The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. Adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, the Convention celebrates its 30th anniversary on World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2001, with a membership of more than 120 national governments. The Convention's programme focuses on the conservation and wise use of more than 1030 wetlands designated for the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and on national planning to maintain the biodiversity and values and functions of all wetlands.

UNESCO is the Depository of the Convention. The secretariat, or Bureau, is hosted by IUCN – The World Conservation Union, in Gland, Switzerland.

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat
Rue Mauverney 28
CH-1196 Gland
Switzerland

Tel: + 41 22 999 0170
Fax: + 41 22 999 0169
E-mail: ramsar@ramsar.org
www.ramsar.org