ramsarskyddet

Ramsarskyddet, established in 1971, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was adopted, it is the most significant global agreement for wetland conservation. As of 2023, 179 countries have signed the treaty, covering over 2.3 million wetland sites spanning 234 million hectares.

The primary goals of Ramsarskyddet are to conserve wetland ecosystems and their associated biodiversity, promote the wise use of all wetland resources, and encourage international cooperation for wetland conservation. Wetlands are defined by the treaty as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish, or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.

Key provisions of the treaty include the establishment of Wetland Sites of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), which are designated by countries based on their significance for biodiversity, waterfowl, and other wetland-dependent species. These sites must be managed for the conservation of their wetland values and for the sustainable use of their resources. The treaty also encourages the development of national strategies and action plans for wetland conservation and the sharing of best practices and technologies.

Ramsarskyddet plays a crucial role in global wetland conservation efforts, providing a framework for international cooperation and collaboration. It has contributed to the protection of numerous wetland ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, peatlands, and freshwater wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and human well-being. The treaty also highlights the importance of wetland restoration and the integration of wetland conservation into broader environmental policies and sustainable development initiatives.