The Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands
The Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands
The 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
Guidelines on interpretation of
Article 3.2 of the Convention: "ecological character" and
"change in ecological character"
Chair: Dr Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu (Ghana), STRP Member
Vice-Chair: Mr Peter Kaestner (USA)
Coordinator: Dr Max Finlayson (Australia), STRP Member
Keynote Presentations
"A Global Overview of Wetland Loss and Degradation", Dr Michael Moser, Wetlands International
"The Montreux Record - A Mechanism for Supporting the Wise Use of Wetlands", Dr Max Finlayson
Case Studies
"Influence of Water Hyacinth on the Ecological Character of Shoreline Wetlands of Eastern Africa", Dr Timothy Twongo, Fisheries Research Institute, Uganda.
"Changes in Habitat Condition and the Conservation of Mangroves in Asia", Mr Zakir Hussain, IUCN.
"Laguna Colorada", Lic. Alexandra Sanchez de Lozada, DNCB, Bolivia.
"Wetland Management and Restoration Practices at the Kiskunsag National Park, Hungary", Zoltan Vajda, Nature Conservation Department, Hungary.
The Chair
indicated that the expected output of the Technical Session would be a Draft
Resolution on Definitions and Guidelines for Interpreting Change in Ecological Character
and Operation of the Montreux Record.
The Vice Chair
summarized the presentations and asked delegates to bear them in mind when considering
the text of Draft Resolution VI.1.
A. Definitions
The Coordinator
summarized the STRP's definitions of "ecological character" and "change
in ecological character". Considerable debate ensued with numerous interventions by
Contracting Parties and observers. Australia, concerned by the overall approach to this
issue, suggested the need for a wider, well structured appraisal of the operational
framework of the Convention with respect to these guidelines. This received support from
Poland, Sweden, New Zealand, and IUCN. Interventions were also made by the UK,
Philippines, The Netherlands, Niger, Brazil, Czech Republic, Pakistan, the Australian
Marine Conservation Society, the Inland Rivers Network, and the International Limnological
Society.
The Vice Chair
stressed that definitions were of critical importance and that the final Draft
Resolution would note the concerns expressed.
B. Guidance for describing and maintaining the ecological character of listed sites
Interventions
were made by Denmark, USA, The Netherlands, Sweden, France, Senegal, Belgium, Wetlands
International, Caddo Lake Insitute, and the South Australian Department of Natural
Resources, either with specific amendments for consideration in the redraft, or with more
general questions and concerns. Wetlands International said that many Listed Sites were
lacking data and that they would be offering technical support in this area to Contracting
Parties during the coming three years.
The Coordinator and Wetlands International
referred to the framework for designing a wetland monitoring programme, developed in
parallel with the MedWet programme.
C. Guidelines for operation of the Montreux
Record.
The Bureau
referred to Addendum II to DOC. 6.17, specifically Draft Resolution VI.13 on
Information on Threats to Listed Sites and Draft Resolution VI.16 on Submission of
Information Sheets and Maps, and asked delegates to consider them in the context of Draft
Resolution VI.1.
Australia
responded that Draft Resolution VI.13 was unclear and appeared unnecessary at this
time.
Interventions
were made by Denmark, Australia, UK, USA, Hungary, Canada, Brazil, Peru, Italy, the New
South Wales Government Department of Land and Water Conservation, IUCN, and WWF. The
amendments noted would be considered for the final Draft Resolution.
The Vice Chair
proposed a shorter mandatory section of the Montreux Record questionnaire, and a
longer optional section. It was agreed that Section One would ask simply for details of
site name, listing criteria, the nature of change in ecological character, and the reason
for change.
Conclusion
The Chair
asked Australia to assist with rewording the definitions to be included in the final Draft
Resolution. This would indicate that a further three-year period of study and refinement
would be needed before firm definitions could be realized. She charged the Bureau with
responsibility for producing the final Draft Resolution, taking into account all comments
received, including those put in writing and passed to the rapporteur.
Other Business
Denmark
tabled a Draft Recommendation on Restoration of Wetlands, to which New Zealand responded
favourably subject to the inclusion of various amendments which would be submitted to the
Danish delegation. Other Contracting Parties and observers were asked to comment.
Rapporteur: Tim Davis
For
further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact
the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196
Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail 
).
Posted 15 April 1996, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.
© 1996 Ramsar