Ramsarområden

Ramsarområden are internationally important wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This convention, adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Ramsar sites are selected for their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance. They can encompass a wide variety of wetland types, including marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, deltas, estuaries, coral reefs, mangroves, and even artificial wetlands like rice paddies and reservoirs.

The primary objective of designating a wetland as a Ramsar site is to promote its conservation and sustainable management. Countries that are parties to the convention commit to maintaining the ecological character of their designated wetlands and to implementing measures for their wise use. This includes developing national wetland inventories, integrating wetland conservation into national planning, and promoting research and training related to wetlands. The Ramsar list comprises over 2,400 sites worldwide, covering more than 250 million hectares. These sites play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing essential ecosystem services such as water purification and flood control, and contributing to human well-being.