Report of the Meeting

Opening Ceremony and First Plenary Session Tuesday 8 November 2005, 18.00-21.00 (Agenda Items I/II) Wednesday 9 November 10.00-13.00 (Agenda Items III-VIII and X)

Agenda Item I: Opening of the Meeting
Agenda Item II: General Statements

a) Opening ceremony

1. The Opening Ceremony commenced with the symbolic handover of the Ramsar flag from Mr Antonio Fernandez de Tejada, on behalf of the Kingdom of Spain, host of COP8, to His Excellency Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Water, Lands and Environment of the Republic of Uganda, host of COP9.

2. Opening statements were made by Dr Peter Bridgewater, Secretary General; Mr Bakary Kante, Director of the Division of Environmental Conventions, UNEP, speaking on behalf of UNEP's Director General Dr Klaus Toepfer; Mr Achim Steiner, Director General of IUCN - The World Conservation Union, speaking on behalf of the Ramsar Convention's International Organization Partners (BirdLife International, IUCN, Wetlands International, and World Wide Fund For Nature); Ms Dorothy Gwakka, speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Forum held in Kampala on 3rd and 4th November; Ms Kathelyne Creaner, Belgium, speaking on behalf of the Donor Group for Environment and Natural Resources in Uganda; and His Excellency Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Water, Lands and Environment, Uganda.

3. Children from different regions of the world presented messages to the COP conveying the perceptions, concerns and priorities of young people in relation to the meeting's agenda.

b) Presentation of the Ramsar Awards

4. Mr Philippe Jacob made a statement on behalf of the Danone Group and presented the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards, comprising the Evian Special Prize of USD 10,000 per award category, a sculpture and the newly created 'Ramsar Jewel' to the following recipients:

5. The Secretary General presented Mr Philippe Jacob with the Ramsar Jewel and concluded the Opening Ceremony by reiterating his thanks, on behalf of all participants, to the Host Country, and in particular to Minister Otafiire and to Mr Paul Mafabi, Uganda's National Coordinator for COP9.

Agenda Item III: Adoption of the Agenda

6. The Agenda, circulated as conference document Ramsar COP9 DOC. 1, Rev. 2, was adopted by consensus.

Agenda Item IV: Adoption of the Rules of Procedure

7. The Chair invited participants to adopt the Rules of Procedure, circulated as conference document Ramsar COP9 DOC. 2.

8. In response to a suggestion from Argentina, the Secretary General agreed that adoption of the proposed amendments to Rule 27 would be subject to the consideration and adoption of DR11 'Use of the term Ramsar Secretariat'.

9. The UK pointed out that adoption of the proposed amendments to Rule 5 would require minor consequential amendments to Rule 10 and Rule 35.

10. Subject to the points raised by Argentina and the UK, the COP adopted the Rules of Procedure by consensus.

Agenda Item V: Election of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons and remarks by the Chairperson

11. The Secretary General reported that the 32nd Meeting of the Standing Committee (SC32), held on 7 November 2005, had decided to nominate the Minister for Water, Lands and Environment of the Republic of Uganda as President of COP9. SC32 also nominated Australia and Mexico as Vice-Presidents of the COP.

12. The Standing Committee's nominations were endorsed by acclamation.

13. Switzerland announced that it would be making available to each COP9 participant a copy of a new book prepared by WWF and entitled 'Freshwater Ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar'. This would hopefully inspire delegates from all regions and help focus attention on wetland conservation priorities in Africa.

14. Dr Yaa Ntiamoa Baidu welcomed the publication on behalf of all African participants and thanked WWF, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and USAID for their technical and financial support, and Switzerland in particular for generously enabling distribution free of charge to COP participants. Dr Ntiamoa Baidu presented copies to Minister Otafiire, to the Secretary General, and to Anada Tiéga, former Senior Adviser for Africa in the Ramsar Secretariat.

15. The UK, speaking on behalf of the EU Member States and the Candidate Countries of Bulgaria and Romania, reflected on the challenges confronting the COP and urged the meeting to focus on generating strong outcomes, in particular decisions that contribute to meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals, articulating the role of the Convention in sustainable development, delivering the CBD 2010 biodiversity target, and strengthening synergies with other relevant conventions and processes at international, national and regional levels. However, COP decisions must also take account of the capacity of the Secretariat, STRP and Contracting Parties to deliver. In this regard, it was important that the principle of Additional Voluntary Contributions be maintained.

Agenda Item VI: Appointment of the Credentials Committee and any other committees

a) Credentials Committee

16. Based on nominations agreed at SC32 and in conformity with Rule 19 of the Rules of Procedure, the COP endorsed the constitution of a Credentials Committee as follows:

17. The Committee would be supported in its work by Ms Ursula Hiltbrunner, IUCN, on behalf of the COP Secretariat.

b) Finance Committee

18. Based on the recommendation of SC32 and in conformity with Rule 26 of the Rules of Procedure, the COP endorsed the constitution of a Finance Committee as follows:

19. The Secretary General recalled that meetings of COP Committees are generally open to observers, but that the Chair of each Committee may decide to hold sessions open to Contracting Parties only.

Agenda Item VII: Admission of Observers

20. The observers listed in Ramsar COP9 DOC. 31 were admitted by consensus, subject to a reservation made by Argentina.

21. Argentina made a formal statement and requested its inclusion in the Report of the Meeting:

22. Argentina further stated: "The Argentine Republic reaffirms its right of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia Islands (Islas Georgias del sur) and South Sandwich Islands (Islas Sándwich del sur), and the surrounding maritime areas."

23. The UK made a formal statement and requested its inclusion in the Report of the Meeting:

24. The President ruled that this Agenda item be kept open for daily updates from the Secretariat in relation to newly registered observers.

Agenda Item VIII: Report of the Chairperson of the Standing Committee

25. The Chair of the Standing Committee (SC), Dr Gordana Beltram (Slovenia), presented her report contained in conference document Ramsar COP9 DOC. 3.

26. Japan expressed its great appreciation of the SC's work and announced the designation on 8 November 2005 of 20 new Japanese Ramsar sites, including those with under-represented wetland types, in response to the global target set at COP8.

27. The Russian Federation attached special importance to the SC's work on collaboration with other environmental conventions, especially the CBD, and considered that close cooperation should be established between Ramsar and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as with the Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

28. Argentina and the USA expressed gratitude to the Chair of the SC for her leadership, commitment and good humour.

29. Bosnia & Herzegovina thanked the SC for approving a project submitted by Bosnia & Herzegovina for support under the Ramsar Small Grants Fund (SGF) in 2005.

30. Kenya urged the SC to place greater emphasis on communication and feedback of decisions to Contracting Parties, especially during the period between meetings of the COP.

31. COP9 adopted the report of the Chair of the Standing Committee.

Agenda Item X: Report of the Secretary General and overview of the implementation of the Convention at the global level

32. The Secretary General presented a summary of his report, contained in conference documents Ramsar COP9 DOC. 5 and Ramsar COP9 DOC. 6.

33. Bangladesh requested that greater attention be given to direct sharing of wetland management experience between countries, especially neighbouring countries.

34. Mexico stressed the importance of improving synergies between conventions.

35. Papua New Guinea reported on its national implementation activities and announced the impending designation of its third Ramsar Site. The Government of Papua New Guinea was committed to the establishment of a representative protected area system covering 10% of its territory by 2010 for terrestrial ecosystems and by 2012 for marine ecosystems. Thanks were due to WWF, Wetlands International, the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Ramsar Secretariat for their assistance. Provision of a Ramsar Support Officer for Oceania had greatly enhanced the Convention's work in the region.

36. Zambia fully supported the need to forge synergistic relationships between conventions and underscored the need to promote economic valuation of wetlands as part of the poverty reduction agenda. Zambia had designated a third Ramsar Site since COP8 and four more were currently under consideration.

37. Thailand endorsed the six imperatives for the next triennium highlighted in the Secretary General's report, especially the need for a fully effective CEPA programme.

38. Trinidad & Tobago paid tribute to Uganda as a pioneering force in wetland conservation and thanked Paul Mafabi for his contribution to Trinidad & Tobago's Wetland Management Programme. Trinidad & Tobago concurred with the Secretary General's observation that many Contracting Parties had found the COP9 National Report format difficult to use. Trinidad & Tobago renewed its commitment to promoting Ramsar in the Caribbean subregion and congratulated Antigua & Barbuda on recently becoming the 147th Contracting Party.

39. Australia expressed general satisfaction with the operation of the Convention and its relatively small and effective Secretariat, adding that the treaty's success was due to its sound fundamental principles. Australia looked forward to continuing to be an active and constructive Contracting Party. One new Ramsar site had recently been designated, with a further four in the pipeline.

40. Argentina supported the Secretary General's emphasis on simplification of reporting and planning. Since COP8, three new Argentinian Ramsar Sites had been designated, with three more under consideration.

41. Kenya encouraged harmonization of the Ramsar National Report format with that of other Mulitilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and urged the SC to analyse the reasons why only 8% of the global targets set at COP8 had been achieved. Kenya had finalized designation of Lake Elmenteita as a Ramsar Site and was currently completing Ramsar Information Sheets for two new coastal sites.

42. India reported that of 68 wetlands identified for special attention at national level 27 are Ramsar sites. Six more had just been added to the list. India wished to benefit from the wetland management experience of other countries.

43. Guinea described work on transboundary wetlands and added that it had designated 14 Ramsar sites. Guinea would particularly welcome international support to develop management plans and a national wetland policy.

44. As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Malawi was working with other SADC States to establish many more Ramsar sites in the region. Malawi also welcomed proposals for a simplified and shortened Ramsar National Report format.

Second Plenary Session Wednesday 9 November 15.00-18.00

Agenda Item X: Report of the Secretary General and overview of the implementation of the Convention at the global level (continued)

45. Congo referred to the enormous amount of work carried out in the Congo Basin over the past three years. Five new Ramsar sites, covering a total of 2.2 million hectares were, in preparation.

46. Lesotho reported on its establishment of a Joint National Committee to build synergies at national level among the five biodiversity-related MEAs.

47. Barbados noted that the Secretary General's report underlined the significant potential for increasing the Convention's membership in the Caribbean subregion. Barbados was committed to completing accession formalities before the end of 2005 and work had commenced on an inventory of possible Ramsar sites.

48. Nepal announced its recent designation of three new Ramsar sites and expressed commitment to maintaining the ecological status of these sites in spite of conflict-related difficulties and to adding further sites from the country's mountain areas. Nepal wished to hear more about how sites can be effectively managed and how constraints in the field can be dealt with.

49. China reported on its national wetland conservation achievements since COP8, detailing a number of specific initiatives and noting that the total number of wetland nature reserves in China had reached 473. The designation of nine new Ramsar sites had brought the total to 30. Capacity building had been enhanced, including through the hosting of two international workshops, as had inter-agency cooperation and coordination. Nevertheless, China still faced great challenges in balancing ecosystem conservation with economic development.

50. Djibouti stated that it was sparing no effort to implement the main provisions of the Convention in spite of a dearth of human and financial resources.

51. Chile reported on its efforts to develop national policies and strategies for wetland conservation and to build strong ties with both the public and private sectors.

52. Cambodia updated the COP on progress with its national wetland policy formulation and national wetland action plan, noting the management assistance received from a range of partners, restating its commitment to transboundary cooperation, and announcing that a new Ramsar site designation was in preparation.

53. Armenia announced that it would be designating its third Ramsar site in the coming days and that it was also establishing a National Park at Lake Arpi Ramsar site, thanks to financial support from Germany.

54. Burkina Faso noted that it had designated three Ramsar sites in 1990 and was planning to designate 13 new sites before the end of 2005. All 13 sites had been described and the relevant document was ready for sending to the Secretariat. Burkina Faso was also in the process of setting up a task force to coordinate MEA efforts nationally as a means of fostering better implementation.

55. Togo acknowledged the support received from IUCN for conducting a wetland inventory and from WWF for the designation of two new Ramsar sites.

56. Peru reflected on the progress of the Convention since COP8 and joined other Parties in underlining the need for the kinds of synergies with other treaties called for in DR5.

57. Malaysia supported the six imperatives for future actions proposed by the Secretary General and reported on the development of national policies and plans for integrated water management and integrated coastal zone management. Four new Malaysian Ramsar sites had been listed since COP8 and the Administrative Authority was seeking the resources to add further sites in the coming triennium.

58. The Islamic Republic of Iran referred to the outcomes of the most recent Asian Regional Meeting and the implementation of COP8 Resolution VIII.41 that had resulted in the establishment of the Ramsar Regional Centre for Training and Research on Wetlands in Western and Central Asia (RRC-CWA) in Iran. The Centre was ready to support the activities of Contracting Parties and non-Contracting Parties in the region, with public awareness, training, and information exchange being given the highest priority.

59. Samoa, speaking as a new Contracting Party, expressed its commitment to the Convention and reminded the COP that linkage of peoples' lives to wetlands is vital in developing countries, particularly in Oceania. Samoa was in the process of designating its second site.

60. Paraguay was concerned by the complexity of the National Report format and considered that streamlining the process would be beneficial. Paraguay also pledged to designate two further Ramsar sites by COP10 and reported on consultations with Argentina and Brazil on shared wetlands.

61. El Salvador thanked the Secretariat for supporting designation of its second Ramsar site and noted that a wetland inventory process had identified 15 priority wetlands. El Salvador was currently rolling out a programme with UNEP/GEF support, focusing on forging synergies between conventions. Thanks were also due to Spain and to the IUCN Regional Office for Mesoamerica for assistance provided.

62. Jamaica supported the Russian Federation in calling for the development of strong links with UNFCCC and felt that the importance of CEPA could not be overstated. Jamaica was grateful to the SC for approving its SGF project proposal to undertake further wetland inventory and assessment work. The STRP should be mandated to assess means of streamlining national reports in conjunction with other conventions. Finally, Jamaica had implemented its COP8 pledge to designate Port Royal as a Ramsar site and committed to two further designations by COP10.

63. Antigua and Barbuda, speaking as the newest Contracting Party, pledged its support and full commitment to the Secretary General and shared many of the concerns raised in his report. While there were many challenges ahead, Antigua and Barbuda would do its best.

64. Seychelles recalled that it was also one of the youngest members of the Ramsar family, having been an observer at COP8, and pledged to designate three more Ramsar sites in the coming year.

65. Saint Lucia underlined the importance of involving local communities in the Ramsar implementation process and raised concerns over the loss of biodiversity due to rapid development of tourism.

66. Côte d'Ivoire was pleased to announce that it had fulfilled its COP8 pledge to list at least four new sites by COP9, and thanked Switzerland for its support. However, significant obstacles had been encountered in trying to establish cross-border designations and Côte d'Ivoire therefore welcomed the fact that DR6 was on COP9's agenda.

67. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) expressed the wish to share experience with other countries and referred to the conflict-related difficulties in managing its two Ramsar sites. The DRC would welcome support to undertake a broad-ranging wetland inventory with the aim of increasing the number of Ramsar sites. DRC was active in the Nile Basin Initiative, which had a strong emphasis on poverty reduction.

68. Egypt urged the COP to prepare a Draft Resolution urging a precautionary approach in responding to the emerging issue of avian influenza. Egypt also pledged to work with the Secretariat in updating its Ramsar site information.

69. The Secretary General undertook to refer Egypt's suggestion for a Draft Resolution on avian influenza to the next meeting of the Conference Committee.

70. Pakistan reported on its designation of additional Ramsar sites since COP8 and on a major GEF project supported by the Netherlands, UNDP, WWF and the Pakistan Poverty Reduction Fund.

71. Costa Rica had designated a new Ramsar site since COP8, bringing the national total to 11. Over the next triennium, priority would be given to development of management plans for these sites and to establishing international agreements relating to transboundary wetlands.

72. Guatemala reported on the recently finalized process to formulate a national wetland policy. Three new sites would shortly be designated in addition to the four already listed, while cross-border cooperation with El Salvador and Belize was also being explored.

73. Madagascar acknowledged the support that the WWF Madagascar Programme had provided in facilitating Seychelles' accession to the Convention.

Agenda Item IX: Report of the Chairperson of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP)

74. The Chair of the STRP, Dr Max Finlayson (Australia), presented his report contained in conference document Ramsar COP9 DOC. 4 and introduced the Panel's main outputs contained in DR1 'Additional scientific and technical guidance for implementing the Ramsar wise use concept' and its Annexes A-E .

75. Argentina thanked the STRP for its work and recognized that a great deal had been done on a very limited budget. With regard to DR1 and its Annexes, the Americas Region was still working towards a common position on DR1 and requested additional time before the plenary considered this document further. The need for additional time was supported by Brazil and Spain.

76. The Secretary General noted that DR1 was partly a response to Resolution VIII.45 from COP8 and that Annexes A and B had different formulations to C, D and E. The latter three were largely technical, while Annexes A and B suggested changes to the conceptual framework and to the definitions of wise use and ecological character, both of which raised issues of policy.

77. Norway supported basing the STRP's work on the outcomes of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA). This would help to increase understanding across conventions. With regard to Annex D, Ramsar reporting and monitoring should be harmonized with other processes, including reporting on the Millennium Development Goals.

78. Canada proposed the establishment of a contact group to deal with DR1 and noted that the grouping of STRP outputs as Annexes to a single DR was a very helpful approach that should be followed in future. Chile endorsed the interventions of Argentina and Canada.

79. The UK, on behalf of the EU Member States present, recorded its general support for the STRP's work and considered that it would be helpful to prepare for possible contact group discussions if the broad areas of concern among Contracting Parties could be outlined briefly in plenary.

80. Following extensive discussion with contributions from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, El Salvador, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Trinidad & Tobago, and the UK, the Secretary General advised that he would raise the issue at the next meeting of the Conference Committee, with the most likely outcome being the establishment of a contact group on Annexes A and B to be chaired jointly by Norway and Trinidad & Tobago, both of whom had informally volunteered. However, the final decision on establishment of a contact group and its modus operandi would lie with the Conference Committee. The Secretary General requested that informal consultations be held with regard to the concerns expressed by some Contracting Parties in relation to Annexes D and E. This would enable the extent of such concerns to be assessed, bearing in mind the practical constraints on establishing multiple contact groups.

Agenda item XI: Issues arising from Resolutions and Recommendations of previous meetings of the Conference and of the Contracting Parties

81. There were no issues arising that participants considered were not otherwise covered under other Agenda items.

Special presentation and Host Country reception

82. Uganda made a special presentation on its national wetland conservation activities. This was followed by a reception hosted by the Government of Uganda.

Third Plenary Session Thursday 10 November 10.00-13.00

Administration/Implementation matters

Agenda Item XII: The Convention's Strategic Plan 2003-2008: a review of progress

83. The Secretary General referred to conference documents Ramsar COP9 DOC. 5 'Report of the Secretary General on the implementation of the Convention at the global level' and Ramsar COP9 DOC. 9 to DOC. 13, the overviews of implementation of the Convention and its Strategic Plan in each Ramsar Region. He pointed out that most issues arising from these documents had already been discussed under Agenda item X. He recalled a lesson emerging from these discussions; namely that the Strategic Plan to be adopted at COP10 would need to consider more realistic global targets than those adopted at COP8. He also noted positive developments in terms of growing cooperation between the Ramsar Convention and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

84. There were no interventions by Contracting Parties under this item.

Agenda Item XIII: The Convention's Work Plan 2006-2008: introduction and first general discussion, introduction of Ramsar COP9 DR9

85. The Secretary General introduced DR9 'Streamlining the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Convention 2003-2008'. He clarified that the main essence of the Draft Resolution was to trial a framework for the implementation of the existing Strategic Plan through the coming triennium and, in so doing, to gain experience for building a new Strategic Plan to be adopted in 2008 for implementation from 2009 onwards. He apologised that the Secretariat had not made this point sufficiently clear in the COP9 documentation. The Annex to DR9 was not meant to usurp or change the Strategic Plan adopted by COP8 and was not a definitive document, but rather a dynamic one on which the Secretariat would work closely with the Standing Committee to deliver a better strategic approach for the Convention by COP10. The Secretary General noted that the capacity to implement the activities contained in the Annex to DR9 would be framed to a great extent by the outcome of budgetary deliberations under DR13.

86. During debate, Argentina, India, New Zealand, Spain, Thailand and the USA tabled proposed amendments to DR9 and submitted these in writing to the Secretariat.

87. Australia and Canada indicated that they would bring forward drafting proposals in due course.

88. Egypt, India and Indonesia cautioned that the document remained very ambitious and that its implementation might be beyond the capacity of many Contracting Parties.

89. Trinidad & Tobago supported the approach followed in preparing DR9, noting that simplified treatment of the Strategic Plan's Operational Objectives would make it much easier for Contracting Parties to monitor implementation on a national basis.

90. Canada also felt that the structure of the Annex to DR9 was a useful step forward, but had difficulty in accepting the document in its current form. Over the past few months, Canada, as Chair of the Standing Committee Subgroup on Finance, had been working with the Chair of the Standing Committee and the Director General of IUCN in conducting an appraisal of the Secretary General's performance. The Secretary General had not been given any measurable performance indicators and while DR9 had not been constructed as a basis for measuring the Secretary General's performance, Canada felt it could evolve in that manner.

91. New Zealand raised concerns about the implications of DR9 for national reporting, in line with concerns already expressed during discussion of DR1 Annex D. New Zealand would work with the Secretariat on this point.

92. Wetlands International, supported by WWF, voiced concerns over DR9 as the document currently stood, as it did not set a clear vision for the work of the Convention as a whole. The strategic plan should inspire and guide not just the Secretariat, but all those who work on wetlands.

93. The USA urged that a clear process should be put in place for developing the next Strategic Plan, but that the existing Strategic Plan, as adopted at COP8, should not be considered as the baseline tool to be used in that process.

94. The UK, on behalf of the EU Member States present, supported the principle of streamlining the Strategic Plan and welcomed the work done on this since SC31. However, the UK shared the concerns raised by other delegations about how helpful the document would actually be as a management tool. The US suggestion to focus attention on the process for developing the next Strategic Plan was very helpful.

95. El Salvador, supported by Costa Rica, stressed the need for the Convention to clarify the linkages between key Convention planning and reporting documents; otherwise there would be growing confusion, especially at local level.

96. Sudan urged that subregional priorities be recognized.

97. The Chair ruled that the Secretary General should establish a drafting group to deal with the issues raised and to prepare a revised version of the text. All interested Contracting Parties should contact the Secretary General. Any substantive points of difference would be reported back to plenary for further discussion.

Agenda Item XIV: Financial report by the Chairperson of the Subgroup on Finance of the Standing Committee and proposed budget for the triennium 2006-2008

98. The Chair of the Standing Committee Subgroup on Finance, speaking initially on behalf of the Canadian delegation and the Canadian Wildlife Service, paid tribute to Mr Robert Martel who had tragically been killed shortly after the 31st Standing Committee meeting in June 2005. Mr Martel had led the Canadian delegation as Chair of the Subgroup on Finance and guided the week of budgetary debates with enormous skill, intelligence and good humour and made many good friends in a few short days.

99. Canada reported that a new Ramsar site had recently been designated in the heart of British Columbia.

100. The Chair of the Standing Committee Subgroup on Finance then proceeded to present his report, recalling that the members of the Subgroup during the last triennium had been Argentina, Canada, Ghana, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Romania. A number of observers had contributed to the Subgroup's deliberations and there had been close liaison with the Chairs of the SC and STRP, as well as with the Secretariat.

101. The Subgroup had focused on budget management. In 2002 there had been a considerable deficit in the Secretariat's operating budget. Following substantial discussions on expenditure cuts and reallocation of resources, the SC, acting on the Subgroup's advice, had decided to reduce expenditures in many areas, especially in relation to support for the STRP.

102. The Subgroup had concluded that the system for tracking and reporting on expenditure was inadequate, and significant improvements had been made as a result. The audited financial reports were available for consultation and the Subgroup Chair expressed his personal satisfaction that the systems in place were now transparent and easy to follow.

103. The Subgroup had been directed to develop a modus operandi for the Ramsar Endowment Fund, but it had not been possible to reach consensus, in spite of considerable effort to do so. DR14 proposed a way forward.

104. DR13 set out the proposed budget for the coming triennium, which represented a 4% increase to address inflationary costs relating to salaries, travel, and operational expenditure. Both the overall budget and allocations within it would be the subjects of discussion for the COP9 Committee on Finance and Budget during the coming days.

105. The Subgroup Chair highlighted the adverse impact on the Convention's finances of the high level of outstanding Annual Contributions to the core budget, currently totalling some CHF 661,417.

106. In spite of the challenges, the Secretariat had brought the budget into balance and had excelled in doing so. However, there were still insufficient funds to do all that was being asked of the Secretariat, and there was no alternative but to set priorities and make difficult choices on expenditure.

107. The Chair of the Subgroup on Finance recorded his thanks to the Chair of the Standing Committee, who he believed had served the Convention extremely well. He echoed some of her comments under Agenda item VIII concerning the need for stronger links between the Convention's various governance processes and mechanisms. Finally he thanked all Subgroup members and observers, as well as the invaluable support received from the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, Paulette Kennedy (Secretariat) and Steven Virc of Canada.

108. The Vice-President (Australia), assuming the Chair, associated all present at the COP with Canada's tribute to Robert Martel and asked for this to be reflected in the Report of the Meeting.

109. The USA thoroughly agreed with the need to set expenditure priorities. The position of the US Government was for zero nominal growth in the budgets of all international conventions and organizations.

110. Nicaragua looked forward to discussing specific allocations in further detail, given that this would determine the basic functioning of the Convention over the coming triennium.

111. Mexico supported the US position that there should be no increase in core budget contributions over the coming triennium.

112. Japan's position was also for zero nominal growth, but there was room for a little flexibility and Japan would cooperate closely with the Finance Committee.

113. Australia believed that the Convention should be adequately resourced and supported the budget outlined in DR13.

114. The UK, on behalf of the EU Members States present, took the general view that the starting point would be zero nominal growth, but the EU Member States shared the position of Japan and stood ready to work with the Finance Committee to see what could be done.

115. Ecuador drew attention to the fact that the costs of organizing COP10 were not reflected in the proposed budget and suggested these costs should be taken into account.

116. Argentina referred to national budgetary restrictions and was unable to support an increase at this point.

117. Brazil also commented on national budgetary constraints; the Brazilian delegation did not have instructions to accept a 4% increase but rather to maintain the current level of expenditure.

118. Papua New Guinea and Samoa both spoke in support of the proposed budget, noting that new initiatives would require greater resources. Samoa took the opportunity to acknowledge the Ramsar Small Grants Fund, WWF and other partners for financial and technical support.

119. The Chair requested participants to take forward discussion of the budget in meetings of the COP9 Finance Committee.

Agenda Item XV: Consideration of the draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee

DR1 Additional scientific and technical guidance for implementing the Ramsar wise use concept

120. The Secretariat outlined the process agreed by the Standing Committee for further consideration of DR1. A contact group had been constituted and would review Annexes A and B, as well as DR22 Rev.1. The Secretariat would work bilaterally with Contracting Parties to incorporate any proposed amendments to Annexes C, D and E.

DR2 Future implementation of scientific and technical aspects of the Convention

121. The Deputy Secretary General introduced DR2.

122. Interventions were made by Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, and the UK speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present. Written proposals for amendments were received from Argentina and Austria.

123. The Vice-President asked the Secretariat to bring forward a revised text of DR2 taking into account all of the contributions received, both oral and written, as well as further proposals that might arise from the regional meetings planned for later in the day.

DR3 Engagement of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in ongoing multilateral processes dealing with water

124. The Secretary General introduced DR3.

125. Interventions were made by Australia, El Salvador, Japan, and the UK on behalf of the EU Member States. Proposed amendments were received in writing from Japan, and from the UK on behalf of the EU Member States present.

126. The Secretary General confirmed that the Secretariat would take note of all these contributions, as well as possible additional inputs from the regional meetings, and would work on preparation of a revised text for the Plenary to consider in due course.

Fourth Plenary Session Friday 11 November 10.00-13.00

Agenda Item XV: Consideration of the draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)

DR8 Rev.1 Regional initiatives in the framework of the Ramsar Convention

127. The Deputy Secretary General introduced DR8 Rev.1 and the associated conference documents Ramsar COP9 DOC. 21 'Proposals for regional initiatives in the framework of the Convention' and COP9 DOC. 8 'Report of the MedWet Coordination Unit'. DR8 Rev.1 included amendments arising from the Oceanian COP9 Preparatory Meeting.

128. During discussion, interventions were made by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba France, Ghana, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Paraguay, PNG (speaking on behalf of the Oceania Region), Romania, Samoa, Spain, Sudan, Uganda, UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present). A number of written amendments were submitted to the Secretariat.

129. The Chair requested the Secretary General to bring forward a Rev.2 of the document taking into account all of the amendments received.

DR4 'The Ramsar Convention and the conservation and sustainable use of fish resources'

130. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General.

131. Interventions were made by Argentina (noting that an informal contact group on this DR had been established for the Americas and would bring forward a consolidated written proposal in due course), Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Mali, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Saint Lucia, South Africa (noting that an informal contact group on this DR had been established for the Africa Region and would bring forward a consolidated written proposal in due course), Thailand, Uganda, and UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present). A number of written amendments were submitted to the Secretariat.

132. The Secretary General invited the informal regional contact groups for the Americas and Africa to communicate their conclusions to one another and to come forward with a consolidated text that could either be tabled in plenary or deferred to a formal contact group if substantive issues remained unresolved.

DR5 Synergies with other international organizations dealing with biological diversity; including collaboration on, and harmonization of, national reporting among biodiversity-related conventions and agreements

133. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

134. Interventions were made by Argentina, Australia, Burundi, Canada, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire El Salvador, Guinea, India, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russian Federation, UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present), Uganda, USA and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. A number of written amendments were submitted to the Secretariat.

135. The Chair concurred with the Secretary General's proposal that the USA and UK be invited to coordinate an informal working group to bring forward revised text to the Secretariat.

DR6 Designation and management of [transnational] [transboundary] Ramsar sites

136. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General, who drew attention to the use of bracketed terminology in the title and elsewhere in the document.

137. The text was supported by Argentina (subject to inclusion of proposed amendments), Austria, Islamic Republic of Iran and Switzerland. Brazil, Chile, El Salvador and Russian Federation expressed serious reservations. Brazil proposed deferral of the issues covered by DR6 to COP10.

138. The Chair concurred with the Secretary General's proposal that Austria, Brazil, El Salvador, Switzerland and other interested parties be invited to seek a mutually acceptable way forward.

Fifth Plenary Session Friday 11 November 15.00-18.00

Agenda Item XV: Consideration of the draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)

DR7 Guidance for addressing Ramsar sites or parts of sites which no longer meet the Criteria for designation

139. This Draft Resolution and the associated conference document Ramsar COP9 DOC. 15 were introduced by the Deputy Secretary General.

140. Interventions were made by Malawi and the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present).

141. Noting that this was an essentially uncontroversial DR, the Secretary General committed to preparing a Rev.1, incorporating the comments made.

DR10 The Role of the Convention in natural disaster prevention, mitigation and adaptation

142. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

143. Interventions were made by Argentina, Bangladesh, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Mali (on behalf of the informal contact group on this issue for the Africa Region), Mauritius, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present), and the USA. Written statements and proposed amendments were received by the Secretariat.

144. The Deputy Secretary General indicated that the Secretariat would prepare a Rev.1 of the Draft Resolution, taking into account the interventions made and amendments proposed.

DR11 Use of the term "Ramsar Secretariat"

145. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General.

146. Interventions were made by Japan, Mali, and the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present). Proposed amendments were submitted in writing to the Secretariat.

147. The Chair asked the Secretariat to prepare a Rev.1, taking into account the interventions made and amendments proposed.

DR12 Revised modus operandi of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel

148. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Chair of the STRP and the Secretary General.

149. Interventions were made by Argentina, Austria, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Russian Federation, Switzerland, UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present), Uganda, USA. There was general support for the Draft Resolution, subject to the inclusion of proposed amendments, which were submitted in writing to the Secretariat. However, Austria raised several substantive concerns over the text.

150. The Chair concurred with the Secretary General's suggestion that Austria be invited to form a small informal working group and to liaise with interested Parties and the Secretary General, in order to find a mutually acceptable way forward and to report back to plenary on the results of these deliberations.

DR14 Evaluation of the Ramsar Endowment Fund as a mechanism to resource the Small Grants Fund

151. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

152. Interventions were made by Armenia, Ghana, India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Malaysia, UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present). Proposed amendments were submitted in writing to the Secretariat.

153. The Secretary General committed to tabling a Rev.1 taking into account the proposed amendments received.

DR15 Wetlands and poverty reduction

154. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

155. Interventions were made by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho (speaking on behalf of the informal regional group for Africa that had dealt with this issue), Mali, Norway, and UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present). Proposed amendments were submitted to the Secretariat in writing.

156. The Secretary General committed to bringing forward a Rev.1, taking into account the comments received and amendments proposed. He noted that there had been no consensus on whether the DR should incorporate use of the term "poverty reduction" or "poverty eradication". Consequently, both terms would appear in Rev.1 in square brackets.

DR16 The status of sites in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

157. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

158. Interventions were made by Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Belize, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Chile, Congo, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Hungary, India, Jamaica, Japan, Lao PDR, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Paraguay, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Zambia, BirdLife International, Wetlands International and WWF. Many proposed amendments, most dealing with recent or planned site designations, or specific site management measures, were submitted in writing to the Secretariat.

159. WWF congratulated Spain for the efforts it had made in response to Resolution VIII.10 paragraph 42 (d) concerning the Spanish National Hydrological Plan. This sentiment was also expressed by the UK and Wetlands International.

160. The Secretary General committed to bringing forward a Rev.1, taking into account the comments made and proposed amendments received.

DR6 Designation and management of [transnational] [transboundary] Ramsar sites (continued)

161. Brazil reported that a group consisting of Austria, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Switzerland, UK and IUCN had met at the end of the 4th Plenary Session. The following text had been agreed as a mutually acceptable way forward:

Sixth Plenary Session Saturday 12 November 10.00-13.00

Agenda Item XV: Consideration of the draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)

DR17 The Convention's International Organization Partners (IOPs)

162. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

163. Interventions were made by Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, BirdLife International, and WWF.

164. The Secretary General noted Bangladesh's concern that special attention should be given to coordination and communication between international NGOs and national NGOs. This concern would be recorded in the Report of the Meeting. He also undertook to raise this point in discussions with the Convention's International Organization Partners.

165. At the Chair's invitation, DR17 was adopted by acclamation.

DR18 Review of the decisions of the Conference of the Contracting Parties

166. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

167. Interventions were made by Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Japan, Kenya, Mali, UK on behalf of the EU Member States present, and Wetlands International. Written amendments were submitted to the Secretariat.

168. The Secretary General committed to producing Rev.1 taking into account all the comments made and interventions submitted.

DR19 Establishment of an Oversight Panel for the CEPA activities of the Convention

169. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Secretary General.

170. Interventions were made by the Argentina, Australia, Canada, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kenya, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, UK (on behalf of the EU Member States present), Venezuela and Wetlands International. Written amendments were submitted to the Secretariat.

171. The Secretary General committed to producing Rev.1 taking into account all the comments made and interventions submitted.

DR20 The importance of regional wetland symposia in effectively implementing the Ramsar Convention

172. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General and Japan (as the Contracting Party that originally submitted the DR for consideration by the COP).

173. Interventions were made by Cuba, Korea, Thailand, and UK (on behalf of the EU Member States present).

174. The Chair asked Japan to lead an informal working group to agree an amended text that would be communicated to the Secretariat for preparation and distribution of Rev.1.

DR21 Integrated, cross-biome planning and management of wetlands, especially in small island developing states

175. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General and Samoa (as the Contracting Party that originally submitted the DR for consideration by the COP, on behalf of Contracting Parties in the Oceania Region).

176. Samoa reported on intensive informal discussions that had led to a revised version of the text.

177. In response to clarification sought by Cuba, the Chair asked Samoa to consult with Cuba and to transmit an agreed text to the Secretariat for preparation of a Rev.1.

DR23 Rev.1 Extending the effects and benefits of the Ramsar Convention to the wetlands of the Antarctic

178. This Draft Resolution was briefly introduced by the Deputy Secretary General, who noted that the original text had been submitted by Switzerland.

179. Switzerland made the following statement for the record:

180. In response to a question from Denmark, on behalf of Greenland, the Deputy Secretary General stated that the Secretariat did not have direct involvement in the upcoming International Polar Year but had discussed developing links with the Arctic Council and Conservation of Arctica Flora and Fauna (CAFF), subject to there being no cost implications.

DR24 Ramsar sites and national systems of protected areas

181. This Draft Resolution was briefly introduced by the Deputy Secretary General who noted that it had originally been submitted by Nigeria. He also reported on the comments made on the DR by members of the STRP.

182. Interventions were made by Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mali, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Russian Federation, Sudan, USA, and the CBD Secretariat.

183. A contact group, under the leadership of Nigeria, was established to take forward discussion of the issues raised and to report back to plenary as soon as possible.

DR25 Managing wetlands and waterbirds in response to highly pathogenic avian influenza

184. This Draft Resolution was introduced by the Deputy Secretary General. He noted it had been submitted by the Conference Committee, in response to current world events.

185. Interventions were made by Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Samoa, Senegal, Suriname, Switzerland, the UK (on behalf of the EU Member States present), USA, and Wetlands International.

186. The Chair asked the UK to lead a contact group on this DR, noting that many delegations would need to consult their capitals before this issue came back for consideration in plenary session.

DR26 Improving governance of the Ramsar Convention

187. The Chair ruled that discussion of this new DR, tabled at the request of the Conference Committee, be deferred until delegations had the opportunity to consider the text more fully.

Seventh Plenary Session Saturday 12 November 17.15-18.00

Agenda Item XV: Consideration of the draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)

DR1 Additional scientific and technical guidance for implementing the Ransar wise use concept

188. The Secretary General noted that the contact group on DR1 Annex A & B and DR22 was continuing its deliberations but the co-chairs would be asked to make a progress report later during the session.

189. The Chair (Australia, Vice-President) invited comments on Annex C or Ci or Cii.

190. Australia tabled amendments to Annex C paragraphs 36 and 37. El Salvador tabled text for a new paragraph 38 in section 4.2 of Annex C. Argentina raised concerns over paragraph 11 of Annex Ci and from paragraph 77 onwards in Annex Cii.

191. The Chair ruled that Australia and El Salvador's amendments were accepted and that these, as well as Argentina's amendments when specific text was available, would be issued as a one-page document. The Annexes would not be reissued in their entirety.

192. The Deputy Secretary General introduced the suggested amendments to DR1 Annex D, which had been circulated to all Contracting Parties.

193. There being no further comments, the Chair ruled that the amendments would be incorporated into Annex D, which was approved for inclusion as an element welcomed by DR1.

194. The Deputy Secretary General recalled the earlier plenary discussions on Annexes E and Ei.

195. There being no further interventions, the Chair ruled that Annexes E and Ei were approved for inclusion as an element welcomed by DR1.

196. Norway, as co-chair of the contact group on DR1 Annexes A & B and DR22, presented a brief progress report, highlighting remaining areas of difficulty, especially in relation to DR22.

197. The Chair requested the contact group co-chairs to continue striving for a way forward acceptable to all Parties and asked the contact group to report further to Conference Committee on 13 November.

DR2 Future implementation of scientific and technical aspects of the Convention

198. The Deputy Secretary General briefly reintroduced the text of this DR, which had been tabled originally during the third plenary session, and drew attention to the amendments already introduced at that time.

199. Canada proposed deletion of paragraph 120.

200. In response to a proposal from Brazil and Ecuador to delete the reference in paragraph 17 of Annex 2 to the "Principles for a Code of Conduct for the Management and Sustainable Use of Mangrove Ecosystems", the Secretary General suggested that while the deletion would be made, the status of the Code of Conduct should be kept under review by the Secretariat and the reference reinserted if the Code of Conduct was eventually agreed by the countries concerned.

201. The UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present) wished to put on record that, without prejudice to discussions in the Finance Committee or in relation to DR13, the UK/EU Member States' preference would be for 'Immediate' priorities to be fundable from the Convention's core budget.

202. The Deputy Secretary General committed to circulating a Rev.1 including these and amendments, as well as those already introduced during the Third plenary session.

Eighth Plenary Session Monday 14 November 10.00-13.00

Agenda Item XV: Consideration of the draft Resolutions submitted by Contracting Parties and the Standing Committee (continued)

203. Turkey made a formal statement and requested its inclusion in the Report of the Meeting. The statement included the following reservation concerning Draft Resolutions 1, 3 and 6:

204. The full text of the statement is included as Annex IV to the Report of the Meeting.

DR26 Improving management of the Ramsar Convention

205. This Draft Resolution, submitted by the Conference Committee, was introduced by Canada. The proposed Governance Working Group was intended to be a small, ad hoc group that would not meet frequently. It would not have any decision-making authority and would not continue to exist beyond COP10. Canada clarified that the Secretary General should be added to the list of proposed members of the Governance Working Group.

206. Interventions were made by Australia, Bahamas, Ecuador, Japan, Lesotho, Mexico, Sudan, Suriname, Switzerland, the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present).

207. The Secretary General noted for the record that the Working Group should draw on the results of the work undertaken by the Subgroup on Resolution VIII.45. He also pointed out that if the Working Group's work were to be without financial consequences, it would have to work in English only and to meet in association with meetings of the Standing Committee. The Secretariat would produce a Rev.1 taking into account the comments and amendments received.

Agenda Item XVI: Report of the Credentials Committee

208. The Chair of the Credentials Committee (Canada) presented the Committee's report. At the time of report writing, the credentials of 115 Contracting Parties had been approved. Since then, Turkey's original credentials had been received, bringing the total to 116. Several Parties had just submitted their credentials. Certain difficulties had been encountered with the credentials of four Central Asian countries. The Secretary General was requested to explore before COP10 options to resolve these difficulties. The Committee also proposed an amendment to Rule 18.1 of the Rules of Procedure. Finally, the Committee expressed its thanks for the efforts made by Contracting Parties and for the support provided by the Secretariat and especially through IUCN.

209. With the agreement of the Meeting, the Chair ruled that Contracting Parties would be able to submit their credentials until noon on 15 November. The Credentials Committee report would be submitted for formal adoption during the afternoon of 15 November.

Agenda Item XVIII: Reports and recommendations arising from the Technical Sessions

210. Brief reports on the Technical Sessions on 'Applying the Wise Use principle in Integrated Water Management' and 'Culture and Knowledge in Wetland Management' were presented by Wetlands International and the Secretariat, respectively.

211. The Deputy Secretary General placed on record thanks to all chairs, rapporteurs, facilitators, presenters and participants involved with the Technical Sessions.

212. The Secretary General confirmed that all of the presentations, notes, and conclusions of the Technical Sessions would be made available through the Ramsar Web site.

213. The Deputy Secretary General referred to the Special Intervention on the Wetlands Synthesis Report of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), given by Ms Rebecca D'Cruz, at the start of the Technical Sessions. The STRP had been closely involved in the MA process, providing input and guidance. The MA Secretariat and UN University had facilitated input of additional experts into the work of the STRP. It had been suggested that it might be helpful to highlight the STRP's thinking on the main findings of the MA. Consequently, 14 'key messages' from the STRP had been distributed for delegates' consideration, and are included Annex III of this Report of the Conference.

Agenda Item XVII: Report of the discussions, conclusions and recommendations in the Administration/Implementation sessions
Agenda item XIX: Adoption of Resolutions

214. With the agreement of the Meeting, the Chair ruled that these two Agenda items would be opened in parallel, so that certain Draft Resolutions might be formally adopted if Contracting Parties were content to do so.

DR6 Designation and management of [transnational] [transboundary] Ramsar sites (continued)

215. The Secretary General noted that the first line of the final paragraph under this DR in the Draft Report of the Fifth Plenary Session should be amended to read:

216. El Salvador placed on record its reservation concerning the form and content of this DR, noting that it dealt with issues that should be submitted to the competent national authorities for approval.

217. In response to clarification sought by Argentina, the Secretary General responded that the text of the DR would be placed in square brackets and that the interventions of all COP9 delegations would be noted in the documentation submitted to the intersessional process set up to deal with this issue before COP10.

DR7 Rev.1 Guidance for addressing Ramsar sites or parts of sites which no longer meet the Criteria for designation

218. The Deputy Secretary General introduced the amended text of this DR.

219. Argentina drew attention to language corrections required in the Spanish text.

220. India made the following statement for the record:

221. Subject to the language corrections introduced by Argentina, DR7 Rev.1 was adopted by consensus.

DR11 Rev.1 Use of the term "Ramsar Secretariat"

222. The revised text of this DR was introduced by the Secretary General.

223. Interventions were made by Japan, Mali, Namibia, Switzerland, and the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present).

224. The Secretary General committed to bringing forward a Rev.2 of this DR, taking into account the comments and amendments received.

Ninth Plenary Session Monday 14 November 15.00-18.00

Address of His Excellency the President of Uganda

225. The Chair (Mexico, Vice-President) introduced the Secretary General who reflected on the work of COP9 to date. His Excellency Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Water, Lands and Environment, introduced His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, who delivered his address. Noting that 13% of Uganda's territory was covered by wetlands, and that these essentially constituted the headwaters of the River Nile, the President highlighted some of the threats to Uganda's wetlands and his reflections on how those threats might be addressed.

Agenda Item XVII: Report of the discussions, conclusions and recommendations in the Administration/Implementation sessions
Agenda item XIX: Adoption of Resolutions (continued)

DR14 Rev.1 Evaluation of the Ramsar Endowment Fund as a mechanism to resource the Small Grants Fund

226. The Secretary General introduced the revised text of this DR.

227. Interventions were made by Armenia, Canada, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, and Japan.

228. In relation to paragraph 10, Ghana proposed that the phrase "other organizations within the Asian region to support the establishment of such a mechanism, recognizing that no such mechanism exists for the region" be replaced by "other organizations to support the establishment of such a mechanism for all regions".

229. The Secretary General requested that the record show the strong concern expressed by the Asian region and the region's request for assistance from the Secretariat in seeking additional funding.

230. DR14 Rev.1 was adopted, subject to the inclusion of the amendment proposed by Ghana..

DR13 Financial and budgetary matters

231. The Chair of the Finance Committee (Canada) presented an update on the Committee's deliberations. Two major issues had been under consideration;

232. During the day it had been discovered that an error had been made in calculating the contributions of one Contracting Party resulting in even the 4% option showing significant deficits in all three years of the coming triennium. Discussions had changed focus on where to make cuts to bring the budget back into balance. The Ramsar Database, STRP, and CEPA costs had been looked at in particular. An intervention by the Secretary General had resulted in a proposed reduction in communications activities and certain operating costs, while retaining the previously proposed allocations for STRP and Ramsar Database, with no proposed reductions elsewhere. A revised version of DR13 would be available for the COP's consideration on 15 November. This would put forward proposals for a 4% increase in dues and a balanced budget.

DR18 Rev.1 Review of the decisions of the Conference of the Contracting Parties

233. The revisions to this DR were introduced by the Secretary General.

234. Interventions were made by Argentina, Australia, Japan, the UK and Wetlands International.

235. The COP adopted DR18 Rev.1 subject to the inclusion of amendments to paragraphs 5 and 5 bis and the deletion of paragraphs 6 and 7.

DR20 Rev.1 The importance of regional wetland symposia in effectively implementing the Ramsar Convention

236. The Deputy Secretary General introduced the revisions to this DR.

237. The COP adopted DR20 Rev.1 by consensus, without further amendment.

DR 17 original version, The International Organization Partners

238. The COP confirmed the adoption by acclamation during the Sixth Plenary Session of DR17.

DR5 Rev.1 Synergies among conventions

239. In response to a request from the USA, the Chair ruled that consideration of this DR be deferred.

240. New Zealand, supported by Jamaica, noted that parts of DR5, DR9 and Annex D of DR1 all dealt with the streamlining of national reporting in differing ways. New Zealand would prefer to see these references brought together in the text of DR9, using the following proposed wording:

241. The Deputy Secretary General confirmed that this proposal would be revisited under discussion of DR9 Rev.1.

DR16 Rev.1 Status of Ramsar sites

242. Introducing the revised text of this DR, the Deputy Secretary General noted that paragraph 23bis had been introduced in error by the Secretariat (since it had been proposed by an observer but not supported by any Contracting Party), and that paragraphs 25 ix and 25 x should be deleted following updates presented in the Fifth Plenary Session by the UK and the Netherlands, respectively. These issues were reported in plenary as having been resolved.

243. In response to questions raised by Lesotho and Portugal concerning interpretation of the Annex, the Secretary General suggested that individual Contracting Parties should seek any necessary clarifications from the relevant Senior Regional Adviser in the Secretariat.

244. In response to concern expressed by Argentina in relation to paragraph 25 xiii, the Secretary General requested that the report show that the Secretariat did want to continue receiving the information concerned, since it was in the interests of both the Contracting Parties and the Secretariat to have the earliest possible notification of possible issues at Ramsar sites. When receiving information from third parties, the Secretariat's first course of action was always to refer the report to the Contracting Party concerned.

245. Argentina noted that it was awaiting a clear response from the Secretariat in relation to a request for further information about a report that had been submitted to the Secretariat by a third party, and which concerned an Argentinian Ramsar site.

246. The Secretary General confirmed the view he had expressed earlier during the Meeting that there should be a strong focus on strengthening the management of existing Ramsar sites during the next triennium as well as designation of new sites.

247. DR16 Rev.1 was adopted by consensus, subject to the inclusion of the corrections outlined by the Deputy Secretary General, corrections to paragraph 29 made by Algeria, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Norway, Romania, the Russian Federation, and the UK, a correction to the Annex made by Jamaica, and deletion of paragraph 11, proposed by Argentina.

DR19 Rev.1 CEPA Oversight Panel

248. The revisions to this DR were introduced by the Secretary General.

249. Australia introduced a text change to the first line of Annex 1 which was accepted. Mexico also identified the need to check consistency and intended meaning of the various language versions in the first line of Annex I.

250. Mexico proposed further amendments to Annex I: in point v., insert at the end "and taking into consideration appropriate and balanced geographical representation"; the final part of the last paragraph should read: "...involved in deliberations and the results shall be translated into the official and other languages and posted on the Ramsar Web site, as well as through the CEPA electronic network".

251. The latter proposal was supported by China and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

252. DR19 Rev.1 was adopted by consensus, subject to the inclusion of the amendments outlined above.

DR21 Rev.1 Integrated cross-biome planning

253. The Deputy Secretary General introduced the revisions to this DR.

254. DR21 Rev.1 was adopted by consensus without further amendment.

Agenda Item XX: Election of the Contracting Parties that will serve on the Standing Committee

255. Following nominations determined by each Ramsar region during the course of COP9, the following Contracting Parties were elected by acclamation to serve on the Standing Committee for the triennium 2006-2008:

256. The UK, on behalf of the European region, thanked Armenia for its effective representation on the Standing Committee for the previous two triennia.

Tenth Plenary Session Tuesday 15 November 10.00-13.00

Agenda Item XIX: Adoption of Conference Resolutions (continued)

DR2 Rev.1 Future implementation of scientific and technical aspects of the Convention

257. The revisions to this Draft Resolution were introduced by the Deputy Secretary General.

258. There being no interventions from the floor, DR2 Rev.1 was adopted by consensus, without further amendment.

DR3 Rev.1 Engagement of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in ongoing multilateral processes dealing with water

259. The revisions to this Draft Resolution were introduced by the Secretary General.

260. Interventions were made by Australia, India, Russian Federation, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland and Wetlands International.

261. India noted for the record its conviction that Contracting Parties should be assessing progress and resources invested in implementing an ecosystem approach to integrated water resources development and management over the next triennium, as well as facilitating resources for promotion and implementation of integrated water resources development and management nationally.

262. DR3 Rev.1 was adopted by consensus, subject to the inclusion of agreed amendments.

DR4 Rev.1 The Ramsar Convention and conservation, production and sustainable use of fisheries resources

263. The revisions to this Draft Resolution were introduced by the Deputy Secretary General.

264. Interventions were made by Argentina, Colombia, Israel, Japan, Norway, New Zealand, South Africa, Suriname, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present), BirdLife International and WWF.

265. Argentina noted that in finalizing wording of the fifth box under "Issue 3: Management of Fisheries", care should be taken to ensure that its scope was clearly within the remit of the Convention.

266. DR4 Rev. 1 was adopted by consensus, subject to the inclusion of agreed amendments and language corrections to the Spanish text.

DR8 Rev.2 Regional initiatives in the framework of the Ramsar Convention

267. The revisions to this Draft Resolution were introduced by the Deputy Secretary General, who noted that some square bracketed text was pending final adoption of DR13 on Financial and Budgetary Matters.

268. Interventions were made by Albania, Brazil, China, Colombia, Croatia, Ecuador, India, Lesotho, and the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present).

269. DR8 Rev.2 was adopted by consensus, subject to inclusion of agreed amendments, and subject to the adoption of DR13.

DR9 Rev. 1 Streamlining the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Convention 2003-2008

270. The revisions to this Draft Resolution were introduced by the Secretary General. He noted that the annexed Framework would continue to evolve over the coming triennium.

271. Interventions were made by Argentina, Colombia, India, Japan, The Netherlands New Zealand, the UK (speaking on behalf of the EU Member States present), the USA, and Wetlands International.

273. The Netherlands stated that, in its view, the proposed striking out in the Annex of references to the Kyoto Protocol was a policy-related amendment and not simply an editorial change. While understanding the reason behind the proposal, the Netherlands wished to replace the deleted text with a reference to the role of wetlands in implementing the UNFCCC.

274. The USA proposed that the deletions should stand without further amendment.

275. The Secretary General recalled that COP8 had taken a decision on climate change issues and that this was clearly an area on which the Contracting Parties and the Secretariat would continue to work, and which could be reflected on between COP9 and SC34.