The Bodies of the Convention

The Contracting Parties implement the Convention on Wetlands in their territories and collaborate on shared projects. The government agency responsible for its national application is known as the country’s Administrative Authority. This agency appoints a National Focal Point to coordinate national implementation and act as the daily contact point. 

Every three years the Parties meet as the Conference of the Contracting Parties (the COP), where they adopt decisions to administer the Convention and guide its implementation. 

Between the COPs, the Parties are represented by the Standing Committee, which meets yearly. The Standing Committee is guided by the framework of the decisions made by the COP.

Two advisory bodies develop technical guidance to help the Standing Committee and the COP formulate policies: the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (the STRP) and the communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA) Oversight Panel. 

They are all supported by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands and the International Organization Partners (IOPs) which the Parties have formally recognized as official partners of the Convention.

The scope and focus of the Convention’s work is coordinated by means of a Strategic Plan and associated work plans which set out priority objectives and the actions expected or requested of the various bodies of the Convention.