What's New @ Ramsar

4 July 2008

Vacancy announcement. Ramsar opening for Intern for Asia/Oceania.  The Ramsar Secretariat welcomes applications for the position of Intern/Assistant Advisor for the Asia /Oceania Region, a 12-month posting (possibly extendable to up to 18 months) at the Ramsar Secretariat in Switzerland to begin in early December 2008. With an upper age limit for applicants of 30 years old, the post offers an opportunity for young graduates to become acquainted with the workings of an intergovernmental treaty dealing with the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Candidates for this internship should be nationals of countries in Asia/Oceania and have lived most of their lives in the region (which extends from the Middle-East, Asia to Oceania). Full ability to work in English, both written and spoken, is required for this post. Prospective candidates: please view the General Terms of Reference for Ramsar internships (also available from the Secretariat), which includes conditions of service and salary structure, and send the application form (Word, PDF) attached to the General Terms of Reference, a covering letter explaining your interest in an internship with the Ramsar Secretariat and your future career goals, your CV, as well as two letters of reference from your previous supervisors or dean of the faculty where you carried out your studies, to jobapplications@iucn.org.  The deadline for applications is 8 August 2008. [04/07/08]

Headline story. New face for the Ramsar Sites Information Service. Ellen Diémé reports that the Ramsar Sites Information Service, which is operated by Wetlands International and based on the Ramsar Sites Database also maintained by WI, has a new easier-to-use organization and "look", and a new address: http://ramsar.wetlands.org/. Ellen notes that "there is more information for Parties on it (under supporting tools), and hopefully during the next months results/outputs of analyses concerning distibution and gaps of certain wetland types (such as peatlands) within the Ramsar site network will be presented as well in reports, tables, and maps." [04/07/08]

From the Ramsar Forum. Views on application of the Montreux Record. Bill Phillips, former Deputy Secretary General of the Convention, writes: “I am interested to hear the views of Forum members on the issue of when a Party should exercise its voluntary option to place a site on the Montreux Record. The situation where this has arisen relates to a large Ramsar site in Australia (the Coorong and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert) which has undergone significant change in ecological character over the past decade in particular.” Bill describes the background and asks whether different Parties have different interpretations of the purpose and value of placing such a site on the Montreux Record. Here is his message. [04/07/08]

Headline story. Italy removes Molentargius from the Montreux Record. The Secretariat is pleased to announce that Italy has completed the formalities for the removal of one of its Ramsar sites  that has been on the Montreux Record of sites “where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur” for quite a few years. According to documentation provided by the Administrative Authority in the Ministry of the Environment and Territory and the Sea, managers at “Stagno di Molentargius” have made substantial progress in resolving the problems for which the site was added to the Record in 1990, and after consultations with the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) it has been removed from the Record as of 2 July 2008. Monica Zavagli provides more details and a link to the MR Questionnaire here. (Photo left: http://www.parconaturalemolentargius.it/) [02/07/08]

Who's Where?

Abou Bamba, Senior Advisor for Africa, is in Wageningen, The Netherlands, to participate in the Wetlands International Wetlands and Poverty Reduction Project’s planning roundtable meeting for Anglophone and Francophone Policy Makers, 3-4 July 2008. [02/07/08]

For more old Ramsar Secretariat travel news, see also 'Who Was Where', 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008

Yesterday's News!

New staff for Ramsar Centre in Iran. Yasaman Rajabkhah, Executive Director of the Ramsar Regional Center for Training and Research in West and Central Asia, informs us that Ali Aghili has been selected as the new Communication Officer at the Centre, and Ms Atefeh Anbarsouz will be the new Technical Officer. More details here. [02/07/08]

Vacancy announcement. IUCN seeks Marine officer for Malaga. “The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation in Malaga, Spain, is seeking a new staff member with immediate effect to join the IUCN programme. This challenging and interesting staff position arises within the IUCN Office located in the Parque Tecnologico, Campanillas near Malaga, Spain. The Marine Conservation Programme Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing a programme of work at Mediterranean regional level to deliver the IUCN programme of work in partnership with other organisations, working particularly closely with the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan, the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (Tunis), as well as other relevant regional partners. The programme will be implemented jointly with the IUCN Global Marine Programme based in Gland, Switzerland, and with global and regional members of IUCN Commissions’ (WCPA, SSC, etc.) members in the region. The Marine Conservation Programme Manager will handle a portfolio of project activities for which she/he will be responsible.” See the full announcement here (PDF).  [01/07/08]

Closing Workshop of the Menasra dialogue. The closing workshop of the MedWet Project Dialogue on Water in the MENA Region for Morocco took place on May 28 with the partipation of MedWet Coordinator Adnan Budieri and MedWet Policy Advisor Nejib Benessaiah. Nejib Benessaih reports: "On 28 May at the Wilaya of Kenitra, Morocco, more than 100 participants attended the National Workshop of the Menasra Dialogue including mayors, public administration representatives, farmers, national and international experts. After a brief introduction by the Wali of Kenitra, the four Presidents of the Rural Communities of Menasra, Souk El Had, Ouled Ayed and Sid Lahmar undersigned the final Agreement on the wise use of water resources of the Menasra basin." Further details here. [30/06/08]

Caution about new Ramsar sites for COP10. Parties that are planning to designate new Wetlands of International Importance for announcement at the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Changwon, Republic of Korea, 28 October – 4 November 2008) should make a point of completing and submitting their site designation paperwork well in advance of the COP. Here's why. [27/06/08]

Republic of Korea names intertidal flats. The Secretariat is very pleased to announce that the Republic of Korea, host country for the next meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (Changwon, 28 October-4 November 2008), has designated an important wintering stop for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian flyway. As summarized by Ramsar’s Pragati Tuladhar, based on the Ramsar Information Sheet, Muan Tidal Flat (3,589 hectares, 35°06’N 126°23’E), a Wetland Protected Area, is an intertidal sand- and mudflat ecosystem, largely free of human disturbance, on the coastline of the Yellow Sea, located in the mouth of semi-enclosed inner bay. Some 49 species of winter waterbirds have been observed, and the site provides habitat to various endangered and rare species such Saunder’s Gull (Larus saundersi), Black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) and Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes). It is a notable spawning ground for marine organisms, with some 357 species recorded, providing valuable food resources for the migratory birds. A ‘reclamation’ with small-scale sea dyke constructions was carried out for the development of Woldoo village fishing port, but detrimental effects have not appeared so far. A comprehensive management plan has been in effect since 2002, implemented by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MOMAF), and a number of monitoring programmes are continuing. [26/06/08]

Small change in the Ramsar List. Austria remeasures key Danube site. Austria has recalculated the area, using GIS techniques, of the Donau-March-Thaya-Auen Ramsar site, resulting in an area of 36,090 hectares instead of the former estimate of 38,500. The site, now renamed by the addition of "Thaya", is part of the "Trilateral Ramsar Site Floodplains of the Morava-Dyje-Danube Confluence" Transboundary Ramsar site with Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Austria now has 19 Ramsar sites covering 119,962 hectares. [26/06/08]

Headline story. Serbia names riverine Ramsar site. The Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Republic of Serbia has designated its 9th Wetland of International Importance. As described by Monica Zavagli, based on the Ramsar Information Sheet, Zasavica (1,913 hectares, 44°56’N 019°32’E) is a Special Nature Reserve and BirdLife IBA located in northern Mačva, a riverine ecosystem that dominates the area south of the river Sava, with the rivulet Zasavica and its tributary the Batar, for a total length of 33 km. Aquatic and swampy ecosystems line up along with fragments of floodable meadows and forests representing one of the last preserved pristine swamp areas in Serbia.

The natural conditions are favorable for many rare plant and animal species, such as greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), water violet (Hottonia palustris), marsh nettle (Urtica kioviensis), freshwater sponge (Spongilla lacustris), a rare species of oligochaete (Rynchelmnis limnosela), Danube crested newt (Triturus dobrogicus), ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) as well as otter (Lutra lutra) and beaver (Castor fiber). It is also the only habitat of the mudminnow, Umbra krameri, in Serbia. Traditional grazing and cattle breeding, particularly of autochthonous races, along with the several centuries’ long usage of the area, supports the maintenance of grassland habitats within the Reserve. Zasavica has inspired many legends and myths, and it is woven into the cultural being of the people. Some photographs of the site can be seen here. [25/06/08]

Wings Over Wetlands training workshop in Jordan. The Wings Over Wetlands (WOW) project set out in 2006 with the broad aim to improve and conserve healthy and viable populations of African-Eurasian migratory waterbirds through identifying and conserving critical wetland areas and building local professional capacity. Funded largely by UNDP-GEF, the project lead implementers include Wetlands International and BirdLife International and it operates in close coordination with the Secretariats of Ramsar and UNEP/AEWA as well as UNEP-WCMC. A workshop held in Amman, Jordan, 9-16 June 2008, was the near-final step in the development of the Training and Awareness component of the WOW project, and Sandra Hails has prepared this illustrated report. [25/06/08]

First meeting of Ramsar site managers in Switzerland. On 15 March 2008, the Fondation des Grangettes (managing Ramsar site N° 504 Les Grangettes on Lake Geneva) hosted a meeting of Ramsar site managers in Switzerland and nearby France in the small town of Villeneuve at the edge of the Ramsar site. This was a first and very successful event, based on the reflections of the Swiss Ramsar Administrative Authority (the Federal Office of the Environment) about practical ways to improve Ramsar contacts at national level. [23/06/08]

USA adds 24th Ramsar site. The Secretariat is delighted to announce that the well-known Olentangy research wetland in the US state of Ohio has been designated by the United States as its 24th Wetland of International Importance, effective 18 April 2008. As described by Ramsar’s Mila Llorens, based on the exemplary Ramsar Information Sheet, Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park (21 hectares, 40º01’N 083º01’W) is a complex of created and natural freshwater riverine wetlands located on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. The wetlands include freshwater, tree-dominated wetlands, permanent rivers/streams/creeks, seasonal/intermittent freshwater marshes, and permanent freshwater marshes. It is a unique combination of 1) a biologically diverse assemblage of different wetland and riverine habitats both representative and unique to the region; 2) high-quality university teaching, research, and publishing related specifically to wetland ecology and management; and 3) significant wetland ecotourism and outreach for an urban community where few wetlands remain.

As a result of wetland creation, restoration, and sound management, the ORWRP has developed into a diverse set of habitats and vegetated ecosystems comparable to any similar-sized temperate zone wetland. The site has supported almost 160 bird species, diverse fish and invertebrate communities in the river and marshes, and a wide variety of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, all in an urban region of 1.6 million people. The ORWRP is one of only two wetland research facilities in the USA in the Global Wetland Consortium (GWC). The Olentangy park Web site is presently featuring the new Ramsar site certificate on its front page (http://swamp.osu.edu). [20/06/08]

Ramsar COP10 pre-registration is open. Basic information sheets on the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties are now being mailed out to the Parties and are available on the Ramsar Web site in English, French, and Spanish – these cover a summary of all key topics and sheets on travel within Korea, accommodations, visa information, side events, exhibitions, excursions, and a special exhibition of children’s artworks. All of these are now going out to the Administrative Authorities (Ramsar national focal points) in the Parties by normal post as well.

An on-line pre-registration facility is available, also in English, French, and Spanish – Adminstrative Authorities have been sent a password that will allow them to pre-register directly, which should arrive in the post within a week from now, and all others have the opportunity to submit a request form to be given a password. Observers from recognized organizations working in the field of the conservation and wise use of wetlands are normally welcome at the COP and will be confirmed by our regional staff after their requests have been received.

Much of the COP agenda documentation, especially the draft Resolutions, will begin appearing on the site as well within the next week or so. National Reports submitted to the COP by the Parties and the results of the regional COP preparatory meetings are also available in the same place. Go here: [20/06/08]

Now available. 6th European Ramsar Meeting. The 6th European Ramsar Meeting was hosted by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in Stockholm, Sweden, 3-7 May 2008. It provided a great opportunity to actively discuss the new millennium challenges for wetland conservation, look into operational procedures of the Convention, and prepare for the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP10), to be held in Changwon on 28 October-4 November 2008. It was attended by 109 participants representing 37 Contracting Parties in the European Region, six intergovernmental organizations, three of Ramsar’s five International Organization Partners, seven other organizations, and two invited Ramsar experts. The final report is now ready and available (PDF), together with the final list of participants, agenda, supporting documents and and a page of photographs right here. [19/06/08]

Le rapport de la 6e réunion européenne Ramsar est disponible. La 6e réunion européenne Ramsar était l'hôte de l'Agence suédoise de protection de l'environnement, à Stockholm, Suède, du 3 au 7 mai 2008. Ce fut une excellente occasion de discuter activement des nouveaux enjeux du millénaire pour la conservation des zones humides, d'examiner les procédures de fonctionnement de la Convention et de préparer la 10e Session de la Conférence des Parties contractantes (COP10) qui aura lieu à Changwon, Corée, du 28 octobre au 4 novembre 2008. À cette réunion, 109 participants représentaient 37 Parties contractantes de la Région Europe, six organisations intergouvernementales, trois des cinq Organisations internationales partenaires de Ramsar et sept autres organisations. Il y avait aussi deux experts Ramsar invités. Le rapport final est prêt et disponible (PDF) avec la liste finale des participants, l'ordre du jour, les documents d'appui et une page de photographies à l'adresse:  http://www.ramsar.org/mtg/mtg_reg_europe2008_index.htm.

Winners of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards. The Standing Committee has announced the winners of the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards for 2008. In the science category, the Award goes to Dave Pritchard; in the management category, to Denis Landenbergue, WWF International; and in the education category, to Dr Sansanee Choowaew of Mahidol University, Thailand. In addition, the Recognition of Excellence was awarded to Dr Jan Květ of the Czech Republic. Full descriptions of the reasons for these choices can be found here. The three Ramsar Awards, with the Evian Special Prize fo USD 10,000 for each, will be conferred at the opening of the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties in the Republic of Korea in October 2008. [05/06/08]

Feedback and suggestions are welcome to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ).

Back Issues of the Bulletin Board. Early in every month, the current edition of the Bulletin Board is copied to the Ramsar Archives page, and you can dig through the back issues there -- their contents are still indexed on the Global Index page in perpetuity.