafter termed the ‘IOPs’), other NGOs, academia, river basin commissions, local communities, and economic actors;

c) bases its operation on the development of networks of collaboration established upon a

clearly defined framework, thus creating an enabling environment for the involvement of all stakeholders at all levels;

d) from an early stage, should seek collaboration with other intergovernmental or

international partners and Ramsar IOPs operating in its region, by establishing complementary and non-duplicative activities. The establishment of such collaborations should be reported to the Secretariat;

e) focuses its operation upon making optimal use of the Ramsar tools (frameworks,

guidelines, guidance, methodologies, etc.) published in the Ramsar Handbooks, Technical Reports, and Briefing Notes series, and it should be based upon strong scientific and technical backing provided by relevant institutions which should be recognized as partners in the Initiative. The use of specific Ramsar guidance should be reported to the Ramsar Secretariat;

f) will have strategic and operational targets that are fully aligned with the Strategic Plan of

the Ramsar Convention by means of policy, site technical work, and activities including training, such as on the development of national wetland inventories and multi-sectoral national wetland committees in order to implement the Strategic Plan;

g) raises the visibility of the Ramsar Convention and the general awareness of Ramsar

objectives. Specific activities in the fields of communication, education and participatory processes with relevant stakeholders are included in the work plans. The outcomes of such activities should be communicated to the Ramsar Secretariat for use by the Ramsar CEPA Oversight Panel;

h) supports the further development of the work of the Convention’s Scientific and Technical

Review Panel ((hereinafter termed the ‘STRP’) through cooperation with STRP national focal points in the region, STRP members and experts, and through synergies to be established at all possible levels of the activities undertaken by the RRC-EA.

Financial and other support 13. The Steering Committee will ensure that the RRC-EA receives:

a) political support from all participating Contracting Parties, as well as financial support from at least one or more Contracting Parties and other relevant partners in the region;

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b) substantial support from the host country and that a hosting agreement is signed, in order

to provide sufficient independence of operation of the RRC-EA in terms of staffing, accounting and fundraising.

Reporting and evaluation 14. The Steering Committee will ensure that the RRC-EA:

a) submits progress reports to the Secretariat, according to a standard format, in time to allow adequate reporting to the next meeting of the COP;

b) submits annual reports of progress and financial status to the Ramsar Secretariat in time

for the preparation of the annual meeting of Standing Committee. 15. The Ramsar Secretariat will coordinate periodic assessments and reviews of the RRC-EA

according to specific rules to be approved by the Standing Committee. These review procedures will assure that the RRC-EA is operating within the framework of agreed work plans and following the approaches approved by the Ramsar Convention through COP decisions.

Signature: ………………………..... Signature: ………………………..... Name: ……………………………... Name: ……………………………... Date: …………………………….… Date: …………………………….… Dr. Srey Sunleang, Dr. Ania Grobicki, Chair, Steering Committee Acting Secretary General Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia Secretariat, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

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Annex 5 Proposed MOU between Ramsar and UN-Habitat on the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

And The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar)

on the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention

WHEREAS,The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), having its

Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, is the coordinating agency within the United Nations System for human settlements activities, a focal point for the monitoring, evaluation and implementation of the Habitat Agenda, as well as the task manager of the human settlements chapter of Agenda 21, and, in collaboration with governments, is responsible for promoting and consolidating collaboration with all partners, including local authorities and private and non-governmental organizations. WHEREAS, The Ramsar Convention, (hereinafter referred to as “Ramsar”), is the single most important intergovernmental forum on wetland conservation and sustainable use issues. According to the Convention's mission statement, the Contracting Parties agree to "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. The Convention is founded on three pillars of: a) promoting the wise use of wetlands, b) developing international cooperation, and c) developing a network of Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).

WHEREAS, The Parties acknowledge and confirm their commitment to work together and collaborate in relevant areas, including, but not limited to: wetland wise use, wetland and biodiversity conservation, wetland and urbanization, poverty reduction, environmental protection, urban planning, catchment management, improving legislative, institutional and financial frameworks, building capacity in wetland, water and sanitation service provider agencies, local authorities and communities for local wetland governance and urban management.

WHEREAS, Ramsar general commitments set out by the 169 Contracting Parties, as of March 2016, meeting every three years as the Conference of the Parties (COP), identify priorities for action through the adoption of a Strategic Plan, while the Ramsar Secretariat builds partnerships with institutions based, in particular, around the Changwon Declaration Principles adopted at Ramsar COP10, which has set a focus on: a) Wetlands and biodiversity; b) Wetlands and climate change; c) Wetlands and agriculture; d) Wetlands and water quality & human health; e) Wetlands and tourism &economic development; f) and Wetlands and urbanization.

WHEREAS, The 11th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) adopted Resolution XI.11 on the Principles for the sustainable planning and management of urban and peri‐urban wetlands. The Resolution recognizes that the Principles can also be applied to spatial planning and management in rural areas, as appropriate, and it urges Contracting Parties and other governments to act upon these Principles. Resolution XI.11 also asked the Convention to explore establishing a “wetland city accreditation” system, which may in turn provide positive branding opportunities for cities that demonstrate strong and positive relationships with wetlands.

SC52-16 Rev.1 27

WHEREAS, Ramsar developed the Framework for the Wetland City accreditation. This

accreditation would encourage cities that are close to and depend on wetlands, primarily Wetlands of International Importance, but also other wetlands, to establish a positive relationship with these wetlands through increased participation and awareness and consideration of wetlands in local planning and decision making. The Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention is so labelled in order to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands and regional and international co-operation, as well as to generate sustainable socio-economic benefits for the local populations.

WHEREAS, A candidate city for the Wetland City accreditation would be approved as an accredited Wetland City by an Independent Advisory Committee, after being proposed by the Contracting Party on whose territory it stands and completing the accreditation procedure described below. Newly accredited cities join the global network of Wetland Cities established by this framework. Accreditation as a Wetland City of the Ramsar Convention is not intended to confer any legal rights or legal obligations on the city or the Contracting Party. The aim of this Framework is to improve the local authority or authorities’ work with wetlands. This includes promoting conservation and wise use of wetlands within the local authorities’ boundaries, and when relevant, Ramsar Sites. NOW, THEREFORE, UN-Habitat and Ramsar (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties”) have entered into the present Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter referred to as the “MOU”).

Article I Purpose

The purpose of this MOU is to provide a framework of cooperation and understanding and to facilitate collaboration between the Parties to further their shared goals and objectives relating to the Framework for the Wetland City accreditation.

Article II Areas of Cooperation

The parties have agreed to cooperate in the following areas:

• Provide a framework for cooperation and understanding and to facilitate the collaboration between the two partners with the objective to support the Framework for the Wetland City accreditation and chairing the Independent Advisory Committee of the Wetland City accreditation scheme who shall review the applications and decide whether to accredit proposed cities.

• This shall be a contribution to global sustainable development and the conservation,

protection and support of Ramsar Sites, other wetlands and natural resources, the resilience of urban systems, wetlands, wellbeing of citizens and greening the economy;

• Strengthen the cooperation between UN-Habitat and the Ramsar on a global level; to

identify areas for such cooperation; and to develop program and project activities to implement the shared objectives of the two partners; and

• Provide a framework for the cooperation of regional entities of both partners and

encouraging such partnerships for more detailed project specific agreements.

SC52-16 Rev.1 28

• Preparation and execution of studies, and promotion and development of projects and programmes particularly in the fields of Wetlands and Cities and sustainable development;

• Organizing and conducting research, conferences, symposia, seminars and other meetings

related to wetland and cities, and conservation and sustainable development;

• Exchange of necessary data on wetlands and cities the conservation and wise use of urban and peri urban Ramsar Sites and other wetlands

Article III

Implementation of the Memorandum and Financial Arrangements

1. The Parties shall not undertake any actions, incur any expenses or make any commitments, financial or otherwise, which would be inconsistent with, i) this Memorandum of Understanding, ii) any existing agreements or commitments which either Party has entered into prior to the signing of the MOU, and iii) the respective Party’s regulations, rules, policies and procedures, including, as necessary, the approval of their internal governing bodies.

2. This Memorandum of Understanding sets out the general framework of cooperation

between the Parties and does not obligate either Party to provide any funds for the other Party, in performing any responsibilities or engaging in any acts under this Memorandum of Understanding, each Party shall bear its own costs.

3. Nothing in this Memorandum of Understanding shall obligate either of the Parties to

appropriate funds, or enter into any contract, agreement or other obligation except as set forth in this Memorandum of Understanding or as they may mutually agree in writing.

4. In the case of contributions by one Party to the other Party in support of particular activities,

the appropriate financing arrangements shall be established in writing, specifying the costs or expenses relating to the activity, how they are to be borne by the Parties and the arrangements of transferring funds from one Party to the other.

Article IV

Consultations

1. The Parties agree to keep each other informed and, where necessary, consult on matters of common interest, which in their opinion are likely to lead to mutual collaboration.

2. The Parties agree to convene joint co-ordination meetings to agree on programmes of

activities, and to review the progress of activities being carried out under this Memorandum of Understanding at such intervals as they deem appropriate.

Article V

General Responsibilities 1. The Parties undertake to work together in the achievement of the objectives of this

collaboration in good faith and in a spirit of friendly cooperation, as set out in this Memorandum of Understanding.

2. The Parties shall collaborate in raising awareness and keeping the other party informed of

policies that may affect the Initiative.

SC52-16 Rev.1 29

Article VI Responsibilities of UN-Habitat

Under this MOU, UN-Habitat shall:-

1. Chair the work of the Independent Advisory Committee of Wetland City accreditation;

2. Provide technical support to the Independent Advisory Committee of Wetland City accreditation to review the applications and decide whether to accredit proposed cities

3. In consultation with Ramsar, assist the Independent Advisory Committee to develop its own

work plan and procedures for completing accreditation decisions within the timeframe and using the criteria outlined in paragraphs 13 and 15 of Resolution XII.10.

4. Assist Ramsar in mobilizing funding for a long term wetland City Accreditation Programme

for the wise use of urban and peri urban wetlands

Article VII Responsibilities of Ramsar

Under this MOU, Ramsar shall:-

1. Assist with to organization of the Independent Advisory Committee meetings. Collect proposals from Contracting Parties and submit them to the Independent Advisory Committee

2. The Ramsar Standing Committee review the report of the Independent Advisory Committee

listing those cities approved for accreditation and transmit it to the Conference of the Parties

3. The Ramsar Secretary General provides the Contracting Party with an accreditation

certificate, containing the Ramsar Convention logo, for the Wetland City

4. Collaborate with UN-Habitat to develop and implement wetlands an urbanisation related projects/programmes within the framework of the Wetland City Accreditation

5. Consult UN-Habitat in mobilizing funding for a long term wetland City Accreditation

Programme for the wise use of urban and peri urban wetlands

Article VIII Applicability of United Nations Regulations and Rules

In the event that the Parties through separate agreements undertake to carry out specific projects, The United Nations Regulations, Rules, Policies and Practices shall be applicable to project activities in any respect, including engagement of staff consultants, procurements and audit if the project is executed by either Party.

Article IX

Monitoring, Evaluation 1. The Parties shall maintain regular close consultations to monitor and review the progress of the

SC52-16 Rev.1 30

parternship. 2. The Parties shall share with each other, all relevant information and documents, including

research, reports and any other information related to the partnership. 3. The Parties, may, wherever possible and appropriate, undertake joint missions with respect to

the partnership

Article X Copyright, Patents and other Propriety Rights

UN-Habitat shall be entitled to all intellectual property and other proprietary rights including but not limited to patents, copyrights, and trademarks, with regard to products, or documents and other materials which bear a direct relation to or are produced or prepared or collected in consequence of or in the course of the execution of this Agreement.

Article XI Use of Name, Emblem or Official Seal of UN-Habitat and Ramsar

Unless expressly authorized by UN-Habitat in writing, including the manner in which the use may be done, Ramsar shall not, in any manner whatsoever, use the name, emblem or official seal of UN-Habitat or the United Nations, or any abbreviation of thereof in connection with its business or otherwise. Similarly, UN-Habitat, unless expressly authorized by Ramsar, shall not use the emblem or official seal of UN-Habitat.

Article XII Settlement of Disputes

Any disputes between UN-Habitat and Ramsar relating to the interpretation of this MOU that is not settled by negotiation or other agreed mode of settlement will be referred at the request of either party of final decision to a tribunal of three arbitrators, one to be named by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, one to be named by Ramsar, and the third, who will be the Chairperson, to be chosen by the first two: if either party fails to appoint an arbitrator within 60 days of appointment by the other party, or if these two arbitrators should fail to agree on the third arbitrator within 60 days of their appointment, the President of the International Court of Justice may make any necessary appoints, at the request of either party. However, any such dispute that involves a question regulated by the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations will be dealt with in accordance with Section 30 of that Convention.

Article XIII

Privileges and Immunities

Nothing in or relating to this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver, express or implied, of any of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, including UN-Habitat.

Article XIV Duration and Termination

1. Either party may terminate this Agreement for cause, in whole or in part, upon three (3) months’

notice, in writing, to the other party. The initiation of arbitral proceedings in accordance with Article 13 "Arbitration" below shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement.

SC52-16 Rev.1 31

Article XV

Entry into Force, Duration and Modification 1. This MOU shall enter into force on the date of signature and shall remain valid until terminated

in writing by either party. 2. Arrangements set forth in this MOU may be modified upon mutual agreement of the Parties to

be reflected in writing by duly authorized representatives of each party.

Article XVI Force Majeure; Other Changes in Conditions

1. In the event of and as soon as possible after the occurrence of any cause constituting force

majeure, UN-Habitat shall give notice and full particulars in writing to Ramsar, of such occurrence or change if UN-Habitat is thereby rendered unable, wholly or in part, to perform its obligations and meet its responsibilities under this Agreement. Ramsar shall also notify UN-Habitat of any other changes in conditions or the occurrence of any event, which interferes or threatens to interfere with its performance of this Agreement. On receipt of the notice required under this Article, Ramsar shall take such action as, in its sole discretion, it considers to be appropriate or necessary in the circumstances, including the granting to UN-Habitat of a reasonable extension of time in which to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

2. If UN-Habitat is rendered permanently unable, wholly, or in part, by reason of force majeure to

perform its obligations and meet its responsibilities under this Agreement, Ramsar shall have the right to suspend or terminate this Agreement on the same terms and conditions as are provided for in Article XII, "Termination", except that the period of notice shall be three (3) weeks instead of three (3) months.

3. Force majeure as used in this Article means acts of God, war (whether declared or not), invasion,

revolution, insurrection, or other acts of a similar nature or force.

Article XVII Notices

All notices and communications to each party required under or related to this MOU shall be forwarded to the respective addresses of each party, as follows:

SC52-16 Rev.1 32

(a) For UN-Habitat Mrs or Mr. ?????????? ??????????????? P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya Telephone: 25 ??????????? Facsimile: ?????????????????? E-mail : ??????????????????

(b) Ramsar Mr. Paul Ouedraogo Senior Advisor for Africa Ramsar Convention Secretariat 28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland (Switzerland) Telephone. +41 22 999 0164; Facsimile: +41 22 999 0169 E-mail:[email protected]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned representatives of UN-Habitat and Ramsar have signed this MOU in ____________________, on __________________ 20__

For UN-Habitat For Ramsar _______________________ ?????????????? Head Office of Management Place: ________________________ Date: ________________________

___________________________ Dr Ania Grobicki Acting Secretary General Place: _______________________ Date: ________________________

SC52-16 Rev.1 33

CONVENTION ON WETLANDS (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) 52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee Gland, Switzerland, 13 – 17 June 2016

SC52-17

World Wetlands Day themes

Action requested: The Standing Committee is invited to take a decision on the themes proposed for World Wetlands Day 2017 and 2018.

World Wetlands Day 1. The Secretariat presented to the 51st meeting of the Standing Committee (SC51) a list of themes

to celebrate World Wetlands Day (WWD) in 2017 and 2018, as in document SC51-15. The list of themes proposed was based on consultations held in 2015 with the International Organization Partners and aligned with international themes communicated by UN organizations, in particular UN-Water.

2. In 2016 the WWD sub-theme “Sustainable Livelihoods” had resonance with the themes for World Water Day 2016: Water and Jobs; and for the international Day for Biological Diversity: Sustaining People and their Livelihoods. This facilitated collaboration with UN-Water partners and increased outreach, providing incremental access to additional communications channels and audiences.

3. At SC51 the Secretariat proposed a new approach which included maintaining “Wetlands for Our Future” as the umbrella theme for WWD and proposing new sub-themes each year. Maintaining an umbrella theme has the advantage of delivering a consistent message which over time creates clarity, facilitates recognition and helps to build awareness. The Secretariat recommends that “Wetlands For our Future” continues to be the main umbrella theme in 2017 and 2018, with a proposal for review in 2019.

4. The Secretariat reminds SC52 that even though young people have been identified as the

primary target audience, and a photo contest has been organized in 2015 and 2016 for this target group, other audiences such as policy makers, wetland practitioners, children or the general public remain a vital audience for WWD.

5. The decision by the Secretariat to focus on young people as the primary target group is based

on the findings and recommendations of Futerra Sustainability Communications. In 2013 Futerra undertook an evaluation of WWD outreach to advise the Secretariat on how to improve messaging and generate interest in the celebration of WWD around the world.

6. Star Alliance Biosphere Connections agreed in 2015 and 2016 to offer the main prize for the

Youth Photo Contest, a free flight to visit a wetland anywhere in the world. Star Alliance Biosphere Connections has communicated its interest in continuing to support this activity. Star Alliance’s contribution to support global outreach of WWD is a welcome addition to the financing for WWD provided by the Danone Group since 1997.

7. The Secretariat confirms that WWD 2017 outreach materials will be developed and made available to all Parties, with due consideration for their needs. Additionally, building on the success of WWD 2015 and 2016 a youth photo contest will be planned, based on the theme selected by SC52.

8. Whilst SC51 did not make a decision on the themes for 2017 and 2018 the Secretariat took note of the recommendation that any future themes should be aligned to the focus areas of the Convention.

9. The Standing Committee is now invited to make a decision on a list of themes proposed by the

Secretariat to celebrate WWD in 2017 and 2018. The list of themes provided is based on consultations with IOPs, other partners and aligned with international themes as communicated by UN organizations as of February 2016.

10. It is worth noting that the first Ramsar Wetland City could be accredited in 2018, so a “Caring

for Urban Wetlands” theme for 2019 would help facilitate a global launch of the initiative.

Theme Rationale / Justification Wetlands for Our Future: Wetlands and Waste Water UN water theme 2017 Wetlands for Our Future: Nature-Based Solutions for Water UN Water theme 2018 Wetlands for Our Future: Sustainable Tourism UN theme 2017 Wetlands for Our Future: Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction

Proposed by Wetlands International

Wetlands for Our Future: Caring for Urban Wetlands Proposed by WWF (2019)

SC52-17 2


SC52-18

Ramsar financial matters 2014/2015

1. Attached at Annex 1 is a draft of the 2015 financial statements (in the Swiss reporting format)

as of 31 December 2015. The audit of the 2015 accounts is due to take place in April 2016, the results of which will be presented at the 52nd meeting of the Standing Committee (SC52).

2. Attached at Annex 2 is a summary of the approved 2015 core budget, actual income and expenditure at 31 December 2015 against what was budgeted at SC48. These are presented in the Ramsar reporting format.

2014 Surplus Allocations 3. Table 1 shows the 2014 surplus allocations as approved with decision SC51-22, the actual

expenditure of each activity, and a remaining balance of CHF 16,000. A proposal for the use of the remaining balance is presented in paragraph 7.

Table 1: SC51-approved 2014 surplus allocations SC51 Approved (CHF ‘000s, includes rounding errors) Description Budget Actual Variance Core Surplus 459 459 0 Committed: ENB (COP12 support) 50 48 -2 Ramsar Advisory Missions (Nicaragua) 25 25 0 Staff provision 94 94 0 Sponsored Delegate Support (reserve fund repayment) 125 129 4 SC51, 23-27 November 2015 155 136 -19 Support for website development 10 10 0 Remaining Balance 0 16 16

Actions requested: Standing Committee is invited to note the contents of this report and:

a. review the 2014 surplus allocations and approve the use of the remaining surplus of CHF 16,000; and

b. review the attached 2015 draft financial statements as of 31 December 2015, note the 2015 deficit, and approve the Acting Secretary General’s proposals to eliminate the 2015 deficit.

http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-documents-standing-40th-meeting-of-the-22812/main/ramsar/1-31-41%5e22812_4000_0__

2015 results – core 4. Note: the financial statements are as of 31 December 2015. 5. The 2015 core budget summary is attached at Annex 2. It shows approved budget, actuals and

variance between actuals and budget. The following points are highlighted for the Standing Committee’s information:

a. Income was generally as budgeted, except for interest which was CHF 11,000 less than

budget. This was due to the general economic situation in Europe and low interest rates. b. Salary costs were as budgeted overall (actual costs 3% below budget).

c. No IUCN-imposed cost-of-living increases or any other salary increases have come into

effect since 2011. d. Allocations of CHF 106,800 to Ramsar Regional Initiatives were made as agreed at SC49

(Decision SC49-03) and reported at SC51. Additionally, CHF 13,200 was used for the Ramsar Regional Initiatives meeting prior to SC51, as agreed by the Executive Team in August 2015. These two items total CHF 120,000, as per the approved SC48 budget.

e. Line item K, “Miscellaneous – Reserve Fund” is comprised of: reserve fund, bad debt and

outstanding contributions, legal, exchange losses and staff repatriation, leave and termination.

i. Line item K.ii (Increase in provision and exchange losses): There were significant

exchange losses of CHF 261,000. The Swiss National Bank removed the Swiss Franc to Euro ceiling on 15 January 2015 resulting in a significant increase in the value of the Swiss franc currency against other reserves. As the Secretariat was holding USD 2,600,022, EUR 943,560, and NOK 4,428,424, there was a realised loss relating to these currencies.

ii. Line item K.ii: The provisions for staff termination, staff leave and staff repatriation were calculated to be CHF 95,000 over the budgeted amount of CHF 50,000. An increase in a provision has the same impact as “expenditure” on the income statement and negatively affects the budget.

iii. Line item K.ii: The total of the above two provisions resulted in an overall CHF 356,000

deficit on this line item.

iv. Line item K.iv (Bad debt provision): The provision for bad debts (outstanding contributions) is calculated as an increase of CHF 161,000. This is due to outstanding contribution arrears increasing over time and it brings the total bad debt provision to CHF 644,000. There was no budget for this provision as outstanding contributions were not expected to increase over the period. The Secretariat is taking this issue very seriously and will endeavour to rectify the situation for SC53 (for more information, see document SC52-19 Contracting Parties with outstanding annual contributions).

v. Reserve funds remain at CHF 709,000, 14% of annual core budget, which remains within the 6-15% of annual core budget range decided at COP11 (Resolution XI.2,

SC52-18 2

Financial and Budgetary Matters, paragraph 21.c). The provision for Reserves is needed for unexpected costs (see item 5.a. above).

6. Annex 2 shows an overall 2015 core deficit of CHF 419,000. However, prior to provisions, there

was an overall core surplus of CHF 96,000. Table 2 provides a summary of the core deficit.

Table 2: 2015 core deficit summary

Cost Centre ‘000 CHF, includes rounding errors Comment

Income (11) Interest Senior Management 48 Salary and Education Allowance Admin 25 Staff salaries Other 36 Subtotal 98 Surplus before provisions KMISC, Provisions Termination, Leave, Repatriation (95) Bad debt (161) FX Unrealised Loss (261) (517) Total (419) Overall deficit

7. The Acting Secretary General proposes to address the 2015 deficit with the following actions:

i. The 2014 remaining surplus of CHF 16,000 reported in Table 1 is to be used against the 2015 deficit.

ii. The bad debt provision is currently CHF 483,000. This is almost 10% of the Secretariat core

budget and should be sufficient for future losses. Therefore, the bad debt provision for 2015, in the amount of CHF 161,000, is not taken in 2015. (This action requires both Standing Committee approval and agreement of the auditors.)

iii. At SC51, the approved 2016 budget set aside CHF 278,000 in KMISC, Reserve Fund (Annex 3, line item K.i.), for anticipated costs resulting from 2015, and part of this amount should be used to offset the 2015 deficit. As per Table 3, CHF 242,000 of the CHF 278,000 would be used, leaving CHF 36,000 remaining for 2016 provisions.

iv. Table 3 summarizes the proposal to eliminate the 2015 deficit:

Table 3: Proposal to eliminate 2015 deficit

(‘000 CHF, includes

rounding errors) 2015 deficit (419) 2014 Surplus, remaining balance 16 Bad debt provision 161 2016 reserves (budget) 242 Remaining balance, 2015 deficit 0

SC52-18 3

2015 results: non-core budget

8. CHF 420,700 non-core voluntary contributions were received in 2015 for sponsored delegates to attend COP12 in Punte del Este, Uruguay. The contributions are listed in Table 4.

Table 4: COP12 fundraising, sponsored delegates

Donor Amount CHF Currency Star Alliance 13,566 EUR 12,995 Australia 29,660 AUD 40,000 Austria 5,166 EUR 5,000 Canada 30,000 CAD 40,000 Finland 20,807 EUR 20,000 Germany 10,479 EUR 10,000 Korea (Republic of) 23,750 USD 25,000 Netherlands 8,070 EUR 7,500 Norway 40,847 NOK 340,000 Sweden 55,684 SEK 500,000 Switzerland 115,000 CHF 115,000 UNEP-ROWA 12,949 CHF 12,950 Other funds (note 1) 54,711 CHF 54,700 Total 420,688

Note 1: Other funds = remaining amounts from other funding with agreement to use for sponsored delegates.

9. The United States of America voluntarily contributed CHF 1,149,575 (USD1,150,000). CHF 1,065,800 was for the Secretariat core budget and CHF 83,775 was for non-core projects through the Wetlands for the Future Fund.

10. An additional CHF 618,000 of voluntary cash contributions were received in 2015. CHF 259,000 came from Danone for its continuing commitment to help Ramsar communicate its mission (specifically, to promote human well-being and healthy wetlands), CHF 100,000 from the Government of Switzerland for COP12 translation, CHF 177,000 from MAVA for conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in wetlands, CHF 41,000 from the Convention on Biological Diversity for a publication on maintaining the ability of biodiversity to continue to support the water cycle. South Korea (CHF 7,680), Japan (CHF 24,300), Norway (CHF 8,500) and Star Alliance (CHF 17,000) variously supported regional meetings.

11. The budget approved at COP11 anticipated voluntary contributions of CHF 13.4 million over the triennium to fund the priority activities in Annex 4. CHF 5.3 million of this was planned for 2015, yet the Secretariat has received very little for the activities.

2015 balance sheet 12. In Annex 1, the balance sheet is at 31 December 2015. The Secretariat has an overall CHF

equivalent cash balance of CHF 4,912,638 in the following currencies: CHF 678,532, EUR 943,560 (CHF equivalent 943,500), USD 2,600,022 (CHF equivalent 2,610,935) and NOK 4,428,424 (CHF equivalent 679,610). In January 2015, the Swiss Franc’s value increased in value against most global currencies and as a result of holding foreign currencies, there was a significant foreign exchange loss of CHF 260,000.

SC52-18 4

13. When taken together, cash and accounts receivables are sufficient to cover all of the

Secretariat’s obligations (debt) at the end of 2015. As the trend of non-payment of outstanding contributions continues to increase, the Secretariat will monitor its cash position to ensure it maintains its position as a going concern in the long term.

14. For more discussion on proposals for a resolution related to non-payment of contributions see DOC SC52-19.

Annexes 1. Unaudited balance sheet as of 31 December 2015 (Swiss reporting format) 6

2. 2015 core results, with SC48 approved budget, actuals and variance

from approved budget 9

3. SC51-approved 2016 budget 10

4. 2013-2015 budgeted non-core expenditures (from Annex III of Resolution XI.2) 11

SC52-18 5

Annex 1: Unaudited balance sheet as of 31 December 2015 (Swiss reporting format) RAMSAR BALANCE SHEET AS OF 31 DECEMBER Report Currency: CHF 2015 2014 ASSETS Current assets Cash and short term bank deposits 4,652 6,443 Contracting Party Receivables (net) 665 460

Other account receivables 72 11 Total current assets 5,389 6,914 Fixed assets (net) Office Furniture and Computer Equipment at cost 82 101

Less: Accumulated Depreciation (48) (61) Total non-current assets 34 40 TOTAL ASSETS 5,423 6,954 LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES Current liabilities Amount owe to IUCN 714 514 Other Payables 706 839 Accrued liabilities 9 381 Total current liabilities 1,458 1,734 Provisions Staff repatriation 124 128 Staff leave 165 123 Staff termination 227 128 Total provisions 516 379 Fund and Reserves Unrestricted reserve fund 709 709 Restricted Projects 4,131 2,977 Total fund and reserves 4,840 3,686 Year to date Results (1,391) 1,154 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES 5,423 6,954

SC52-18 6

NON-CORE PROJECTS

RAMSARAppendix A: PROJECTS FINANCED BY RESTRICTED FUNDSFOR THE PERIOD OF 01 JANUARY 2015 - 31 DECEMBER 2015

Balance (deficit) at 31 December 2014 Income during 2015 Expenditure during

2015Project Transfers

and Cross chargesBalance (deficit) at 31 December 2015

(DR)/CR (DR)/CR (DR)/CR (DR)/CR (DR)/CRInternational CooperationR100147 SGF-1997 (3,567) - - 3,567 -R100154 SGF-2004 - - - - -R100155 SGF-2005 (3,552) - - 3,552 -R100156 SGF-2006 (47,246) - - 47,246 -R100157 SGF-2007 (16,000) - - 16,000 -R100158 SGF-2008 (42,850) - 13,827 - (29,024)R100159 SGF-2009 (60,416) - - - (60,416)R100160 SGF 2010 (144,637) - 11,265 - (133,372)R100161 SGF-2011 75,476 - 14,513 (70,365) 19,624R100163 SGF-2013 22,154 - - - 22,154R100250 SGA - - - (138,249) (138,249)R100253 SGA-2003 (5,000) - - 5,000 -R100255 SGA-2005 (46,120) - - 46,120 -R100256 SGA-2006 (86,413) - - 86,413 -R100257 SGA-2007 (22,739) - - 22,739 -R100258 SGA-2008 (50,059) - - 50,059 -R100259 SGA-2009 (36,346) - 7,037 - (29,309)R100260 SGA-2010 (45,795) - - - (45,795)R100261 SGA-2011 (80,000) - - - (80,000)R100262 SGA-2012 (65,929) - 49,900 - (16,029)R100263 SGA-2013 35,525 - 19,557 (72,082) (17,000)R100264 SGA-2014 (12,032) - 3,462 - (8,570)R100266 SGA-2016 - - - - -R100350 WFF-Exchange (36,277) - - (51,146) (87,423)R100351 WFF-2001 1,470 - 572 (2,043) -R100352 WFF-2002 (4,860) - - 4,860 -R100353 WFF-2003 443 - - (443) -R100355 WFF-2005 (13,627) - - 13,627 -R100356 WFF-2006 (36,571) - - 36,571 -R100357 WFF-2007 (52,876) (241) 8,207 44,911 -R100358 WFF-2008 (15,931) - - 15,931 -R100359 WFF-2009 62,267 - - (62,267) -R100362 WFF-2012 (138,715) (162) 10,722 - (128,155)R100363 WFF-2013 16,570 - - - 16,570R100364 WFF-2014 (107,901) - - 10,790 (97,111)R100365 WFF - 2015 - (83,776) - - (83,776)R100401 Myanmar wetlands 0 - (0) - -R100407 RI Central Asia (Norway) - (8,512) 0 - (8,512)R100809 Danone Ecole de l'eau (43,145) - 22,538 - (20,607)R100810 Danone 2010 - - - - -R100811 Danone 2011 - - - - -R100812 Danone 2012 0 - (0) - -R100813 Danone 2013 - - - - -R100814 Danone 2014 (140,737) (294) 52,121 (9,346) (98,255)R100819 Danone Spring (9,948) - - - (9,948)

Total of International Cooperation (1,155,384) (92,984) 213,722 1,444 (1,033,203)

Listed SitesR100110 RAM (41,200) (41) 6,261 - (34,980)

Total of Listed Sites (41,200) (41) 6,261 - (34,980)

SC52-18 7

OtherR100100 Admin (6,739) - (244,857) (28,570) (280,166)R100101 Surplus, Year End (458,946) (12) 183,936 - (275,021)R100102 RSIS redevelopment (123,509) - 101,654 (80,000) (101,855)R100103 Web redevelopment (4,872) - 21,882 (60,000) (42,990)R100104 Development (85,849) - 76,143 - (9,705)R100105 Science Review (32,975) (5) - - (32,979)R100106 Strategic Plan 2016 (22,370) - 4,256 - (18,114)R100107 SC48 translation/interpretation (65,806) (810) 48,708 - (17,908)R100109 SC51 - - 135,888 - 135,888R100120 Norway Travel Support (23,696) - - - (23,696)R100121 MAVA-COP 11 RCWG (0) - 0 - -R100180 PO Restricted (49,877) - 714 - (49,163)R100190 Water cycle (10,657) - - - (10,657)R100208 OIF-Africa (1) - 1 - -R100209 Ethiopia workshop 2012 0 - (0) - -R100210 WA Urbanisation (15,726) - - - (15,726)R100220 STRP Africa (0) - 0 - -R100310 Americas - Admin (0) - 0 - -R100311 Rio Cruces (197,220) - - - (197,220)R100402 Bhutan 6,364 - 3,982 - 10,346R100403 AIT/JAPAN/MYANMAR (15,635) - 13,868 - (1,768)R100404 KOREA/WETLAND CENTRES (2,658) - - - (2,658)R100405 RI Central Asia (Japan) - (24,321) 20,716 - (3,605)R100410 China High Altitude (3,220) - - 3,220 -R100411 Changwon Declaration - - - - -R100420 MEEDAT Oceania Mtg - - - - -R100430 SSFA Asia (19,771) - 6,822 12,949 -R100510 CHAMP-PITTET SUPPORT (1,331) - - - (1,331)R100610 COP10 - Admin (0) - 0 - -R100621 COP11-SD 0 - (0) - -R100622 COP11 - RM Africa (7,382) - - - (7,382)R100625 COP11 - RM Europe (57,167) - - 57,167 -R100630 COP12 Admin budget (555,314) (173,592) 601,268 - (127,639)R100631 COP - Delegate Support (5,160) (304,424) 536,640 (67,659) 159,397R100632 COP12 - Africa Regional Meeting - - - - -R100633 COP12 - Americas Regional Meeting 48,164 (31,421) 480 (17,223) -R100634 COP12 - Asia Regional Meeting (6,188) (4) 6,438 (246) (0)R100635 COP12 - Europe Regional Meeting 5,677 - - (5,677) -R100636 COP12 - Oceania Regional Meeting - - - - -R100700 CEPA (0) - 0 - -R100815 Danone 2015 - (259,080) 225,230 27,371 (6,479)R100816 Danone 2016 - - 4,774 - 4,774R100901 STRP 2006-2008 (0) - 0 - -R100902 STRP 2009-2011 (10,800) - - - (10,800)R100903 STRP 2013-2015 (96,044) (687) 23,791 (40,000) (112,939)R100910 TEEB (30,675) - (8,402) - (39,077)R101000 SSFA, Expert Group on Water Cycle 15,509 (41,234) - - (25,725)R101001 Ramsar vs IUCN Categorisation (56,800) - - - (56,800)R101002 NORAD 2015 (914,200) (625) 443,396 - (471,429)R101003 MAVA 13-32 - (176,907) 100,494 - (76,412)

Total of Other (2,804,872) (1,013,122) 2,307,822 (198,667) (1,708,839)

Regional InitiativesR100131 RI - RRCCWA 1 - (1) - -R100132 RI - WACOWET (31,533) (9,000) - - (40,533)R100133 RI - CARIWET (23,162) - 6,377 5,593 (11,192)R100134 RI - HA 703 - 2,130 (703) 2,130R100135 RI - Mangrove (25,581) (3) 27,639 (14,000) (11,945)R100136 RI - LA PLATA (6,334) - 21,591 (11,667) 3,591R100137 RI - East Africa Centre (28,000) - 1,210 - (26,790)R100138 RI - Niger River Basin Network (12,000) - 46,330 (42,000) (7,670)R100139 RI - Carpathian Wetlands Initiative (4,000) - 7,780 (6,300) (2,520)R100200 AVC, African Regional Initiatives - - - - -

Total of Regional Initiatives (129,905) (9,003) 113,057 (69,077) (94,928)

Grand Total (4,131,361) (1,115,150) 2,640,862 (266,300) (2,871,950)

SC52-18 8

Annex 2: 2015 core results, with SC48 approved budget, actuals and variance from approved budget

Approved Core

Budget Core

Actuals Variance INCOME CHF'000 CHF'000 CHF'000 i. Parties’ Contributions 3,779 3,779 ii. Voluntary contributions 1,065 1,066 1 iii. Income Tax 225 222 -3 iv. Income Interest 12 2 -10 TOTAL INCOME 5,081 5,068 -13 EXPENDITURES A. Secretariat Senior Management 811 763 -48 i. Salaries and social costs (SG ,DSG, Exec Asst to the SG) 674 658 -16 ii. Travel on official business (SG, DSG) 45 52 7 iii. Other employment benefits ** 92 52 -40 B. Partnership Coordinator 259 251 -8 i. Salaries and social costs (Partnership Coordinator) 188 188 ii. Travel on official business 20 21 1 iii. Other employment benefits ** 51 42 -9 C. Regional Advice and Support 1,339 1,346 8 i. Salaries and social costs (4 SRAs , RAO , SPREP Officer, 4 Assistant Advisors) 1,201 1,205 5 ii. Travel on official business 85 70 -15 iii. Other employment benefits ** 53 70 17 D. Support to Regional Initiatives 120 120 i. Regional networks and centers 120 120 E. Scientific and Technical Services 210 198 -12 i. Salaries and social costs (Scientific and Technical Support Officer) 110 107 -3 ii. STRP implementation 40 40 iii. STRP meetings 50 44 -6 iv. STRP travel on official business (DSG for STRP) 10 7 -3 F. Communications, Documentation, CEPA 589 586 -3 i. Salaries and social costs (Head, Document Officer and Comms Officer) 434 433 -1 ii. CEPA Program 30 29 -1 iii. Communications, Translations, Publications and Reporting Implementation 120 118 -2 iv. Travel 5 5 G. Administration/RSIS/Web 898 873 -25 i. Salaries and social costs (Finance Officer, HR, 3 Admin Assts, 2 Temp) 629 586 -43 ii. Staff hiring and departure costs*** 25 30 5 iii. Other employment benefits 4 4 v. Ramsar Sites Information Service 150 151 1 vi. Web/IT support in addition to that provided by IUCN 90 102 12 H. Operating Costs 95 94 -1 i. Photocopying, printing, courier 80 77 -3 ii. Purchase & Maintenance of Equipment/Office Supplies (includes depreciation) 15 17 2 I. Standing Committee Services 85 85 i. Standing Committee delegates’ support 44 43 -1 ii. Standing Committee meetings 6 6 iii. Simultaneous interpretation at SC meetings 35 36 1 J. IUCN Administrative Service Charges (maximum) 566 559 -7 i. Administration, Human Resources, Finance & IT services 566 559 -7 K. Miscellaneous - Reserve Fund 110 613 503 i. Reserve Fund ii. Increase in provision and exchange losses 50 406 356 iii. Any other costs not listed above – Legal services 60 46 -14 iv. Bad debt Provision 161 161 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 5,081 5,487 406 SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) -419 -419 TOTAL SALARY COSTS – staff salaries and related costs 3,435 3,346 -89 68% 68% 68% TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS 165 156 -9 3% 3% 3%

SC52-18 9

Annex 3: SC51-approved 2016 budget

INCOME CHF

‘000s Parties’ Contributions 3,779 Voluntary contributions 1,065 Income Tax 225 Income Interest 12 TOTAL INCOME 5,081 EXPENDITURES A. Secretariat Senior Management 605 Salaries and social costs 554 Other employment benefits 26 Travel 25 B. Partnership Coordinator 64 Salaries and social costs 47 Other employment benefits 17 Travel C. Regional Advice and Support 1,342 Salaries and social costs 1,201 Other employment benefits 56 Travel 85 Ramsar Advisory Missions D. Support to Regional Initiatives 120 Regional networks and centers 120 E. Scientific and Technical Services 212 Salaries and social costs 110 Other employment benefits 2 Travel 10 STRP implementation 40 STRP meetings 50 F. Communications 569 Salaries and social costs 434 Travel 5 CEPA Program 30 Comms, Translations, Publications and Reporting Implementation 100 G. Administration/RSIS/Web 981 Salaries and social costs 629 Other employment benefits 5 Staff hiring and departure costs 120 Travel 10 Ramsar Sites Information Service (maintenance and develop) 117 Web/IT support and Development 100 H. Operating Costs 95 General 80 Equipment/Office Supplies 15 I. Standing Committee Services 165 Standing Committee delegates’ support 50 Standing Committee meetings 15 SC translation 60 Simultaneous interpretation at SC meetings 40 J. IUCN Administrative Service Charges (maximum) 540 Administration, Human Resources, Finance & IT services 540 K. Miscellaneous - Reserve Fund 388 Reserve Fund 278 Staff termination & repatriation provisions Provisions 50 Legal Services 60 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 5,081 TOTAL SALARY COSTS – staff salaries and related costs 3,081 61% TOTAL TRAVEL COSTS 135 3%

SC52-18 10

Annex 4: 2013-2015 budgeted non-core expenditures (from Annex III of Resolution XI.2)

Non-core budget item

Three year funding

requirement CHF

1. Junior Partnership/fundraising officer to support the Partnership coordinator and build the unit. Could be JPO or other.

B 390,000

2. 1 Regional Officer to support each of the 4 regional teams in the Secretariat, from 2014. Could be JPO.

C 1,174,000

3. Support to Regional Initiative Networks and Centres. Funding for the priority activities.

D 900,000

4. STRP programme of work for 2013-2015 (Strategy 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.9, 2.5, 3.1), including the Global Wetland Observing System (GWOS) project (but excluding the RSIS project in item 8 below)

E 1,905,000

5. Junior officer as webmaster/social media officer to strengthen the communications team

F 390,000

6. IT Officer to, inter alia, drive upgrades in the website and documentation management software, allow for InforMEA participation and support other database management and upgrades. Also to oversee electronic RSIS and Ramsar Sites Database overhaul project

G 390,000

7. Interpretation for Standing Committee sub group meetings I 75,000

8. Investment in Electronic RSIS submission and RIS database processes and software

1 400,000

9. World Wetlands Day (currently funded by Danone) at the current level, i.e., preparation and dissemination of products such as leaflets and posters and other CEPA materials for customization and promotion of WWD (Strategy 4.1)

2 300,000

10. Emergency Ramsar Advisory Missions for Parties unable to self-fund their missions (Strategy 2.4, 2.6)

3

450,000

11. Delivery of one CEPA action planning workshop and other CEPA actions to support the core-funded CEPA activities (Strategy 4.1)

4 300,000

12. CHF 1 million per annum of resourcing for the Small Grants Fund and CHF 400,000 in other grant funding in order to keep the three current grant programmes operational. (Support to many 2009-2015 Strategies, including 1.3 and 5.1)

5 4,200,000

13. Annual regional meetings (technical), with enhanced funding in the pre-COP year to fund delegates and meeting costs for COP preparatory regional meetings

6 1,050,000

14. Sponsorship to bring eligible delegates to COP12 in 2015 (Strategy 3.3, 4.2)

7 1,200,000

15. 2016-2021 visioning process and 2016-2021 Strategic Plan, with significant input from Contracting Parties and other relevant stakeholders for 2016-2021

8 250,000

TOTAL CHF 13,374,000

SC52-18 11


SC52-19

Contracting Parties with outstanding annual contributions

Background 1. Article 6.6 of the Convention states: “Each Contracting Party shall contribute to the budget

according to a scale of contributions adopted by unanimity of the Contracting Parties present and voting at a meeting of the ordinary Conference of the Contracting Parties.”

2. Annual (assessed) contributions from Parties are used to finance the Conventions’ core budget.

Each year, the Secretariat invoices Parties for their annual contributions. Swiss franc invoicing is based upon the approved core budget and the current UN Scale of Assessments. (The current UN Scale of Assessments is adjusted on a pro rata basis to reflect the actual membership of the Convention at the beginning of the year.) Income is recognized on invoicing and a receivable is recorded, assuming full collection.

3. In Resolution XI.2 paragraph 17, the Conference of the Contracting Parties: “Urges Contracting

Parties with outstanding contributions to make a renewed effort to settle them as expeditiously as possible to enhance the financial sustainability of the Convention through contributions by all Contracting Parties, and requests the Secretariat to contact Contracting Parties with outstanding contributions in excess of three years and work with them to identify appropriate options and actions for addressing the situation and initiating a plan for making payment of contributions, and to report back to each Standing Committee meeting and COP on activities taken and results achieved”.

4. Before the end of each financial year, the Secretariat assesses the status of outstanding

contributions, based on the amounts and lengths of time outstanding, and records a provision accordingly. Every annual increase in the provision reduces the core funds available to spend.1

1 No outstanding contributions are written off. The Standing Committee is advised if a Party expressly advises that it does not recognize their outstanding contributions and/or has no intention of paying them.

Actions requested: The Standing Committee is invited to note the current status of Contracting Parties’ outstanding annual contributions, and to approve the actions proposed by the Secretariat to encourage the payment of arrears, namely:

• Securing explicit written payment plans from as many Parties with arrears of more than three years as possible, focusing upon Parties which have never paid since acceding and those with such longer-term arrears of more than CHF 50,000;

• Reporting progress of each Party to the Standing Committee’s 53rd meeting; and • Engaging the new regional representatives on the Subgroup on Finance in this activity.

2016 update 5. The position of each Contracting Party as at 29 February 2016 is shown in the table at Annex 1.

6. Core contributions, outstanding contributions and the provision against them have been

gradually increasing over time, and their respective totals at the end of each year from 2012 to 2015 are shown in Table 1. As of 31 December 2015, CHF 1,260,000 of annual contributions was outstanding from 2015 and earlier.

7. Table 1 also shows the outstanding contributions at 29 February 2016. It should be noted that 2016 contribution invoices were sent to the Parties on 20 January 2016 with a due date of 20 February 2016. The short time frame from due date of 20 February to 29 February 2016 can explain the significant amount of contributions outstanding for 2016.

Table 1: Outstanding contributions and provision for non-collection, 2012-2016 (CHF ‘000s)

Description 2012 2013 2014 2015 29/02/2016 Assessed contributions from Parties 3,780 3,782 3,779 3,779 3,779 Voluntary contribution from USA 930 1,048 1,066 1,065 1,065 Cumulative outstanding 759 759 943 1,260 4,226 Provision for non-collection 361 385 511 644 TBD2

8. As of 29 February 2016, 90 Contracting Parties had paid all their contributions due up to and including 2015. 26 of them had already paid their contributions for 2016. The Secretariat acknowledges the consistent and prompt support of these Parties.

9. The total global amount of unpaid arrears as of 29 February 2016, by the year at which they

were first due, is shown at Table 2. Table 2: Outstanding contributions at 29 February 2016 and number of years in arrears

Year due Years in arrears Total unpaid contributions

(CHF '000s)

Total due at or before each year

(CHF '000s) 2008 or before >8 91

2009 8 22 113 2010 7 28 141 2011 6 44 185 2012 5 53 238 2013 4 226 464 2014 3 269 732 2015 2 487 1,220 2016 1 3,006 4,226 Total 4,226 4,226

2 To be determined at 2016 year end.

SC52-19 2

10. The total arrears due from 2015 or before, as at 29 February 2016, were CHF 1,220,000. Such arrears were due from 78 Parties.

11. The number of Parties in each region with arrears due for more than three years at the end of

2014 and 2015, and the total amounts of those arrears, are shown at Table 3. At the end of 2015, 30 Parties had arrears due for more than three years, to a value of CHF 241,977.

Table 3: Contracting Parties with arrears for more than three years, by region

End 2014 End 2015

Region Count Amount CHF Count Amount

CHF Africa 16 134,000 17 147,983 Asia 4 14,000 4 19,203 Europe 1 2,000 1 3,000 Latin America and Caribbean 3 41,000 6 48,586 Oceania 4 27,000 2 23,205 Total 28 218,000 30 241,977

Proposed Secretariat response

12. At SC48, through Decision SC48-12, the Standing Committee decided not to apply punitive

measures to Parties with outstanding contributions. 13. Nonetheless, the Acting Secretary General believes progress on clearing arrears and fuller

engagement and financial commitment by all Parties to the Convention would send positive messages about the governance of the Convention and enable the Secretariat to fully achieve the tasks set by the COP.

14. Priority actions in 2016 will focus on the 41 Parties with arrears of more than three years at the

end of 2015. The Secretariat will use Resolution XI.2 paragraph 17 to help in securing explicit written payment plans from as many of these as possible, and will report the progress of each Contracting Party to the Standing Committee’s 53rd meeting. It will also engage the new regional representatives on the Subgroup on Finance in this activity.

15. Special efforts will be focused on the eight Parties which have never paid, and the four Parties

with arrears of more than three years totalling over CHF 50,000.

SC52-19 3

Annex 1 Membership receivables, 2016 and prior, outstanding as at 29 February 2016

Region Contracting Party

Contributions

(CHF) No of years Outstanding Region Contracting Party

Contributions (CHF)

No of years Outstanding

Africa Nigeria 51,003 >8 EuropeThe former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 7,000 7

Africa Mauritania 18,577 >8 * Europe Netherlands 153,379 3Africa Guinea-Bissau 18,367 >8 * Europe Greece 82,814 3Africa Congo, the Democratic Repub 17,846 >8 Europe Portugal 44,358 3Africa Djibouti 14,000 >8 * Europe Malta 3,000 3Africa Liberia 11,110 >8 * Europe Denmark 59,303 2Africa Cabo Verde 11,000 >8 Europe Russian Federation 175,330 2Africa Sudan 11,000 >8 Europe Luxembourg 7,082 2Africa Sao Tome and Principe 10,000 >8 * Europe Iceland 2,443 2Africa Niger 9,192 >8 * Europe Moldova, Republic of 2,000 2Africa Central African Republic 9,000 >8 Europe Germany 312,403 1Africa Libya 47,642 8 Europe United Kingdom 218,227 1Africa Mali 8,000 8 * Europe Italy 183,266 1Africa Tanzania, United Republic of 7,000 7 Europe Spain 119,455 1Africa Gambia 5,261 6 Europe Switzerland 55,743 1Africa Cameroon 5,247 6 Europe Turkey 49,777 1Africa Madagascar 5,000 5 Europe Sweden 46,746 1Africa Comoros 4,000 4 Europe Belgium 43274 1Africa Swaziland 4,000 4 Europe Norway 41,514 1Africa Zimbabwe 4,000 4 Europe Austria 35,206 1Africa Côte d'Ivoire 3,517 4 Europe Finland 22,297 1Africa Burkina Faso 3,512 4 Europe Israel 21,026 1Africa Congo 3,000 3 Europe Hungary 7,872 1Africa Equatorial Guinea 3,000 3 Europe Ukraine 5,036 1Africa Gabon 3,000 3 Europe Croatia 4,841 1Africa Guinea 3,000 3 Europe Slovenia 4,107 1Africa Lesotho 3,000 3 Europe Lithuania 3,521 1Africa Mozambique 3,000 3 Europe Azerbaijan 2,934 1Africa South Sudan 3,000 3 Europe Belarus 2,738 1Africa Tunisia 4,110 3 Europe Cyprus 2,103 1Africa Burundi 2,151 3 Europe Estonia 1,858 1Africa Ghana 2,000 2 Europe Serbia 1,565 1Africa Rwanda 2,000 2 Europe Albania 1,000 1Africa Uganda 2,000 2 Europe Andorra 1,000 1Africa South Africa 17,799 1 Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina 1,000 1Africa Algeria 7,872 1 Europe Georgia 1,000 1Africa Egypt 7,432 1 Europe Liechtenstein 1,000 1Africa Morocco 2,640 1 Europe Monaco 1,000 1Africa Benin 1,000 1 1,728,218 Africa Botswana 1,000 1Africa Namibia 1,000 1 Latin America and Caribbean Saint Lucia 13,000 9Africa Senegal 1,000 1 Latin America and Caribbean Antigua and Barbuda 9,000 9Africa Sierra Leone 377 1 Latin America and Caribbean Venezuela, Bolivarian Rep 149,623 6

351,655 Latin America and Caribbean Cuba 16,525 5Latin America and Caribbean Belize 5,000 5

Asia Uzbekistan 13,055 9 Latin America and Caribbean Brazil 616,833 4Asia Yemen 9,000 9 Latin America and Caribbean Guatemala 5,326 4Asia Syrian Arab Republic 8,295 6 * Latin America and Caribbean Dominican Republic 7,879 4Asia Turkmenistan 4,271 4 Latin America and Caribbean Grenada 4,000 4Asia Mongolia 4,000 4 Latin America and Caribbean Barbados 2,751 3Asia Lebanon 7,154 4 Latin America and Caribbean Costa Rica 4,471 3Asia Bangladesh 3,500 4 Latin America and Caribbean Colombia 26,440 2Asia Iran, Islamic Republic of 37,694 2 Latin America and Caribbean Ecuador 8,738 2Asia Oman 10,503 2 Latin America and Caribbean Suriname 2,000 2Asia Iraq 8,629 2 Latin America and Caribbean Chile 19,959 2Asia Viet Nam 4,886 2 Latin America and Caribbean Argentina 43,616 1Asia Cambodia 2,000 2 Latin America and Caribbean Peru 6,650 1Asia Jordan 2,000 2 Latin America and Caribbean Uruguay 3,863 1Asia Myanmar 2,000 2 Latin America and Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago 1,662 1Asia Japan 473,323 1 Latin America and Caribbean Panama 1,661 1Asia China 387,313 1 Latin America and Caribbean Bahamas 1,000 1Asia India 36,037 1 Latin America and Caribbean Bolivia, Plurinational State 1,000 1Asia United Arab Emirates 29,534 1 Latin America and Caribbean El Salvador 1,000 1Asia Indonesia 24,644 1 Latin America and Caribbean Honduras 1,000 1Asia Kuwait 13,936 1 Latin America and Caribbean Jamaica 1,000 1Asia Kazakhstan 9,339 1 Latin America and Caribbean Paraguay 1,000 1Asia Philippines 7,885 1 954,998 Asia Bahrain 2,151 1Asia Malaysia 2,032 1 North America Mexico 45,168 1Asia Sri Lanka 1,516 1Asia Thailand 1,163 1 Oceania Papua New Guinea 17,205 9Asia Kyrgyzstan 1,000 1 Oceania Palau 14,000 9Asia Nepal 1,000 1 Oceania Fiji 2,000 2Asia Tajikistan 760 1 Oceania Kiribati 1,546 2

1,108,620 Oceania Marshall Islands 1,161 2Oceania Samoa 1,000 1

36,911

Key GRAND TOTAL 4,225,569 * No payment since acceding to Convention ASSESSED CONTRIBUTIONS

SC52-19 4


SC52-20

Report on the review of resource mobilization from all sources,

especially as it relates to fundraising

Introduction 1. In the Interim Arrangements for Secretariat Administration, the Executive Team requested a

review of resource mobilization, especially as it related to fundraising (paragraph 1 (f)).

2. The purpose of this report is to ensure the capture of work undertaken, so that an incoming Secretary General is in a position to reinvigorate the programme. The review is undertaken in conjunction with the Resource Mobilization Working Group.

3. This report reviews first of all the non-core budget priorities as defined in Resolution XII.1, Annex 3, and describes the actions undertaken.

4. The report goes on to list other fundraising efforts that are currently being undertaken under

various categories of possible funders, including: bilateral funds; multilateral funds; Partner organizations and NGOs; private sector funds; and philanthropic foundations.

Non-core budget priorities 5. In Resolution XII.1 the non-core budget priorities and requirements for the period 2016-18 are

outlined in Annex 3. These non-core priorities for 2016-18 are listed below at Table 1, in the order of priority agreed upon by Parties at COP12.

Actions requested: Standing Committee is invited: • to review the report on resource mobilization from all sources; • to provide comments and further suggestions on fundraising approaches; and • to recommend the development of a coherent fundraising strategy across the Secretariat,

which addresses the existing funding approaches and future possibilities under the categories of: bilateral funds; multilateral funds; Partner organizations and NGOs; private sector funds; and philanthropic foundations.

Table 1. Non-core budget priorities identified in Resolution XII.1, Annex 3

Item 1. Ramsar Advisory Missions 6. The total amount estimated for the triennium for the cost of Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs)

is CHF 600,000. Experience has shown that fundraising is best done on a case-by-case basis. The following approaches for fundraising for RAMs can be appropriate:

• Map private sector interests with the specific Ramsar Sites to see whether the RAM could

be funded through corporate environmental programmes, as has been done in the past.

• Extend the Star Alliance agreement to cover the travel of experts taking part in RAMs.

• Map NGO interests to see whether the RAM could be fully or partially funded (e.g. by WWF or IUCN as has been done in the past).

• Invite the country to pay for RAMs undertaken in their own country, as Norway did in

2015.

• Identify those Sites that are threatened by oil and gas exploration, and apply to the Norwegian Oil for Development Programme for support for the RAM.

7. As shown in detail below at Tables 2 and 3, the amount estimated for the RAMs requested by

Parties so far in the triennium is CHF 345,000. Of this total amount, CHF 145,000 has been raised from various sources while CHF 200,000 remains to be raised.

8. Table 2 below shows the RAMs requested by African Parties to be arranged in 2016, together with the country contribution where available, the total cost, and the possible funding sources for the balance of the cost.

No. Non-core budget priorities 2016-2018 3-year funding requirement (CHF)

1 Ramsar Advisory Missions for Parties requiring assistance 600,000 2 STRP 2016-2018 programme of work support 300,000 3 RSIS, IM/IT (Website) Continuing Development 175,000

4 Pre-COP13 regional meetings (delegates support and meeting costs for preparatory meetings) 650,000

5 COP13 (2018) sponsorship to eligible delegates 600,000 6 Arabic language introduction and translation support 250,000 7 Small Grants Funds for protection and wise use of wetlands 1,000,000

8 Regional Initiative Networks and Centres support (priority activities) 150,000

9 Ramsar CEPA Programme (2016-2021), exclusion of World Wetlands Day 300,000

10 On-line system for National Reports, reporting and indicators development 175,000

TOTAL 4,200,000

SC52-20 2

Table 2. Ramsar Advisory Missions requested by African countries in 2016, with approximate costs

Contracting Party Ramsar Site

Country contribution

(CHF) Total cost (CHF) Funding source for the balance of

total cost (CHF)

D. R. Congo

Parc National des Mangroves

10,000

40,000

30,000 to be determined

Malawi

Lake Chilwa

0

30,000

30,000 to be determined Desk study available

Senegal

Ndael Ramsar Site (listed in Montreux Record)

5,000

45,000

African Development Bank (Multi-disciplinary mission): 40,000 Ongoing evaluation by African Development Bank

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone River Estuary

10,000

40,000

30,000 to be determined Desk study available

Tanzania

Kilombero floodplains

0

55,000

Belgian Technical Cooperation to provide 47,500 WWF-International: 7,500 ToRs done and consultants selected

Uganda

Lake Albert, Murchison Falls

15,000

45,000

30,000 to be determined (Norwegian Oil for Development Programme possible funder)

Uganda

Lake George (listed in Montreux Record)

10,000

30,000

20,000 to be determined

TOTAL 50,000 285,000 95,000 identified 140,000 to be determined

9. In summary, for the RAMs to take place in Africa, the fundraising support needed is CHF

285,000 in 2016 alone. Of this total, CHF 50,000 has been raised from the countries themselves, while additional funds of CHF 95,000 have been raised from Belgian Technical Cooperation, WWF International and the African Development Bank. Thus CHF 145,000 has already been raised, leaving a total of CHF 140,000 to be raised. The Norwegian Oil for Development Programme will be approached for support for part of the balance.

10. Table 3 below shows the Ramsar Advisory Missions requested by countries in other regions to be arranged in 2016. To date only one RAM has been formally requested by a government in Asia-Oceania, one in the Americas, and none in Europe. A total of CHF 60,000 is to be raised.

SC52-20 3

Table 3. Ramsar Advisory Missions requested by countries in other regions in 2016, with approximate costs

Contracting Party Ramsar Site

Country contribution

(CHF)

Total cost (CHF)

Funding source for the balance of total cost (CHF)

Colombia Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta

0 25,000 To be determined as the proposal is still being developed, however the RAM is expected to take place in May 2016

Iraq Three Ramsar designated marshes on the Iraqi side of the Mesopotamian Marshes

0 35,000 To be determined as the proposal is still being developed together with CRIMW, IUCN-ROWA

Item 2. STRP 2016-2018 programme of work support 10. The STRP work plan for the triennium will be discussed and agreed in June 2016. To date an

amount of CHF 122,000 has been mobilized from WWF-International for two specific tasks; however, this funding is subject to some deadlines. In addition, a priority amount of CHF 137,000 needs to be raised to support the flagship product of the State of the World’s Wetlands report in 2018. The agreed non-core fundraising target of CHF 300,000 may thus rise to CHF 559,000, if it is agreed to include these three tasks within the overall target (see the paper SC552-09 Costs of actions to be taken to implement COP12 Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium).

11. Discussions held at the Secretariat suggested the following possible approaches for identifying

prospective funders: • Depending upon the activities that are included within the STRP work plan, it may be

possible to identify specific foundations or others for whom those activities offer value.

• It may be possible to ask Contracting Parties who have supported the STRP in the past to provide support again.

• These ideas and others could be discussed with the Resource Mobilization Working Group.

Item 3. RSIS, IM/IT (web site) continuing development 12. The RSIS and web development is associated with a fundraising target of CHF 175,000 for this

triennium. This is categorized in Table 4 below (costings not received). 13. Discussions held at the Secretariat suggested the following possible approaches for identifying

prospective funders:

• Guidance to be sought from the Working Group on CEPA and the Working Group on Resource Mobilization.

SC52-20 4

Table 4. Detailed items needing to be improved and upgraded in the RSIS and Ramsar website 4.a. Ramsar website

Website item Details Resource section with tools and information from/about IOPs

Monitor and incorporate tools and information from IOPs and others in developing monitoring regime and guidance for Article 3.2 sites

Private sector section Fundraising: profile RAMs on site; develop a section for private sector showcase

MEAs section Strengthen partnerships with other MEAs to enhance synergies and sharing of resources through increased collaboration on websites, data sharing and agreed targets

Ramsar Regional Initiatives section

Publicize at the global level RRIs as an operational means to provide support for the implementation of the objectives of the Ramsar Convention through upgrading RRI’s websites and linkages with the Ramsar home site and showcasing RRI initiatives, activities and achievements.

Resource section with various tools / training courses

Build capacity on the application of the R-METT tool with Parties, Partners and the Secretariat through web-based training and promotion

Wetlands restoration and rehabilitation section

Case studies and methods disseminated to Contracting Parties and added to Ramsar wetland (including peatlands) restoration pages on the web site; logging of actions and progress made globally in restoration of wetlands.

Wetland City database

Develop and manage a global online network of cities which have obtained the Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention

Photo library development Photo gallery of Ramsar Sites linked to Country Profiles and tagged by theme, wetland type and country/region

4.b. Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS)

RSIS Item Details

Data migration completion Manually transfer the data from text-based information within the old RIS system annexes into the RSIS database following the automatic migration of the data sets from the old RIS. Some data was not captured during the migration, leaving large gaps for many of the existing Ramsar Sites including species lists. Internal funds have now been identified within the Secretariat for this task.

Earth observation Investigation and analysis into the potential for the inclusion of EO within the RSIS system

Citizen science Build closer links with the general public by offering e.g. upload of geo-located photos, adding comments

System training Further development of tools such as videos and live demos to aid CPs in using the new system (3 x videos estimated 4,000 CHF)

Integration into the main Ramsar Site

Better integration and interlinkage between the RSIS and the main Ramsar website

Monitoring and evaluation usage

Analysing how both Parties and others use and access the RSIS and using the information to feed into future development

Downloadable Site summaries Investigate the potential for development of downloadable PDFs of sites for use by schools, wetland centres, eco-tourism and governments

Enhance Ramsar Site impact Explore possibilities to integrate supplementary information from external sites: COL, EOL, IUCN, Google, Instagram, Open Street Map

SC52-20 5

Item 4. Pre-COP13 regional meetings (delegate support and costs for preparatory meetings) 14. The target of CHF 650,000 is based on estimated and assumed travel costs associated with one

delegate from each country on the OECD/DAC list of aid recipients. Fundraising will start in early 2017.


prospective funders: • Contracting Parties, International Organisations and airlines (including Star Alliance)

Item 5. COP13 (2018) sponsorship to eligible delegates 16. The target of CHF 600,000 is based on estimated and assumed travel costs associated with one

delegate from each country on the OECD/DAC list of aid recipients. Fundraising will start in early 2017.


prospective funders: • Contracting Parties, International Organisations and airlines (including Star Alliance)

Item 6. Arabic and other UN language introduction and translation support 18. A detailed strategy is to be prepared for the introduction of additional languages to the

Convention, together with detailed funding amounts (see document SC52-03 Consultancy support for the development of a strategy outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention). However the non-core prioritization during COP12 identified an amount of CHF 250,000 to be raised in priority non-core funding for the introduction of Arabic. This figure was arrived at through estimating the cost items as set out in Table 5 below.

Table 5. Detailed items needed for funding the introduction of Arabic.

Item Estimated unit cost (CHF) 2016 2017 2018 Total

(CHF) External translation of ongoing work 27,000/year 27,000 27,000 27,000 81,000 Source or develop a Ramsar glossary (one-off cost) 16,000 16,000 0 0 16,000

Translating and publishing priority web content 27000/yr 27,000 27,000 27,000 81,000

Arabic speaking Regional Officer (at 20%) 1 24,000/yr 24,000 24,000 24,000 72,000 Total (CHF) 94,000 78,000 78,000 250,000

1 Options include the officer being a secondment of existing staff in a government department or Ramsar IOP or partners based in the Arab region. This needs further discussion. 19. Discussions held at the Secretariat suggested the following possible approaches for identifying

prospective funders: • For Arabic language translation, Arabic-speaking countries could be asked to provide

support.

SC52-20 6

• For the possibility of Russian and Chinese translations, the Russian Federation and China could be approached.

20. Specifically for the translation of certain Ramsar documents into Russian, CHF 8,500 has been

provided by the Norwegian government and is gratefully acknowledged. This funding is currently being spent upon the translation of the latest edition of the Ramsar Convention Manual into Russian, as well as the off-line version of the Ramsar Information Sheet, in order to assist Russian-speaking countries in designating new Ramsar Sites. Other key documents are being identified according to need.

Item 7. Small Grants Funds for protection and wise use of wetlands 21. In recent years, Contracting Parties have not contributed to the multilateral mechanism of the

Small Grants Fund. However the prioritization during COP12 identified an amount of CHF 1,000,000 to be raised in priority non-core funding for the Fund. There has not been any positive response noted by Parties to requests for considering the Small Grants Fund for funding.

22. On the other hand it is interesting to note the continuation and expansion of the bilateral funds

which have been set up separately for various regions at different times, but which all use the mechanism of the Small Grants Fund to evaluate projects and to report on expenditures. These bilateral funds are continuing to be very helpful for making small grants, and a new fund, namely the Nagao Wetland Fund, is now proposed for the Asia-Oceania region (see document SC52-16 Update on formal agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar Convention and partners).

Table 6. Existing and new bilateral small grants funds set up for various regions

Qualifying region Status Notes Total funding Source

Asia/Oceania New fund Nagao Wetland Fund for projects concerning the conservation, restoration and wise use of wetlands in Asia-Oceania region.

USD 80,000 per year

Set up by the Nagao Environment Fund (agreement is being drafted and will be submitted to SC52 for approval)

Africa Since 1989 The Swiss Grant for Africa (SGA) supports projects across Africa.

USD 100,000 per year

Based on Swiss contribution. Renewable annually.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Since 1996 Wetlands for the Future (the WFF fund) supports projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Approx. USD 80,000 per year (variable)

Based on USA contribution

23. In another example, a bilateral fund was set up with Norway in 2015 to support small projects

relating to wetland restoration and livelihoods sustainability. This fund benefited from a one-off grant which is currently supporting three small projects (two in Nepal and one in Mozambique); it is not yet clear whether the funding will be continued.

24. At the Secretariat level, it was earlier discussed that the Small Grants Fund could possibly be

tailored towards the interests of the private sector, for example towards the interests of the

SC52-20 7

energy industry in building resilience for coastal assets, and towards the interests of the beverage industry in providing source water protection (as has been the case with Danone-Evian). These ideas, and others, could be raised with the Resource Mobilization Working Group.

Item 8. Regional Initiative Networks and Centres (priority activities) 25. At COP12 it was identified that the Ramsar Regional Initiatives would require CHF 150,000 in

non-core priority support. The RRIs are requesting the Ramsar Convention Secretariat to support them and involve them in various fundraising activities, and one potentially fruitful direction is the development of large multilateral projects involving the RRIs together with their respective countries. Table 7 below shows projects which are currently being developed with the RRIs.

Table 7. Fundraising efforts for large multilateral projects by RRIs in Latin America and the Caribbean and in Central Asia

Regional Initiative Regional Project Title Countries Involved Budget

(USD) Source

Cariwet Promoting regional cooperation to ensure the conservation and wise use of Caribbean wetlands to maintain ecosystems services and reduce impacts to climate change

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados. Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean Netherlands, the Overseas territories of France and the Non-Contracting Parties of Guyana and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

7,210,000 IKI/ countries in kind contribution

Regional Initiative for the Conservation and Wise Use of High Andean Wetlands

Improved protection of High Andean Wetlands for sustainable management of critical watersheds headwater ecosystems, reducing the impacts of climate change and strengthening livelihoods.

Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile, Peru and Venezuela. The initiative is supported by Ramsar International Organization Partners (Birdlife International and IUCN) as well as by CMS, Condesan and the High Andean Flamingo Conservation Group

3,189,160 GEF6

Regional Initiative for the Wise Use of Mangroves and Coral Reefs

Strengthen the wise of mangroves and coral reefs to maintain their ecosystems services

Brazil, Colombia Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, México, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Venezuela

9,700,000 IKI /countries in kind contribution

Regional Initiative for the Conservation and Wise Use of La Plata River Basin

Improved sustainable management of the Plata wetlands reducing the impacts of climate change and strengthening livelihoods

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay

7,800,000 IKI/ countries in kind contribution

RRI Central Asia (if approved)

Implementation of Strategic Plan 2016-2024

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, CAREC, IUCN

935,000 for 2016-

2018

Identifying potential donors

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26. Each RRI has a specific budget line and a role to play within its project, as a coordinating mechanism, in line with the workplan and financial strategy of the respective RRI. If successful, the projects shown in Table 7 will ensure the financial sustainability of the respective RRIs for the lifetime of the projects. FAO will be the implementing agency of the GEF6 project.

27. There are other large multilateral projects being proposed: for example, a groundwater project

is being developed under GEF6 together with UNESCO and IUCN, involving groundwater-dependent ecosystems in Ramsar Sites in several countries. Similarly, in Iran, there is the possibility to develop a project under the GEF-6 STAR funding to work on three transboundary sites with Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan respectively, with the involvement of the RRC-CWA.

28. It is very important to continue to support RRIs and countries to apply for GEF6 and GEF7 funds,

and in the future also for funding through the Green Climate Fund. Again it would be extremely helpful to have the input of the Working Group on Resource Mobilization on this issue, and to discuss the best modalities for doing this. IUCN has now been accredited as a GEF implementing agency which potentially enhances Ramsar’s ease of involvement in GEF projects.

Item 9. Ramsar CEPA programme (2016-2021), excluding World Wetlands Day 29. The CEPA programme is associated with a non-core fundraising target of CHF 300,000 for this

triennium. 30. Discussions held at the Secretariat led to guidance being sought from the Working Group on

CEPA and budgets are being developed for the following individual items: i. Database: review, evaluation and development of a more easily managed database system

that allows effective communications with Ramsar stakeholders including Administrative Authorities, STRP, CEPA and National Focal Points, National wetland/Ramsar Committees, and other defined groups.

ii. Events: identify key international fora throughout the triennium and develop a targeted

campaign to present Ramsar within through side events, exhibitions, speaking engagements, press coverage, or social media outreach.

iii. Partnership activities: continue to work with IOPs, private sector and other partners to

extend Ramsar outreach, for financial support and also access to their existing communications channels. For example Virgin Unite’s support for WWD; Charlie Waite’s continuing promotion through his extensive network including BBC; incorporating Ramsar as a QR code on Evian bottles.

iv. Press engagement: using RAMs and Demonstration Sites as a means of capturing media

attention; build press lists and investigate the creation of a Convention/STRP Speakers Bureau as Convention spokespeople.

v. Publications might include:

− wider dissemination of the fourth Strategic Plan (potentially incorporating indicators in line with the Aichi targets ‘passport’);

− development of a R-METT booklet (and a linked workshop) giving guidance on the Site Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool and including best practice example; and

− development and dissemination of a series of case studies to celebrate “Demonstration Sites” which show the wise use principle.

SC52-20 9

vi. Ramsar Handbooks: review and update 21 Handbooks with the COP11 and COP12

Resolutions and guidelines. Consult into usage requirements and make Handbooks available in an appropriate range of formats.

31. UNEP is providing USD 25,000 under the InforMEA project to the Ramsar Convention

Secretariat in order to carry out three sets of specific CEPA-related activities: • Data preparation and management, and technical implementation, to ensure core Ramsar

information is accessible through InforMEA; • Participation in the development of the InforMEA thesaurus / controlled vocabulary; • Development and accessibility on InforMEA of five Ramsar / WHC joint case studies on

traditional knowledge. 32. The joint Ramsar / WHC case studies, which cover most of this funding, will be delivered

through the Ramsar Culture Network. This income will also count as matched funding against the MAVA Foundation contribution. The case studies will support Strategic Plan objectives, as described in more detail in SC52-Inf.Doc.06 The Ramsar Culture Network and its contribution to the implementation of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024.

Item 10. Online system for National Reports, reporting and indicators development 33. This set of activities is associated with a non-core fundraising target of CHF 175,000 for this

triennium. 34. The Secretariat has explored the development of an online system for national reporting by

Ramsar Parties to COP13 with WCMC, and will present an update of progress during SC52. Potentially this could be an in-kind contribution to Ramsar, eliminating the need to raise non-core funding for the establishment of the online system.

35. Regarding the indicator for target 6.6 of the Sustainable Development Goals, namely the

monitoring of wetlands extent, this methodology continues to develop through a number of avenues. Firstly, this is linked to the National Wetlands Inventories which are monitored and reported to each COP through the National Report Format. (Over 50% of Parties are now reporting on this indicator.) Secondly, there are a number of externally-funded earth observation projects which aim to support Parties with remote sensing tools and products to monitor wetlands extent. These projects include the Global Mangrove Watch (funded by JAXA), the GlobWetlands Africa project supporting six African Parties (ESA), the Satellite-based Wetlands Observation System (SWOS) and the Live Monitoring of Earth Surface (LiMES) platform (UNEP-GRID). The Ramsar Secretariat continues to liaise with these projects to ensure that their tools and products will be of use to the Parties and the broader user community.

Resource mobilization for Asia/Oceania 36. The Asia/Oceania regional team has been active in identifying potential projects and partners to

support individual countries as well as activities at a regional or sub-regional level, including the development of a non-core funded position for a Regional Officer to be posted in the region (possibly at the IUCN Regional Office in Bangkok). See Table 8 below for details.

SC52-20 10

Table 8. Potential projects and partners for Asia/Oceania

No Target location Partners Summary Funding

requested Submitted to

1 Asia region IUCN ARO, RRC-EA Funding support for an out-posted Regional Officer – Asia to be based in the Asia region

85,000 USD /year for 2016-2018

In discussion with IUCN-ARO, RRC-EA, and MOE-Korea

2 DPR Korea Hanns Seidel Foundation, IUCN, WWF

Support accession of DPRK to Ramsar Convention, capacity building

679,800 USD for 2016-2018

TBC

3 Mongolia UNEP Regional Office for Asia/Pacific

Restoration of the Ogii Lake Ramsar Site

Proposal is now being reviewed by the Mongolian NFP

UNEP Regional Office for Asia/Pacific

5 Vanuatu Roger Jaensch (independent consultant)

Support accession of Vanuatu (data collection for accession site and consultation with local communities)

25,0000 USD for 2016

Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund

6 Nepal Rob Cadmus (consultant)

Restoration of Ramsar Sites (continuation of Global Wetland Restoration Initiative project)

150,000 USD

TBC as the proposal is still being developed

7 Not specified

ISDR and PEDRR network partners

Promoting eco-DRR Not specified TBC as the proposal is still being developed

8 Not specified

UNEP and others MOOC featuring ecosystem-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

Not specified Sponsored by UNEP (Geneva); on-going

9 China WWF HK, HK Government

To hold workshops for promoting dialogue between the HK Government, developers, NGOs, fishermen and other stakeholders in and around the Mai Po Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site in order to develop an integrated land-use plan for conservation/development of the Site.

20,000 USD /year for 2016-2018

TBC as the proposal is still being developed, linked to the Futien National Nature Reserve in Shenzhen Province

10 Afghanistan National Environmental Protection Agency, Government of Afghanistan

For activities to support the accession of Afghanistan to the Ramsar Convention, e.g. awareness raising workshops, identification of the first Ramsar Site(s), etc

50,000 USD /year for 2016-2018

TBC as the proposal is still being developed

Resource mobilization for the Africa region with philanthropic foundations 37. Two projects have been submitted to the JRS Biodiversity Foundation in Seattle, USA. This

could serve as a model for supporting Parties to identify suitable philanthropic foundations.

• Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA)

SC52-20 11

Proposal Title: Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation of Wetlands Ecosystem in Rwanda (USD 365,280 over 3 years) • Ramsar Centre for Eastern Africa (RAMCEA) Proposal Title: A digital information platform for enhanced wetland conservation and biodiversity monitoring in Uganda (USD 202,300 over 18 months) 1. Establishment of a digital infrastructure for Earth Observation mapping and monitoring of

wetlands in support of conservation actions and sustainable decisions 2. Provision of a national dataset of wetland extent to be used for trend analysis, wetland

reporting and biodiversity assessments 3. Enhanced capacity of national authorities to use Earth Observation to monitor and report

on wetlands and wetland biodiversity. Resource mobilization for the Americas regions 38. Fundraising efforts have been concentrated on regional initiatives identified by the Contracting

Parties as among the main priorities (see item 8 above). For the Ramsar Regional Centre in Panama, the Secretariat has provided financial support to the development of its financial strategy, training courses and staff. A new proposal is in preparation to strengthen the capacities of the Centre.

Resource mobilization with the private sector 39. As reported elsewhere, the agreements with Danone-Evian and with Star Alliance have been

renewed. In both cases, there is enthusiasm on the part of the private sector partner to expand the partnership with Ramsar in the future, and this potential should be explored further. In the case of Star Alliance, they have also provided us with direct links to their partner airlines, e.g. Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines etc. Individual agreements with each of these airlines could now be a possibility and could provide valuable in-kind contributions in terms of supporting flights for sponsored delegates to attend COP13, and technical experts to carry out RAMs.

SC52-20 12


SC52-Inf.Doc.02

Secretariat actions arising from SC51 Decisions

1. The table below lists the Decisions of Standing Committee 51 which include instructions for the

Secretariat. 2. The table also identifies the SC52 agenda item under which each matter will be considered and

notes any related SC51 documents.

3. All the actions arising from the Decisions have either been completed or incorporated into ongoing processes in the 2016-2018 Secretariat work plan, or into documents for a decision at SC52.

Topic Standing Committee Decision Actions taken by Secretariat

Meeting documents

Decision SC51-04: The Standing Committee noted DOC. SC51-03 and asked the Secretariat to take note of the suggestions made regarding format and presentation of meeting documents.

Documents not requiring decisions or approval are presented as Information Documents. Presentation of documents to focus on most important aspects.

Costs of implementing Resolutions: COP12 Resolutions

Decision SC51-05: The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to re-draft DOC. SC51-04 for submission to SC52, taking into account the comments made at the present meeting and any further comments that Parties who had intervened might wish to make.

Completed. Addressed at Agenda item 13 “Costs of actions to implement COP12 Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium” Document SC52-09 Costs of actions to implement COP12 Resolutions in the 2016-2018 triennium

COP13 draft resolutions

Decision SC51-06: The Standing Committee urged that the Secretariat ensure that the cost implications of draft resolutions be made available to Contracting Parties in advance of the consideration of the draft resolutions, as called for in Rule 14 of the Rules of Procedure.

Completed. Task incorporated into SC52-07 Secretariat work plan for the 2016-2018 triennium under item 20.1 “Other Secretariat activities” (Agenda item 12 “Secretariat work plans”)

STRP work plan 2016-2018

Decision SC51-07: The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to present an amended STRP work plan to SC52, prioritizing tasks and reflecting budgetary constraints, taking into account the comments made and seeking further input from Contracting Parties and their STRP National Focal Points.

Completed. Addressed at Agenda item 14 “Report of the Chair of the STRP” Document SC52-10 Report of the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) and amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan

Topic Standing Committee Decision Actions taken by Secretariat Secretariat work plan 2016-2018

Decision SC51-10: The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to prepare a revised Secretariat Work Plan for the 2016-2018 triennium, taking into account the comments made, for consideration by SC52.

Completed. Addressed at Agenda item 12 “Secretariat work plans” Documents SC52-07 Secretariat work plan for the 2016-2018 triennium and SC52-08 Secretariat work plan for 2016

Regional Initiatives:

Addressed at Agenda item 15 “Ramsar Regional Initiatives”

Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives

Decision SC51-11: The Standing Committee agreed to establish a new Working Group to examine the implications of the proposed new Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives and asked the Secretariat to support the setting up of this group.

Completed. Acting Secretary General sent invitation to Parties to join the Working Group on Ramsar Regional Initatives through Notification 2016/4 of 23 February.

Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives

Decision SC51-13: The Standing Committee agreed that a one-day workshop to revise the Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives should be held immediately before SC52.

Assessment of existing RIs and communic-ations strategy

Decision SC51-12: The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to complete the assessment of existing Ramsar Regional Initiatives and to develop further the common communications strategy taking into account the comments made at the meeting.

Completed. Document SC52-11 Update on Ramsar Regional Initiatives

Proposals for new RIs

Decision SC51-14: The Standing Committee agreed that proposed new Ramsar Regional Initiatives be invited to submit relevant documentation against a checklist of requirements to be provided by the Secretariat for consideration by SC52.

Completed. Document SC52-12 Proposals for new Ramsar Regional Initiatives

National Reports to COP13

Decision SC51-15: The Standing Committee asked the Secretariat to amend DOC. SC51-09 on the development of the format for National Reports to COP13, updating it with progress made based upon these comments, and submit the amended version to SC52.

Completed. Addressed at Agenda item 16 “Update on the preparation of the National Report format for COP13” Document SC52-13 Draft format for the National Reports to COP13

Dates of COP13 and possible clash with other meetings

Decision SC51-17: The Standing Committee noted the proposed dates and venue for COP13 and instructed the Secretariat to check that the dates did not clash with those of other important international environmental meetings.

Completed. Secretariat has checked for possible conflicts and included the findings in Doc SC52-02 Progress with preparations for COP13)

SC52-Inf.Doc.02 2

Topic Standing Committee Decision Actions taken by Secretariat Wetland City accreditation

Decision SC51-18: The Standing Committee noted the presentation on process and proposals for a timeframe to implement the Wetland City accreditation of the Ramsar Convention given at SC51 and agreed that the Secretariat could continue its work along the lines indicated in the presentation.

Completed. Addressed at Agenda item 17 “Implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention according to Resolution XII.10” Document SC52-14 Progress report on implementation of the Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention

Partnerships and synergies:

Completed. Addressed at Agenda item 19 “Update on partnerships and synergies”

Resolution XI.6 and cooperation with other MEAs

Document SC52-15 Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions

New partnership agremeents

Decision SC51-19: The Standing Committee decided to defer until SC52 consideration of the new agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar Convention and partners as set out in Annexes 2 to 6 of DOC. SC51-23 Rev.2.

Completed. Document SC52-16 Update on formal agreements and joint work plans of the Ramsar Convention and partners

Renewals of existing partnership agreements

Decision SC51-20: The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to pursue renewal of the agreement with Stetson University College of Law and other necessary renewal processes.

Completed. Secretariat has renewed agreements with Stetson University College of Law, Danone-Evian, Star Alliance and OCHA.

CEPA Decision SC51-21: The Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat to present for consideration at SC52 a shorter, more focused CEPA Action Plan for the Ramsar Secretariat that was more clearly aligned to Resolutions and the Strategic Plan, taking into account any written comments received from Contracting Parties, and including plans for future World Wetlands Day celebrations.

Partially completed. Addressed at Agenda item 20 “CEPA and Secretariat Communications” Document SC52-17 World Wetlands Day themes. The revised CEPA Action Plan will be presented by the CEPA Working Group.

Financial matters

Decision SC51-22: The Standing Committee adopted the report of the Sub-Group on Finance and the recommendations made in it (…)

Addressed at Agenda item 20 “Report of the Sub-Group on Finance” Documents SC52-18 Ramsar financial matters 2014/2015 and SC52-19 Contracting Parties with outstanding annual contributions

SC52-Inf.Doc.02 3


SC52-Inf.Doc.03

Standing Committee actions arising from COP12 Resolutions and SC50

Decisions

1. The table below provides a list of the operative paragraphs of COP12 Resolutions in which the Standing Committee has been requested to undertake actions.

2. The Secretariat has highlighted the main aspects of each task as emboldened text. 3. The table also identifies the SC52 agenda item under which each matter will be considered and

notes any related documents. Operative paragraphs of COP12 Resolutions for the attention of SC52

Actions arising from relevant COP12 Resolutions SC52 agenda item and SC52 documents

Financial and budgetary matters Resolution XII.1: Financial and budgetary matters: XII.1. 10: FURTHER DECIDES that the Subgroup on Finance, as established by

Resolution VI.17, is to continue to operate under the aegis of the Standing Committee and with the roles and responsibilities specified in that Resolution;

Meeting of the Sub-Group on Finance Sub-Group on Finance item b. Doc.SC52-18 Update on Ramsar Financial Matters

XII.1.14. AUTHORIZES the Standing Committee, with the advice of its Subgroup on Finance, to revise core budgetary allocations between budget lines in the light of significant positive or negative changes during the cycle to costs, rates of inflation, interest and tax income projected in the budget, without increasing the contributions of Parties or increasing the charges paid to IUCN above the budgeted 13% maximum

XII.1.15. AUTHORIZES the Standing Committee, with the advice of its Subgroup on Finance, to revise non-core budgetary allocations and priorities depending upon the success of the Secretariat in securing voluntary funding for these activities;

Sub-Group on Finance and Working Group on Resource Mobilization. Doc.SC52-20 Report on the review of resource mobilization from all sources, especially as it relates to fundraising

XII.1.22. REQUESTS that the Standing Committee review the operation of the programme during the triennium and definitively conclude whether the Parties should continue or cease the Small Grants Fund for the consideration of the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties;

Working Group on Resource Mobilization. Doc.SC52-20


XII.1.24. REAFFIRMS the decision taken at COP11 (Resolution X1.2) that the Reserve Fund: a. provides for unforeseen and unavoidable expenditures; b. receives realized core budget surpluses (or is applied to deficits); c. should not be lower than 6% of the annual core budget of the

Convention and not greater than 15%; d. should be administered by the Secretary General with the approval

of the Subgroup on Finance as established by the Standing Committee;

Meeting of the Sub-Group on Finance item a. Doc.SC52-18

XII.1.25. REQUESTS the Secretariat to endeavour to maintain the Reserve Fund over the 2016-2018 triennium in accordance with this budget and to report annually to the Standing Committee on the status and propose to its Subgroup on Finance for its concurrence prior to any uses of the Fund;

Meeting of the Sub-Group on Finance item a. Doc.SC52-18

COP13 preparation Resolution XII.4 The responsibilities, roles and composition of the Standing

Committee […] XII.4.7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the

12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by: d. Overseeing the preparation of the 13th Conference of the Parties

between the next host country of the Conference of Parties in 2018 and the Secretariat;

Sub-Group on COP13. Doc.SC52-02 Progress with preparations for COP13

Strategic Plan: National Reports and Indicators Resolution XII.2: The Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024: XII.2.17. REQUESTS the Secretariat and the Standing Committee to develop

the COP13 National Report Template to provide a more user- friendly instrument that reflects the goals and targets of the new Ramsar Strategic Plan, for consideration at the 51st Meeting of the Standing Committee (SC51);

Agenda Item 16: Update on the preparation of the National Report format for COP13 Doc. SC52-13 Draft format for National Reports to COP13

XII.2.28. REQUESTS the expert group to report on possible indicators to the Standing Committee; and INSTRUCTS the Standing Committee, as a high priority, to refine the potential indicators and present the proposal to COP13 for approval.

Completed. SC51 Inf.Doc.05 Summary of the meeting of an expert group on indicators for the Ramsar Strategic Plan

Accommodation of UN languages Resolution XII.3: Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility

and stature […] XII.3.26. REQUESTS the Secretariat to develop a strategy to be presented at

SC51 and REQUESTS the Standing Committee to monitor progress and advise as necessary, subject to the availability of resources, outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of the Convention.

Management Working Group Agenda item 6: Approval of terms of reference for a future language strategy for the Convention Doc. SC52-03 Consultancy support for the development of a strategy outlining the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of

XII.3.28. INSTRUCTS the Standing Committee, through the Management Working Group, to monitor the progress made in the drafting of the strategy pertaining to a phased approach to language integration, including efforts to fully integrate Spanish and French into the work of the Convention, in accordance with COP decisions;

SC52-Inf.Doc.03 2


XII.3.29. ALSO REQUESTS the Standing Committee to submit a report and its recommendations to the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties, containing the strategy with a view to address accommodation of the Arabic language into the Convention supported by a financial mechanism and options for a step-by-step introduction of Arabic into the work of the Convention subject to the availability of resources;

the Convention

Resolution XII.4 The responsibilities, roles and composition of the Standing Committee […]

XII.4.7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by: h. Guiding the Secretary General’s development of the strategy outlining

the potential phased integration of Arabic or other UN languages into the work of theConvention;

Resource Mobilization Resolution XII.7 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework of the

Ramsar Convention 11. REQUESTS the Secretary General to prioritize fundraising activities to fund

non-core budget activities from all sources, with a view to significantly increasing non-Party contributions, and to report regularly to the Standing Committee, including on funds raised;

Management Working Group Doc.SC52-04 Report of the Acting Secretary General Meeting of the Working Group on Resource Mobilization Executive Team document on Interim Arrangements for the Ramsar Secretariat Doc.SC52-20 Report on the review of resource mobilization from all sources,especially as it relates to fundraising Working Group on Resource Mobilization


7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by:

e. Guiding the Secretariat’s activities including its fundraising to implement the Strategic Plan, the STRP activities and the CEPA action plan, Ramsar Advisory Missions and other approved non-core budget activities;

Resolution XII.7 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework of the Ramsar Convention

13. REQUESTS that the Standing Committee establish, at its 50th meeting, a mechanism of the Contracting Parties and Secretariat to develop a Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework and Work Plan, to include development of fundraising targets and timetables for the Secretariat to deliver on the non-core priorities set out in Annex 3 of Resolution XII.1, and to present it to the 51st meeting of the Standing Committee for its consideration;

Standing Committee Decision SC50-4: The Standing Committee agreed to lead an open ended working group to review resource mobilization and the partnership framework and plan and report back to SC51.

Synergies with other MEAs and other international institutions Resolution XII.3: Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility

and stature […] XII.3.42. INSTRUCTS the Secretariat to report annually on progress on

implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions to the Standing Committee;

Agenda item 19. a. Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions

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XII.3.46. REQUESTS the Secretary General and the Standing Committee to facilitate the selection of the representatives to participate in the workshops led by the biodiversity convention exploring synergies among the conventions;

Doc. SC52-15 Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions Completed. SC51 Agenda Item 20. Secretariat sent Diplomatic Note 2015/4 of 30 July 2015 Responding to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Decision XII/30 "Financial mechanism" Diplomatic Note 2015/4 of 30 July 2015 Responding to the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Decision XII/30 "Financial mechanism"

Resolution XII.7 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Framework of the Ramsar Convention

XII.7.14. REQUESTS the Standing Committee as a high priority task and with the committed assistance of the Secretariat and the Scientific and Technical Review Panel to respond to the invitation from the Parties to the CBD to provide elements of advice, as appropriate, concerning funding of national and transboundary wetlands initiatives, that may be referred to the GEF through the Conference of the Parties to the CBD;


7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by: g. Responding to the request from the Convention on Biological Diversity

(CBD) to provide elements of advice, as appropriate, concerning the funding that may be referred to the Global Environment Facility through the CBD Conference of the Parties, and to oversee that the Secretary General transmits this advice in a timely manner to the Executive Secretary of the CBD; and

XII.7.21. REQUESTS the Secretariat to strengthen partnerships with other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) such as inter alia the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the CBD and others, in order to enhance synergies and sharing of resources, avoid duplication and enhance implementation, respecting the mandate of each Convention; and REQUESTS the Secretariat to provide to the Standing Committee at its 51st meeting a plan on how to increase cooperation with other MEAs and report regularly actions to the Standing Committee;

Doc. SC52-15 Progress on implementing Resolution XI.6 on Partnership and synergies with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other institutions

Management instruments Resolution XII.3: Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility

and stature […] XII.3.57. RECOGNIZES the collaboration between the Secretariat and IUCN and

the progress made to evaluate the work already achieved, and URGES the Secretariat to update all agreements and guidelines with IUCN in cooperation with the Management Working Group and in line with Resolution IX.24 on improving management of the Ramsar Convention; and ENCOURAGES them to collaborate further to continue to enhance the implementation of the Convention;

Management Working Group

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XII.3.58. REQUESTS, in order to facilitate further collaboration between the Secretariat and IUCN, the Standing Committee to establish at its 50th meeting a mechanism of the Contracting Parties with balanced regional participation that will, taking into account the needs of the Contracting Parties and the Ramsar Secretariat, facilitate discussions between the Ramsar Secretariat and IUCN, in order to seek ways of improving the current operations of the Secretariat and enhancing the implementation of the Ramsar Convention, and to provide the Standing Committee with a report on these discussions at its 51st meeting and at each Standing Committee meeting thereafter;

Meeting of the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments Meeting of the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments Meeting of the Working Group on Improving Management Instruments


XII.4.7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by: […]

b. Improving existing management instruments between IUCN, the Standing Committee and the Secretary General to facilitate that the Secretariat effectively serves the Contracting Parties in their activities and implementation through clear, effective and understandable rules and procedures as a follow up to a Standing Committee 48 decision “to initiate a process led by the Management Working Group to review agreements, policies, guidelines and other mechanisms that regulate the relations between and the division of responsibilities between the Standing Committee, the Executive Team, the Chair of the Standing Committee, the Secretary General and IUCN, including in relation to managing the Secretariat including staff management”;

Standing Committee Decision SC50-8: The Standing Committee agreed the establishment of a working group to oversee the implementation of CEPA and a working group to improve existing management instruments between IUCN, the Standing Committee and the Secretary General.

Secretariat reporting and work planning Resolution XII.4 The responsibilities, roles and composition of the Standing

Committee […] XII.4.7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the

12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by: c. Developing and immediately implementing a system of reports – the

first being sent by 15 September 2015, and whose frequency will be established by the Executive Team – from the Secretary General to the Executive Team, IUCN General Director and interested Standing Committee members and Observer Parties, containing information on the progress of work of the Secretariat with focus on the main priorities adopted by the COP, the Secretariats’ travelling and meetings etc., as well as the status of the core and noncore budget, and including an overview of the staff and consultancy contracts;

Agenda item 7 Report of the Acting Secretary General Doc. SC52-04 Report of the Acting Secretary General

8. REQUESTS the Secretary General to develop a work plan based on these COP12 decisions to be submitted to the Standing Committee before the end of October 2015 and presented by the Secretary General at the 51st meeting of the Standing Committee for its consideration;

Agenda item 12 Secretariat work plans, item a.Work plan for the 2016-2018 triennium (Doc.SC52-07) and item b. Work plan for 2016 (Doc.SC52-08)

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Schedule of Standing Committee meetings Resolution XII.4 The responsibilities, roles and composition of the Standing

Committee […] 10. DECIDES that the 51st meeting of the Standing Committee is to be held

before the end of 2015 and REQUESTS that the Standing Committee develops a preliminary schedule for Standing Committee meetings for the coming triennium;

Completed. SC51 held 23-27 November 2015.

Delivery of scientific and technical advice and guidance Resolution XII.5 Proposed new framework for delivery of scientific and technical

advice and guidance on the Convention 17. FURTHER CONFIRMS that the Conference of Parties will approve the STRP

priority thematic work areas for each triennium, that the Standing Committee will continue to have overall responsibility for the delivery of this programme, and that the Chair of the STRP will report to each Standing Committee meeting on the Panel’s progress with tasks, and propose for the consideration of the Standing Committee any adjustments to the programme which the Panel considers necessary;

Management Working Group Agenda Item 14. Report of the Chair of the STRP including 14a. STRP work plan for 2016-2018 Doc.SC52-10 Report of the Chair of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) and amended draft STRP 2016-2018 work plan Management Working Group Agenda Item 14. Report of the Chair of the STRP including 14a. STRP work plan for 2016-2018 Doc.SC52-10

19. DECIDES to dissolve the STRP Oversight Committee and INSTRUCTS the Management Working Group of the Standing Committee to take over the role of the STRP Oversight Committee which was established in Resolution IX.11, and to oversee the work of the STRP as indicated in Annex 1 to this Resolution;

21. DECIDES that the Standing Committee at its 51st meeting will approve the STRP work programme for the coming triennium, built around the priority thematic work areas determined and approved by the Conference of the Parties, in line with the Strategic Plan 2016 – 2024;

27. APPROVES the list, in Annex 2 of this Resolution, of bodies and organizations which may be invited to participate as observers in the meetings and processes of the STRP and INSTRUCTS the Standing Committee to amend the list during the triennium as appropriate;

Ramsar Regional initiatives Resolution XII.8 Regional initiatives 2016-2018 in the framework of the Ramsar

Convention 9. INSTRUCTS the Standing Committee to undertake a review of the

Operational Guidelines for regional initiatives to support the implementation of the Convention, as adopted for 2013-2015 through Standing Committee Decision SC46-28 and published on the Ramsar website, taking into account issues, among others, of governance, capacity, fundraising, and programmatic approach in alignment with the Ramsar Strategic Plan, and adopt the necessary amendments no later than the 52nd meeting of the Standing Committee (SC52);

Meeting of the Working Group on the Ramsar Regional Initiatives Agenda Item 15. Ramsar Regional Initiatives 15 a. Report of the Working Group to review the current Operational Guidelines for Ramsar Regional Initiatives

10. APPROVES the validity and use of the Operational Guidelines for regional initiatives, as adopted for 2013-2015, for the period 2016-2018, until the amendments requested are adopted by the Standing Committee;

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12. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to continue to assess annually, based on the reports submitted, according to the format adopted through Standing Committee Decision SC41-21, the functioning of Ramsar regional initiatives in relation to the Operational Guidelines, the implementation of the Convention and the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024, seeking support from the CEPA Oversight Panel as required;

Doc.SC52-11 Update on Ramsar Regional Initiatives Agenda Item 15d. Consideration of new Regional Initiatives Doc.SC52-12 Proposals for new Ramsar Regional Initiatives

15. FURTHER DECIDES that the levels of financial support from the Convention core budget to individual regional initiatives for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 will be determined annually by the Standing Committee, based on the most recent reports and updated work plans to be submitted according to the required format and timetable, and informed by the specific recommendations made by the Subgroup on Finance;

24. INSTRUCTS the Standing Committee to prepare a summary of its annual assessments, which reviews the operations and success of the regional initiatives operating during the period 2016- 2018, for Contracting Parties’ consideration at the 13th meeting of the Conference of Contracting Parties;

CEPA Resolution XII.9 The Ramsar Convention’s Programme on communication,

capacity building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) 2016-2024

XII.9.11. REQUESTS the CEPA Oversight Panel to continue to monitor and report on CEPA issues at the national level within the Convention and the progress of implementation of the CEPA Programme as established by this Resolution, and to advise the Standing Committee and the Secretariat on the CEPA work priorities at the national and international levels;

Agenda item 20. CEPA and Secretariat Communications Agenda Item 20.a. Report of the CEPA Oversight Panel

XII.9.27. REQUESTS the Secretary General to report on the progress of improving the Ramsar website to the Standing Committee and to COP13;

Doc.SC52-04 Report of the Acting Secretary General Agenda item 12 Secretariat work plans, item a.Work plan for the 2016-2018 triennium (Doc.SC52-07) Agenda item 20.e. Update on the Ramsar web site and the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS) site

Resolution XII.3: Enhancing the languages of the Convention and its visibility and stature […]

XII.3.31. INSTRUCTS the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, with the assistance of Contracting Parties and Regional Centres and guided by the Management Working Group, to build up an online library of official and non-official government translated Ramsar documents to be publicly accessible, and report the status of progress to COP13, and REQUESTS Parties to provide such documents to the Secretariat;


XII.4.7. REQUESTS the Standing Committee to focus on the decisions of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties and all preceding COP decisions by: f. Guiding the Secretariat’s efforts in improving the Ramsar website and

related services and the use of the RSIS database; XII.9.9. REQUESTS the Standing Committee at its 51st Meeting to establish a

mechanism of the Contracting Parties and the Secretariat which will guide the communication activities of the Secretariat, including setting priorities and guiding the design of the Secretariat’s CEPA Action Plan, monitor the effectiveness of the Plan, and report to the Management Working Group at each of its meetings, and FURTHER REQUESTS that the resulting mechanism work to develop with advice of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) a new approach for advising and supporting CEPA in the Convention to be submitted to the 13th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP13).

Report to the Management Working Group of the Working Group on CEPA Implementation Agenda item 20.b. Revised CEPA Action Plan for the Ramsar Secretariat 2016-2018

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Standing Committee Decision SC50-8: The Standing Committee agreed the establishment of a working group to oversee the implementation of CEPA and a working group to improve existing management instruments between IUCN, the Standing Committee and the Secretary General.

Meeting of the Working Group on CEPA Implementation

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SC52-Inf.Doc.04

Ramsar Regional Initiatives: An assessment of their achievements

by 2015 1. COP12 requested the Ramsar Convention Secretariat (through Resolution XII.8.21): “i) to assess

the achievements of regional initiatives in delivering technical, administrative and collaborative benefits to the Parties in their regions, as well as their effectiveness and efficiency, ii) to analyse weaknesses, strengths and difficulties of regional initiative implementation and management, and iii) to formulate recommendations for improving the Operational Guidelines for regional initiatives to support the implementation of the Convention;”.

2. The Secretariat therefore asked the 15 Regional Initiatives that were endorsed by Standing

Committee as operating under the Convention during the triennium 2013-2015 to fill in a questionnaire. The responses received enabled the compilation of up-to-date information and the establishment of a baseline for the assessment of the achievements of the RRIs and their compliance with the existing Operational Guidelines. A draft of this assessment was submitted for comments to the leaders of the Regional Initiatives (during a workshop on 22 November 2015) and to all Parties (by correspondence in December 2015). Comments received are included in this revised version. The remainder of this document lists brief summaries of the responses submitted by the Initiatives. Standardized short answers provided below allow the reader to compare differences between the Initiatives and to see where responses are similar. The comments added by the Secretariat make reference to the existing Operational Guidelines 2013-2015, aiming to develop common ways forward to support Ramsar Regional Initiatives for the increased implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

3. This report follows the structure of the questionnaire and its numbering. The individual

initiatives are identified with one-letter codes: A Ramsar Centre for Eastern Africa (RAMCEA) in Kampala B Regional Ramsar Centre for Central and West Asia (RRC-CWA) in Teheran C C Ramsar Regional Centre for East Asia (RRC-EA) in Changwon R Regional Ramsar Centre for Wetland Training and Research in the Western Hemisphere

(CREHO) D West African Coastal Zone Wetlands Network (WaCoWet) E Ramsar Network for the Niger River Basin (NigerWet) F Regional Strategy for High Andean Wetlands G Strategy for Wetlands in the La Plata River Basin H Caribbean Wetlands Regional Initiative (CariWet) J Conservation and Wise Use of [American] Mangroves and Coral Reefs K East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) L Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet) M Carpathian Wetland Initiative (CWI) N Nordic-Baltic Wetlands Initiative (NorBalWet) P Black and Azov Sea Coastal Wetlands (BlackSeaWet)

Major achievements of Ramsar Regional Initiatives 4. The leaders of the Ramsar Regional Initiatives were asked to list up to three major successes (and their outcomes). This was intended to clarify the major

contributions the Regional Initiatives make to the implementation of the Ramsar Convention. Below is a summary of their answers. The initiatives A, B, C and R concern regional centres for training and capacity building. Thus, training programmes figure prominently among their major achievements, while the initiatives D-P concern regional networks for cooperation that do not necessarily focus predominantly on training:

A elaboration of a strategic framework, establishment of a Secretariat, logo and website, assessment of capacity needs and training of 19 wetland

managers from 4 countries

B development of a regional training programme, promoting wetlands wise use through research and management, raising awareness about the Convention among non-Parties

C training of wetland managers, creating a network of national CEPA and STRP focal points, establishment of a grant programme for wetland conservation

R training of wetland managers, training of trainers, promotion of scientific and technical cooperation and know-how transfer

D elaboration of a governance and cooperation structure, elaboration of operational procedures, rules and communication tools, capacity development and fundraising plans

E elaboration of operational procedures, capacity development and fundraising plans, preparation of a wetland atlas for the river basin

F publication of a regional wetland strategy and action plan to 2020, establishment of the structures of the initiative as a cooperation mechanism in all countries and at international level, strengthening of wetland management at regional level, based on regular meetings and established structures

G elaboration of a three-year work plan and its financial needs, elaboration of operational and governance procedures, establishment of a logo for the initiative and preparation of its communication plan

H consolidation of the governance mechanism, preparation of an action plan and financial strategy to increase national capacities, providing support to non-Parties for their accession to the Convention

J elaboration of a strategy and three-year work and finance plan, establishment of a governance structure and communication tools, exchange of national information and know-how to strengthen implementation capacities

K building a flyway partnership among 34 government agencies, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, establishment of working groups addressing issues of particular concern, signing a hosting agreement for the secretariat since 2009

L major symposium at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the initiative, relocation of the Secretariat with financial support for three years after a period of uncertainty, relaunch of the communication and outreach programme

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M signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Ramsar and Carpathian Conventions to coordinate and support the activities of the initiative, execution of several projects with partners for wetland management, inventory, transboundary cooperation and other subjects, holding of several workshops, seminars and training sessions, including the establishment of an information and training centre

N preparation and successful adoption of the Ramsar Resolution XII.11 on peatlands and climate change regulation, preparation of an assessment report and a policy brief (adopted by the relevant Ministers) on the same issue, successful execution of a regional CEPA project

P commitment of the national partners in 6 out of 7 countries in the region to work in cooperation, elaboration of a governance and operational structure, website and logo, and holding of four meetings of the management body of the initiative

Secretariat comment: 5. A conclusion that can be drawn from these responses is that it was worthwhile for the RRIs to take time to establish sound operational, administrative

and governance procedures, to elaborate strategies and action plans, to build strong working relations with partners, donors, and other stakeholders, and to create their own identity, communications and outreach plans and tools (such as logos, websites, etc.). Some significant outcomes have been achieved. A strong institutional base which enables the RRIs to execute targeted programmes, projects and activities in a professional way, with sufficient funding, is an important prerequisite to increase Ramsar implementation in their respective regions and countries, and beyond.

Greatest difficulties of Ramsar Regional Initiatives 6. These are the short answers by the initiatives’ leaders when asked to list the three most difficult problems they have experienced:

A lack of a legal status, mobilising adequate financial resources, slow engagement by countries

B lack of a legal status, obtaining financial resources, respect of agreed governance procedures by host country

C lack of a legal status, lack of human resources, limited support from the Ramsar Secretariat

R limited financial resources, absence of acknowledgement that the centre is available for training activities covering the entire region

D lack of financial resources, weak engagement by countries, little progress with adherence to the Strategic Plan

E weak financial support, weak engagement of countries, weak engagement of the relevant river basin organisation

F lack of financial resources, frequent change of national focal points slows down progress with work

G lack of awareness and knowledge at national level, lack of financial resources, frequent change of national focal points

H lack of financial resources, lack of coordination with other regional Conventions, lack of communication, also due to a language barrier

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J lack of financial resources, difficulty to have an impact on the conservation of Ramsar Sites, weak engagement by countries

K change of national focal points, weak commitment of countries at higher political levels, development pressures on wetlands

L inability to build upon the momentum created by the major anniversary symposium, weak legal status, lack of commitment by countries

M lack of national financial resources, change of national focal points, lack of legal status is difficult for project preparation and funding

N lack of involvement by one country, lack of time and resources at national level, lack of financial resources

P lack of involvement by one country, lack of financial resources Secretariat comments: 7. All regional centres (A,B,C,R) consider the lack of a legal status, with sufficient independence from a host institution, as a major problem for their

operations. The lack of a legal status can also be an obstacle for RRIs seeking to raise funding. Obtaining sufficient funding is considered to be difficult and a challenge.

8. Several RRIs deplore the absence of sufficient engagement and support by all the countries concerned. This is a disturbing situation, as these regional

initiatives were not externally imposed, but created locally by the countries in the region to address local needs, and to provide solutions for problems identified locally as a priority within the regional context. The maintenance of the work programme and the outreach of RRIs often depend on a few individuals only. In many cases they do not benefit from a sufficient institutional or financial set-up, as stipulated in the Operational Guidelines.

9. The Ramsar national focal points in the Ministries are supposed to work together through a regional initiative, but often have little time to do so and the

individuals concerned change frequently. This slows down progress in the work of the initiative, hampers their wider acceptance and visibility in the region concerned, and creates difficulties in raising substantial governmental support. The added value of regional cooperation among countries, in synergy with regional partner organisations, and in a complementary way to the work of the Ramsar Secretariat, is in many cases not yet sufficiently analysed, recognized, and communicated.

Priorities for 2016 listed by the Regional Initiatives 10. Asked to list their three main targets for 2016, the leaders of the Regional Initiatives provided these answers:

A conduct training for national Ramsar committees and site managers, conduct a regional wetland assessment, commission particular countries to spearhead specific result areas

B provide flyway-related training and capacity building, promote wetland wise us through research and management, explore funding opportunities

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C provide training programmes for local stakeholders, improve cooperation among wetland centres, develop Ramsar Site management tools

R launch capacity building programme, coordinate regional communications programme, identify and strengthen links with community-based organisations

D obtain funds, develop and adopt a strategic plan for the initiative, develop specific projects and a website

E increase capacities of the national focal points, establish better the secretariat and its outreach capacity, work with partners in the region to raise funds and work on transboundary wetlands

F raise funds for the implementation of the regional strategy, consolidate the regional project for submission to GEF6, guarantee that the action plan will be in line with the new Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024

G provide workshops for capacity building at national level, sign cooperation agreements with regional organisations and donors in view of support to the regional project, progress with the regional wetland inventory

H finalize a regional project and its submission to a donor, support accession to the Convention by non-Parties, strengthen the mutual agreements among the members of the initiative

J obtain long-term financial sustainability for the initiative, identify local projects for inclusion into the regional project, involve private sector to adopt better practices to avoid further wetland degradation

K conduct an independent evaluation of the initiative, develop and implement a sustainable financing strategy, develop an action plan for intertidal areas

L members to adopt an ambitious framework for action 2016-2030, identify partners to develop concrete projects for submission to donors

M update the regional strategy in accordance with Ramsar’s Strategic Plan 2016-2024, improve wetland knowledge and the understanding of priorities for restoration, training, education and awareness building in view of a CEPA plan development

N finalise ongoing projects, develop new projects on ecosystem services, prepare financial support

P elaborate a regional project proposal, explore ways of obtaining a legal status Secretariat comment: 11. All Regional Initiatives provide clear priorities for their work during the coming year. Further comparisons of the workplans may provide insights to

identify and analyse possible gaps or weaknesses in the action plans or forward strategies of individual RRIs. At this stage, the assessment is intended to provide basic information to compare one’s own initiative with the achievements, challenges and objectives of others. Such comparison with the experiences of sister initiatives, may lead to adaptations in work programmes and attitudes and become beneficial for the outcomes of all initiatives. The leaders may also identify possible areas for cooperation between different initiatives and synergies to be created through exchange of tools, materials and know-how, and support by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

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Lessons learnt by Ramsar Regional Initiatives 12. Asked to list the three most relevant lessons learned through regional cooperation, the leaders of the Regional Initiatives responded thus:

A regional initiatives need to be based upon real needs and to address identified gaps, all key partners need to be consulted and their commitment be secured, leadership is critical to maintain continued interest and contributions by all partners who need to bring in their own strengths

B workshops for national CEPA focal points can develop more effective procedures, sharing case studies and experience at workshops help capacity development at national level, translation of Ramsar documents into Arabic and Russian is effective to raise understanding and involvement

C regional centres should have a legal status, independent governing structure and funding plan before starting to operate, communication with the Ramsar national focal points in the region and the Ramsar Secretariat is important

R Ramsar national focal points need to be closer involved in the activities of the centre, stronger Secretariat support is needed, better alignment with Strategic Plan and synergies with regional projects

D it is necessary to contact the Ministers in the countries concerned directly

E regional initiatives facilitate integration and coordinated management of resources shared between different countries, our programme needs to focus on integrated water resources management, climate change, and wetland restoration

F regional meetings are essential to identify issues of common interest, developing a common vision is difficult but fundamental to create compromises and political will among the countries, this will lead to necessary formal engagements (regarding financial, human and other resources)

G progress was achieved with the integrated approach for the wise use of the river basin, communication between the initiative, the national focal points and the Secretariat was improved, and the need to act in synergy with other programmes active in the region was recognized

H regional cooperation provides better results, mobilises more funds and requires support from all members, different languages used in different countries need to be overcome, small island states in the region can profit from the initiative, synergies through working with other partners need to be created, also to avoid duplicated efforts

J leading a regional initiative requires time and dynamic leadership, the potential for international/regional cooperation is important, given the similar ecosystems and their similar threats faced, the involvement of other actors and partners will multiply synergies and help to avoid duplication of efforts

K a broad and diverse membership is important to promote international activities and to build national constituencies, it is necessary to build national partnerships, CEPA and especially communication are important

L the leadership needs to be constantly pro-active re the member countries and to maintain an active presence with partners, it needs to resolve the legal status of the initiative, and the need to establish a strong synergy with the Ramsar Secretariat

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M demonstrated beneficial effects of cooperation between two international conventions, the transfer of wetland policies and the development of transborder cooperation

N it is important to focus on specific projects and targets and to assess the strengths of our initiative and region, active leadership by specific countries is crucial, good networking skills are needed, especially for the leader of the initiative

P cooperation needs to be enlarged to include other regional organisations 13. Following these four broad questions, the questionnaire focused on more specific and measurable indicators relating to the Operational Guidelines 2013-

2015. Contracting Parties and other partners involved in Ramsar Regional Initiatives 14. This chapter tries to analyse the extent of participation and of appropriation (“buy-in”) of the regional cooperation mechanism by its members. Primarily

the Ramsar Administrative Authorities and National Focal Points, but hopefully not limited to them, and including all other relevant stakeholders. The table below provides a numerical summary of the responses provided to questions 7 to 11 in the questionnaire. The term “countries” refers to Ramsar Contracting Parties and non-Parties. Other partners refer to Ramsar’s International Organisation Partners (IOPs) and intergovernmental, non-governmental, civil society, scientific and other relevant organisations actively involved in the work programme of the initiatives.

Countries and Partners involved A B C R D E F G H J K L M N P 7.1 number of countries involved 5 19 17 30 13 9 8 5 17 14 17 27 7 10 6 7.2 number of representatives from other Ministries involved 4 - - 2 - - - yes - - - - 2 - - 7.3 STRP, CEPA focal points and other wetland experts involved 1 - - 15 - - - yes - yes yes - 3 yes - 7.4 NGOs, CSOs and other organisations involved 8 - - 17 - 2 7 yes 7 10 10 2 6 - yes 7.5 business/private sector partners involved - - - 2 - - 1 - - - 1 - - - - 7.6 other partners involved 3 - - 2 - - - - - - 5 3 - yes - 8. active cooperation with national or regional institutions 8 6 6 8+ 4 3 7 1 5+ yes 1 1 8+ yes - 9. cooperation with stakeholders in different sectors 10 - - 15 - - 11 12 8 12+ - 1 10 - - 10. number of Strategic Plan tasks implemented 3 1 - yes 3 3 5 3 9 13+ - - 17 2 4 11. number of Ramsar tools used 18+ yes - 6+ 17+ 9 28+ 10+ 17 16 - - 48+ 5 7

Secretariat analysis: 15. Question 7.1 lists the number of participating countries in each Ramsar Regional Initiative. For the four centres (A, B,C, R) this is the number of countries

geographically covered by the target region, while the number of countries that benefitted from training and capacity building programmes was so far

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substantially less, in particular for the initiatives B, C and R. 16. Question 7.2 shows that very few initiatives include representatives from other Ministries than the one responsible for Ramsar implementation, despite

the request of Operational Guideline 20 that “Each Initiative should entail the participation, from the start, not only of the Administrative Authorities responsible for the application of the Convention in the Contracting Parties involved, but also of all other relevant stakeholders with an interest in and directly or indirectly responsible for wetland issues, including the ministries responsible for environment and water issues, intergovernmental bodies, Ramsar IOPs, other NGOs, academia, local communities, and economic actors.”

17. Question 7.3 shows a similar gap concerning the requests of Operational Guideline 26 that “Regional Initiatives need to support the further

development of the Convention’s Scientific and Technical Revie Panel (STRP) through cooperation with STRP national focal points in the region, STRP members and experts, and through synergies to be established at all possible levels of the activities undertaken by Regional Initiatives.” and of Operational Guideline 25 requesting that “Regional Initiatives need to raise the visibility of the Ramsar Convention and the general awareness of Ramsar objectives. Specific activities in the fields of communication, education and participatory process with relevant stakeholders should be included in their work plans. The outcomes of such activities should be communicated to the Secretariat for use by the Ramsar CEPA Oversight Panel.”

18. Question 7.4 and 7.6 show that the involvement of other organisations and partners is more widespread, according to what is stipulated in Operational

Guideline 20. 19. Question 7.5 shows that the involvement of private (business) sector partners is not yet much advanced and concerns so far only two mining companies. 20. While the questions 7.1-7.6 refer to “active members” participating in the initiatives, question 8 refers to outside partners working together with the

initiatives, mainly in the framework of specific projects. The answers show that such project-based partnerships are well established across the Regional Initiatives, although there remain exceptions.

21. Question 9 asks to list stakeholders from other sectors, such as water, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, urban/municipal/local authorities, energy,

culture, and others that work together with the initiative (often in the framework of specific projects). About half of the Regional Initiatives undertake such inter-sectoral work, as requested by Operational Guideline 20 (cf. above). The others have not reached this stage yet.

22. Question 10 shows that a majority of the Regional Initiatives have listed tasks of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2009-2015, towards the implementation of

which they contributed, in line with the request of Operational Guideline 24 that “The strategic and operational targets of a Regional Initiative should be fully aligned with the Strategic Plan of the Convention by means of policy and site technical work and activities.”

23. Question 11 indicates that the use of specific Ramsar tools is widespread among the initiatives, however with a few notable exceptions.

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Governance mechanisms of Ramsar Regional Initiatives 24. Operational Guideline 14 requests that “Regional Initiatives need to become firmly established in their geographical region. They must establish their

own governance and advisory mechanisms approved by the administration involved from the Contracting Parties as well as other stakeholders, in order to provide coordination, guidance and insight.” The answers to questions 12-16 summarized in the table below provide the baseline data to check to which degree this is a fact:

Governance A B C R D E F G H J K L M N P 12 governing body yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes 13 number of governing body meetings per triennium 3 3 1 6 ? 1 3 3 3 3 1-2 3 3 6 1-3 14 Ramsar Secretariat participates in governing body yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes 15 governing body has written ToR, RoP and meeting minutes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes 16 political, technical, financial support from Parties yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Secretariat analysis: 25. Question 12 shows that all initiativeshave established a governing body. 26. 13 these bodies meet at regular intervals at least annually, with a few exceptions of bodies who do not meet regularly on one hand, and two bodies that

meet at least twice a year, also through teleconferences, on the other hand. 27. 14 where such bodies meet, the Ramsar Secretariat participates and “maintains regular links with the Regional Initiatives and provides advice so that

global Ramsar guidelines are applied throughout the different regions, and so that the strategic and operational targets of Regional Initiatives are aligned with the Convention’s Strategic Plan” as requested by Operational Guideline 9.

28. 15 with the exception of one, the governing bodies have written terms of references or rules of procedures and produce meeting minutes for members

and partners. 29. The responses to question 16 show that the existence of a governing body, and transparent rules for its procedures, are necessary to obtain support

(political, technical and financial) from the participating Contracting Parties.

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Funding of Ramsar Regional Initiatives 30. Questions 16-19 are not intended to provide a detailed financial analysis of the operations of the Ramsar Regional Initiatives, but to show how the

requests of Operational Guideline 29 that “The launching of a Regional Initiative needs to rely upon secured funding for planned work, activities and projects” and of Operational Guideline 32 that “Regional Initiatives need to generate their own resources and become financially self-sufficient after an initial start-up phase and in the long term.” are implemented:

Funding A B C R D E F G H J K L M N P 16.1 number of regular donors 3 - 2 3 1 10 10 1 4+ 1 3 27 2 - 1 16.2 number of occasional donors 2 2 - 3 - - yes - - 5 3 2 13 - - 16.3 number of projects providing funds 1 - - 3 - - yes - - - 4+ 2 5+ 1 - 17. number of years with Ramsar core budget funding support 6 5 - 7 6 3 4 5 7 6 - 6 7 - 3 18. own bank account, accounting and financial reporting yes no no yes no no no no no no yes yes yes no yes 19. budget for 2015 in ‘000 CHF (0.9 EUR/CHF, 1 USD/CHF) 215 - 400 274 77 42 60 18 18 20 450 380 64 - 44 19.1 major expenditures a=staff/consultants, b=meetings/travel,

c=communications, d=on-site work d,b,a - a,b a,c b,c d,c b b b b a a d a b

Secretariat analysis: 31. Question 16.1-3 the situation differs much between the initiatives and indicates that a single financial model does not necessarily fit all of them. Some

initiatives are producing tangible results by executing only one common project with hardly any overhead costs, while others have a multitude of regular and occasional donors, including specific annual contributions by their member countries, based on the UN model used by the Ramsar Convention. 17 however, creating and maintaining in the long term a sufficient regular income, beyond specific project support, is a challenge for most of them, notably for those who received start-up funding from the Ramsar core budget during two successive periods between two Conferences of the Parties (COPs), in accordance with the procedures detailed in Operational Guidelines 30, 31 and 35.

32. Question 18 shows that many initiatives depend on the Ramsar Secretariat performing their financial management, accounting and reporting. The

proposed Operational Guidelines 2016-2024 stipulate that Regional Initiatives will have their own financial accounting and reporting system, supervised by their governance body, in order to be able to operate, to receive funds, and to conduct specific projects.

33. Question 19 experiences gained through the operation of regional initiatives show that the supervisory role of their governing bodies is particularly

important where an initiative remunerates dedicated staff or consultants contracted for specific tasks.

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Legal status of Ramsar Regional Initiatives 34. Ramsar’s Regional Initiatives are endorsed as operating under the Convention for each triennium between two Conferences of the Parties, through a

Standing Committee decision (the latest one concerned the triennium 2013-2015, i.e. DEC. SC47-26). Besides this recognition of being an operational mechanism of the Convention, regional initiatives do not have any particular status.

Legal status A B C R D E F G H J K L M N P 20. initiative has its own legal status no no no yes no no no no no no yes yes no no no 21.1 initiative has a host institution yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no no - - yes yes yes 21.2 initiative is sufficiently independent from host institution yes no no - - - - - - - - - yes - - 22. initiative seeks to obtain its own legal status yes no yes - - yes no no no no - yes yes - yes

Secretariat analysis: 35. Question 20 shows that one Regional Ramsar Centre isrecognized as an international institution by its host country since March 2015, and that the

professional secretariats of two Regional Initiatives have a legal status (either business or non-profit). One of them aims to change this status from a national non-governmental association to the status of a legally recognized international inter-governmental organization. 22 others are aiming for the same result, anticipating that this would ease their operations, recognition and support by governmental agencies. It is suggested to share experiences with these ongoing and future efforts among all initiatives as soon as available, in order to identify ways how to possibly obtain an international legal status.

36. Question 22.1 shows which initiatives are hosted by a national institution. The relationship between a Regional Initiative and its possible hosting

institution is addressed through Operational Guideline 15 stating that “In order to establish a coordination body or mechanism, key support from a host country, an International Organization Partner (IOP) of the Convention, or a host intergovernmental organization is essential. However, when established, the coordination body needs to be able to operate independently and be responsible through its work and reporting to all members that constitute a Regional Initiative (Contracting Parties and other members), not only to the host country or body.” and through Operational Guideline 28 stipulating that “Substantial support from a host country is especially important if a coordinating office is to be established. This would need a hosting agreement to be signed, in order to provide sufficient independence of operation to the Regional Initiative in terms of staffing, accounting, and fundraising.” 21.2 two initiatives report that they are currently not sufficiently independent from their host institution. For others, such conflicts seem not to have arisen yet. If asked to do so, the Ramsar Secretariat is willing to assist regional initiatives with the preparation of hosting agreements.

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Developing the capacity of Ramsar Regional Initiatives 37. Questions 23-26 provide some indicators about progress with capacity development by the initiatives:

Capacity development A B C R D E F G H J K L M N P 23. initiative has its logo, website and promotional material yes only

logo yes yes only

logo no only

logo only logo

only logo

yes yes yes yes yes yes

24. initiative has a development plan yes no no yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no 25. the development plan covers a period until year 2020 - - 2017 - - 2020 2018 2017 2021 2016 2030 2014 - - 26. number of dedicated staff working for the initiative 3.5 - 2 4+ 1 4 - - 1 - 6+ 3.5 1.5+ - 2.5

Secretariat analysis: 38. Question 23 while all Ramsar Regional Initiatives have created their own logo (see http://www.ramsar.org/activity/ramsar-regional-initiatives), only some

of them have established a website and maintain it up-to-date with information about their operations, structure, members, results and future plans.

39. Operational Guideline 3 states that “Regional Initiatives are intended to provide lasting structural and operational support to facilitating and improving the implementation of the Ramsar Convention.” One may deduct from this rule that Regional Initiatives should develop a forward or development plan, an operational strategy or a similar guidance document. 24-25 show that a significant number of them have done so and have currently valid plans, or intend to renew expiring plans in the near future.

40. Question 26 shows that a substantial number of initiatives can count on the work of dedicated staff, either hired specifically or seconded by a public institution. For initiatives without dedicated staff, it is normally the Ramsar National Focal Points who assure such tasks beyond their other professional duties. This rapidly imposes limits to what a given initiative can undertake, given the little time Ramsar National Focal Points can free for Regional Initiatives.

Conclusions

41. This factual overview and analysis of the achievements and operations of the current Ramsar Regional Initiatives is intended to provide Parties and the leaders of Regional Initiativeswith background information and insights that are useful for the further development of the initiatives.

42. The assessment will serve as a resource document for the newly established Working Group (Standing Committee Decision SC51-11)-to examine the

implications of the proposed new Operational Guidelines for Regional Initiatives.

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http://www.ramsar.org/activity/ramsar-regional-initiatives


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Update on a common communications strategy for Ramsar Regional

Initiatives Background 1. Standing Committee instructed the Secretariat in late 2015 to further develop the common

communications strategy for Ramsar Regional Initiatives, taking into account the comments made at the meeting (Decision SC51-12).

2. This builds on the requirement in paragraph 25 of the Regional Initiatives Operational Guidelines 2013-2015: “Regional Initiatives need to raise the visibility of the Ramsar Convention and the general awareness of Ramsar objectives. Specific activities in the fields of communication, education and participatory processes with relevant stakeholders should be included in their work plans. The outcomes of such activities should be communicated to the Secretariat for use by the Ramsar CEPA Oversight Panel.”

3. Information on the communications activities of the different Regional Initiatives was collected with the help of questionnaires. From this analysis, it follows that there is currently a significant variation in the approach to branding and communications across the Regional Initiatives.This is summarized at Tables 1 and 2.

Table 1: Communications activities of Ramsar Regional Centres

Ramsar Regional Centre Logo Website Social media Eastern Africa (RAMCEA) yes yes FB; Tw; LI; g+ Eastern Asia (RRC-EA) yes no - Central and Western Asia (RRC-CWA) no yes - Western Hemisphere (CREHO) yes yes -

Table 2: Communications activities of Ramsar Regional Initiatives

Ramsar Regional Initiative Logo Website Newsletter Social media BlackSea Wet yes yes - - CARIWET yes pdf sheet - - CWI yes yes - - Initiative for Plata River Basin yes pdf sheet - - NigerWet yes no - - NorBalWet yes yes yes - MedWet yes yes yes FB, Tw, RSS HAW yes pdf sheet - - Mangroves & Coral Reefs yes pdf sheet - - EAAF yes yes yes FB Tw YT RSS Flk Wei WACOWet yes - - -

4. The logos and links to the individual websites are available on the Ramsar website at: http://www.ramsar.org/activity/ramsar-regional-initiatives

5. At the first workshop for the leaders of the Ramsar Regional Initiatives on 22 November 2015,

an initial discussion was held which included conversations on two communications areas: - Increased collaboration and information sharing - Development of a proposed communications strategy to publicize the work of the RIs

6. Two questions went into the four group discussions:

- How can Regional Initiatives have more prominence/ visibility within the Ramsar Convention?

- Should we be trying to create a Ramsar RI family feel? And if so what elements might we consider bringing into the mix? For example should we agree a set of minimum branding standards; Logos on websites?

7. Following on from the meeting, a more detailed questionnaire listing 32 communications

related areas were distributed to the leaders of the Regional Initiatives , and the suggestions proposed below represent a summary of the responses and proposals for future collaborative work areas.

Branding

8. The current diversity amongst the RIs and their relationship to the Ramsar brand was seen to

potentially weaken the RIs position: “In some cases how can the public know that they are initiatives in the framework of the Convention?” “It should be identified as Ramsar Initiatives.”

9. While there was a desire to retain the separation of the individual RRIs through their own

specific logo and brand identity, overall there was strong commitment to the idea of having a Ramsar “family feel”, with agreed parameters for mutual branding on websites and other communications tools. There was a positive response to the proposal of minimum branding standards such as the Ramsar logo appearing alongside the RI/RC logo.

10. This was seen as a useful means of providing additional visibility to potential donors.

11. This mirrors the requirements within para 7 of the Operational Guidelines which details “the

adoption of a specific logo, to be used in combination with the Ramsar logo, and the establishment and regular updating of a specific website”.

CEPA Strategy 12. Resolution XII.9 para. 13 instructs the Secretariat to provide relevant information to the

Regional Initiatives on priorities and activities, to support delivery of the CEPA Programme.

13. The RIs can play a hugely significant role within a global Ramsar communications strategy and should be included as a very specific communications channel and tool.

14. The potential role of the RIs to work more closely with the CEPA NFPs to help draft CEPA Action

Plans would be very interesting to explore. In addition the RIs could play a central role in the organisation of CEPA FP workshops, liaising between the CPs and Secretariat in their respective regions.

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http://www.ramsar.org/activity/ramsar-regional-initiatives

15. Co-ordinating the existing capacity building activities within the RIs/Secretariat to avoid duplication and ensure content cohesion.

Ramsar website 16. The Ramsar Secretariat could include a concept for website pages for each Ramsar Regional

Initiative in further website developments. 17. In addition a Factsheet on each of the Initiatives, made available as a downloadable pdf could

be considered, potentially even for inclusion within the Ramsar Information Pack. 18. The components of the website content could be revisited: for example a map with highlighted

countries where a relevant Initiative operates, introduction text, description of Initiative’s operations & activities, calendar of activities, contact details, Initiative’s logo, links to key documents ( e.g. action plans), link to Initiative’s website (for those who have websites), photos of the Centre.

RIs Network 19. There is a desire to increase information exchange not only between the RIs and the

Secretariat, but between the RIs themselves. This might take the form of a virtual network within the RIs page of the Ramsar website (similar to the STRP workspace for example).

20. The development of a specific RIs contact database is one of the elements that could be

included within the Ramsar database proposal, providing an easily accessible up to date drop down menu allowing fast and efficiently communications.

Communications Packs 21. The Secretariat should distribute the latest materials directly to the RIs through the network

including details of upcoming annual priorities to allow for synergy building. And similarly the RIs could feedback to the Secretariat how the materials are being used, what’s working and input into future plans.

Newsletter 22. Ramsar could include a specific section within the Ramsar newsletter covering the latest

updates from the RIs and vice versa. WWD Activities 23. Ensure that RIs are at the forefront of material generation (particularly social media pack,

hashtags) to enable them to outreach the largest possible stakeholder group and engage more closely with the NFPS. The RIs could use this to promote specific sites and activities.

24. In turn the Secretariat could showcase and promote RI WWD activities within both the RI web

pages within the Ramsar site and on the WWD site. Press & Media Support

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25. The Secretariat could send out a monthly “call for news” to the RI community platform that could then be included within the main Ramsar website news feed, and within the quarterly Ramsar newsletter.

26. The Secretariat could send key press releases in three languages to the RIs for distribution

through their channels and vice versa, using shared media lists such as the Meltwater press distribution channels.

STRP Related Material 27. The Operational Guidelines state that: “the operation of a Regional Initiative should be focused

upon making optimal use of the Ramsar tools (frameworks, guidelines, guidance, methodologies etc) published in the Ramsar Handbooks, Technical Reports and Briefing Note series.” Understanding how the RIs use these materials is critical to developing plans for closer communication links.

28. Feedback on the different types of materials was as follows:

- Fact Sheets: RIs considered these to be one of the most useful of the communications materials produced by the Secretariat. There is potential for future collaboration on the topics covered potentially looking at a regional focus when necessary.

- Briefing Notes: seen as useful, ensure distribution through joint channels - Technical Report: too scientific and rarely used - Handbooks: useful as training tools but request for them to be repackaged in easier

modules Education Materials 29. The RIs perceive a gap in education materials for schools and this might be an area worth

exploring further as a CEPA activity. Training 30. There is the potential to utilise the RI workspace mentioned previously to share training

materials within the RI network. For example preparing and promoting webinars in conjunction with the Secretariat and STRP covering themes ranging from the approved STRP work plan to specific concerns within the regions.

31. The RIs could play a large role in helping the Secretariat to develop a central depository for all

educational material including all the latest training courses and capacity building workshops. In addition collaboration on the hosting and content of webinars feeding into the overall Ramsar and RI strategy could broaden outreach.

Events 32. The Secretariat could convene and promote specific side events at COP to support the RIs.

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The Ramsar Culture Network and its contribution to the implementation of

the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 Summary 1. This Information Document updates previous reports to the Standing Committee on the

culture-related work of the Convention (Documents SC35-5, SC36-5, SC46-10 and SC47-20), and describes in particular the relationship between activities of the Ramsar Culture Network and the goals adopted in the Ramsar 4th Strategic Plan. It provides a summary of a more detailed table on the Ramsar website which shows how the culture-related activities being undertaken between 2015 and 2018 contribute to the implementation of the targets in the Plan. This is set in a context of the development of this area of work in recent years.

2. Ramsar’s current activities related to the cultural aspects of wetlands are developed, guided,

coordinated and partly executed by a three-person team, with the support of a small number of working groups being established within the volunteer Ramsar Culture Network (RCN). A project to undertake “rapid cultural inventories for wetlands” will feature prominently in the RCN’s work in the coming year, and attention will be given to issues including wetland livelihoods, cultural ecosystem services, intangible heritage, youth engagement, sacred natural sites and gender equality. Strategic partnerships, notably with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, are an important part of the overall approach.

3. For a three-year period (March 2015-March 2018), specific funds are being provided by the MAVA Foundation for the implementation of the activities listed in the Annex to this Document. This funding however covers only 42% of the costs of the agreed activities, and it will need to be supplemented rapidly by additional resources.

Culture in the Ramsar Convention 4. The preamble to the Convention noted over 45 years ago that “wetlands constitute a resource

of great economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value”. Although the principle of integrating culture has therefore always been a part of the Convention, and these aspects of value are all closely intertwined, less attention was paid to the cultural aspect in the early years.

5. Efforts to formalize and more explicitly incorporate cultural aspects in the Convention’s work did not begin in earnest until the late 1990s. The Contracting Parties adopted Resolution VIII.19 Guiding principles for taking into account the cultural values of wetlands for the effective management of sites in 2002 and Resolution IX.21 Taking into account the cultural values of wetlands in 2005.

6. Definitions of “culture” vary according to the context. For Ramsar purposes it is interpreted as a property of human groups or societies which expresses aspects of their identity, shared values, attitudes, beliefs, knowledge systems, creativity and other practices. It conditions the ways in

which people interact with each other and with their environment. Culture can be exhibited in both material and non-material ways, and it is constantly evolving.

7. Material examples would include protection and management of wetland habitats in ways designed to maintain a particular human social structure or uphold faith-based principles; use of wetland products for purposes that maintain cultural identities and represent place-specific skills; and heritage values associated with the co-evolution of particular societies and the ecosystems with which they have interacted. Non-material examples would include sense of belonging; sense of continuity; aesthetic inspirations; and ecological ethics.

8. Culture in many of these forms contributes directly to the maintenance of wetlands. It also represents a set of benefits provided by wetlands to people; and this is recognized in the concept of cultural ecosystem services, which can be either tangible or intangible. The Ramsar Convention has in turn formally incorporated cultural ecosystem services within its definition of wetland ecological character1, and Parties commit to maintaining this character (and hence the relevant cultural services) as part of their obligation to promote the wise use of wetlands2.

9. There are close relationships between the integrity of the functioning of water environments and the cohesion of human societies. Understanding key aspects of this, such as the specific roles of women or religious leaders in the wise use of water resources, is fundamental to achieving the Convention’s mission of contributing to sustainable development throughout the world. In this respect Ramsar’s strategy and its Resolutions on culture also support other intergovernmentally agreed aims, such as the reference in the Aichi Biodiversity Targets to “taking account of the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, the poor and vulnerable”; and the references in the UN Sustainable Development Goals to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

10. Ramsar’s Programme on communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) has some connections with the Convention’s agenda on culture, but these are two distinctly defined and managed areas of activity.

The Ramsar Culture Network 11. The Contracting Parties in Resolution IX.21 (2005) requested the establishment of a “multi-

disciplinary working group on the cultural values of wetlands, with a balanced geographic representation, under the supervision of Standing Committee, [and] appropriate input from the STRP”. The Culture Working Group was duly created that same year, and the continuation of its work was endorsed by the Standing Committee at its 46th meeting in 2013 (Decision SC46-123).

12. Most of the work on this subject in the Convention has been resourced through volunteer time, but from 2011 to 2013 it was supported in part by a funding contribution from the MAVA Foundation. The Foundation has subsequently increased its support (see the following section below).

13. Further to the discussion at SC46, the Culture Working Group evolved into the Ramsar Culture Network (RCN), operating in cooperation with UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and continuing

1 Ramsar Convention (2005). A Conceptual Framework for the wise use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character. Resolution IX.1 Annex A, Kampala, Uganda, November 2005. (See para 15).

2 Ramsar Convention (2005) op. cit. (See para 22; and also Article 3.1 of the Ramsar Convention text itself). 3 See also the tabled agenda paper DOC. SC46-10: Governance, planning and funding of activities on culture

and wetlands in the framework of the Ramsar Convention.

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to report to the Standing Committee through the Secretariat. Standing Committee further expressed support for its work in Decision SC47-254.

14. The RCN is a voluntary community of interest currently comprising around 150 members (both young and old, women and men) in over 50 countries. It has a mission to “bring together and create synergy among individuals, groups and organizations who can contribute to an approach to the conservation and wise use of wetlands which integrates cultural and natural aspects, and thereby achieves greater effectiveness in the implementation of the Ramsar Convention”. There are four key objectives:

i. To nurture a global community of organizations and individuals recognizing, celebrating

and safeguarding the cultural values of wetlands and the role these values play in supporting the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

ii. To compile and disseminate useful knowledge (and related tools) concerning the

interactions between culture, livelihoods and wetlands. iii. To develop improved partnerships covering culture, conservation, sustainable

development and other fields, which can result in better outcomes for wetlands and people.

iv. To encourage and contribute to updated international policy and guidance on culture

relating to wetlands. 15. A number of RCN sub-groups are developing in order to take the lead on particular thematic

areas of interest. Currently five such areas have been defined, namely Bio-Cultural Diversity (lead: Peter Bridgewater); Agriculture and Food Heritage (lead: Parviz Koohafkan); Youth Engagement (lead to be appointed); Tourism (lead: Jackie Kariithi); and Art (lead: Chris Fremantle). Groups may also form on a geographical basis; for example, the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet), has already launched a MedWet Culture Network which is in the process of aligning its planning and coordination with the RCN.

Funding support from the MAVA Foundation for 2015-2018 16. After many years of relying primarily on volunteer efforts, work on culture and wetlands in the

Ramsar Convention received a major boost in 2015 with the signing of an agreement between the Ramsar Secretariat and the MAVA Foundation. The agreement secures part-funding from MAVA for a series of linked activities to be delivered primarily through the Ramsar Culture Network over three years up to March 2018, in a project entitled “Conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in wetlands: global leadership for an integrated approach through the Ramsar Convention”.

17. The MAVA grant amounts to approximately 389,000 Euros over the three years. This has allowed the Ramsar Secretariat to appoint a part-time staff member as Manager, Culture and Livelihoods. This staff member (Mariam Ali), a consultant and an honorary special adviser (Dave Pritchard and Thymio Papayannis, both of whom were previously joint founding coordinators of the Ramsar Culture Network, and who jointly developed the MAVA project) make up the core team delivering the priority activities and results, with the support of the volunteer Network.

4 Following discussion of a progress report in DOC. SC47-20: Ramsar Culture Network - report on activities.

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18. The figure for MAVA support mentioned in the paragraph above represents less than 42% of the overall project budget, meaning that there is a significant target to meet for additional fundraising as a condition of the agreement. Efforts to raise the necessary funds will intensify through 2016, and Contracting Parties and others with an interest in supporting any aspect of this work are invited to discuss opportunities with the Secretariat.

19. The 18 activities defined for 2015-2018 (see Annex 1) are organized into the following four key result areas:

i. updated international policy on culture and wetlands;

ii. well documented knowledge on the links that exist between culture and wetlands;

iii. the establishment of a global community of organizations and individuals (the Ramsar

Culture Network) who recognize, celebrate and safeguard the cultural value and importance of wetlands;

iv. improved partnerships between culture, conservation, sustainable development and other fields.

20. The RCN has its own Action Plan5, which sets out the priorities and opportunities for the

Network to contribute substantially to the delivery of many of the activities listed in Annex 1. A key area of work in the coming year will focus on project activities to undertake “Rapid Cultural Inventories for Wetlands” at different scales around the world. Details of this are contained in a guidance document, which is available on request from the Secretariat6.

Links to the goals and targets in the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 21. In paragraph 13 of Resolution XII.2 The Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024, the Parties noted the

need for additional intersessional work to further develop materials, including guidance to Parties, supporting the implementation of the Plan. In paragraph 16 they also invite a range of different types of stakeholders to contribute to its implementation. The culture-related work of the Convention (particularly the 2015-2018 priority activities described above) constitutes an important part of the response to these two demands. It also supports others including the contribution of wetlands to global Sustainable Development Goals covering (for example) food and nutrition, healthy living, gender equality, water security, sustainable human settlements, adaptation to climate change, and sustainable use of ecosystems (paragraph 3).

22. Paragraphs 19 and 20 of Resolution XII.2 further emphasize the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the context of the Plan; the Convention’s culture work provides an important focus of attention to this crucial issue.

23. The Convention’s culture work will contribute in some way to most of the 14 “priority areas of

focus for the Convention in the next nine years” listed in the introduction to the Plan, but the following three can perhaps be particularly highlighted:

5 Action Plan for the Ramsar Culture Network. Produced by the Ramsar Culture Team, with input from Network members, January 2016.

6 Guidance: Rapid Cultural Inventories for Wetlands. Produced by the Ramsar Culture Team and available from [email protected].

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i. (Resolution XII.2 paragraph 24) “Information about ecosystem functions and the ecosystem services they provide to people and nature: The services, benefits, values, functions, goods and products that wetlands provide have not yet been integrated in national development plans. The lack of recognition of the role of wetlands to be able to exercise fully the human right to water and poverty reduction, is an important factor in its reduction as well as in the modesty of the efforts invested in restoring wetlands. The integral values and benefits, both material or non-material for people and nature, in a non-consumptive approach include spiritual, existential and future-oriented values.”

ii. (paragraph 31) “Strengthen and support the full and effective participation and the collective actions of stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, for the existence of sustainable, comprehensive and wise use of wetlands.”

iii. (paragraph 32) “Synergies: Enhancing efforts to streamline procedures and processes including reporting and to facilitate data sharing amongst parties responsible for - or cooperating in - the implementation of this and other MEAs and related agreements. Through cooperation, aim to increase the identification of synergies with collaborating MEAs and other international processes at national and global levels.”

24. A table matching culture-related activities to the individual targets in the Strategic Plan in

greater detail can be found on the Ramsar website at: www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/culture_contributions_to_sp4.pdf.

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http://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/documents/library/culture_contributions_to_sp4.pdf

Annex 1: Activities for 2015-2018, as defined in the MAVA project agreement (As reported previously to the Standing Committee in Document SC47-20 and subsequently updated in January 2016). A: Policy - Strengthened international policy. Global and regional policymaking reflects where necessary the best current knowledge and thinking on culture and wetlands, including ways of taking account of cultural values in decision-making, and ways of increasing understanding of the cultural ecosystem services of wetlands.

Activity A1: Develop a short summary report that explains current policies, targets and financing

of wetlands, culture and livelihoods related issues within the Ramsar Convention, and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (and associated financing vehicles), derived from existing Resolutions and Guidance, and addressing emerging issues as necessary in conjunction with activities A2 and A3 below.

Activity A2: Keep the Ramsar Resolutions VIII.19 and IX.21 and the Ramsar Culture Guidance

document under review, and develop proposals as necessary for their further updating; taking account inter alia of lessons arising from the implementation of activities C1 and C2 below.

Activity A3: Prepare and manage an event at Ramsar COP13, to celebrate wetlands, culture and

livelihoods. B: Knowledge - Well documented knowledge of the link that exists between culture and wetlands. Cultural values associated with wetlands are more completely identified, understood and documented at national and site level. Activity B1: (a) Develop and disseminate 'Rapid Cultural Inventories for Wetlands' to facilitate the

integration of cultural values and practices in wetland conservation and wise use; (b) Organize a capacity building workshop for Rapid Cultural Inventories, together with a partner organization, e.g. Ramsar Regional Initiative; (c) support three Rapid Cultural Inventories together with regional partner organizations; and (d) publish a Global Report on culture and wetlands, including case studies from the Ramsar Culture Network, the Ramsar Information Sheets, and Rapid Cultural Inventories for Wetlands.

Activity B2: Analyse, synthesize, report and extract lessons and recommendations from

information provided on cultural values and services in the database of Ramsar Sites Information Sheets and Ramsar Contracting Party national reports to Conferences of the Parties.

Activity B3: Develop analysis that can be useful from Ramsar Convention’s perspective for

advancing the IUCN-led project 'Towards Integrated Management of Sites with multiple designations', especially in light of findings from Activity B2.

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Activity B4: Prepare an options paper for how culture and wetlands (and thematic areas) can be positioned to appeal more strongly within the Ramsar Regions, based both on traditional and modern interests of people in those regions.

C: Appreciation - A community of organizations and individuals, globally, more deeply

appreciating the cultural value and importance of wetlands. Good practices, experiences and lessons learned in wetland planning and management that integrates cultural aspects are investigated, shared, promoted and applied more widely and successfully, with a particular emphasis in five areas: i) Bio-cultural diversity ii) Agriculture and food heritage iii) Tourism iv) Arts v) Youth engagement. Activity C1: Propose, catalyse and undertake specific projects or events defined on the initiative

of the five Ramsar Culture Network Thematic Groups, which include i) Bio-cultural diversity ii) Agriculture and food heritage iii) tourism iv) Arts and v) Youth engagement.

Activity C2: On the basis of C.1, conduct surveys and carry out joint brainstorming with current

and potential future RCN members. Use the results to develop the agenda for celebrating wetlands, culture and livelihoods within a forum, and via events, that are geared towards expanding the activities and funding for Wetlands, Culture and Livelihoods within the framework of the Ramsar Convention.

Activity C3: Engage Ramsar Regional Initiatives in the project. D: Partnerships - Well managed and effective partnerships Partnerships are developed and maintained, in order to serve the outcomes sought through policy, increased understanding and sharing of knowledge, resulting in better outcomes for wetlands and for people.

Activity D1: Enhance co-operation with existing Ramsar Convention partners, in order to more

strongly represent the importance of cultural ecosystem services, via the following actions:

D1.1 Seek to engage and co-operate with relevant parts of IUCN (e.g. World

Commission for Protected Areas and IUCN Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas).

D1.2 Build and strengthen the relationship between Ramsar Convention and UNESCO, including via liaison, co-ordination and updating partnership agreements.

D1.3 Develop joint external communications between the World Heritage Centre and Ramsar Secretariat, in order to draw the public's attention to the combined force of these two organizations (e.g. including via mainstream media).

Activity D2: Develop new Ramsar Convention partnerships that are relevant to the five thematic

areas of RCN.

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Activity D3: Investigate and assess systematically the scope and opportunities for cooperation

with the other bodies and processes named in paragraph 13 of Resolution VIII.19, and produce recommendations.

E: Engagement - A vibrant and strong 'Ramsar Culture Network', creating impact over the long

term. Overall, this programme and relevant associated activities are efficiently coordinated, seen to be aligned with the direction and intent for implementing Ramsar Resolutions VII.19 and IX.21, and preparing for the long term financing and maintenance of vibrant activities of the Ramsar Culture Network. Activity E1: Report on progress, including via the Ramsar Standing Committee, to COP, and to the

MAVA Foundation. Activity E2: Streamline and ensure the effective operation of all aspects of the Ramsar Culture

Network; including both formal reporting on progress, membership and responding to ad hoc opportunities or needs that arise.

Activity E3: Develop and update content of websites and lists. Activity E4: Develop and disseminate materials in relation to Thematic Group activities. Activity E5: Prepare a plan for securing funding, commitments and support in kind, and

implement it efficiently with the goal of reaching a total equivalent to at least 372,000 EUR during the three-year project period).equivalent to 372,000 EUR during the three-year project period.

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