See the ENTRI query system for information about the signatory status of this treaty.
CONVENTION ON WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE
ESPECIALLY AS WATERFOWL HABITAT
Objectives
==========
To stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands
now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological
functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific and
recreational value.
Summary of provisions
=====================
(a) Parties to designate at least one national wetland for
inclusion in a List of Wetlands of International Importance (art.
2);
(b) Parties to consider their international responsibilities
for conservation, management and wise use of migratory stocks of
wildfowl (art. 2);
(c) Parties to establish wetland nature reserves, cooperate
in the exchange of information and train personnel for wetland
management (art. 4);
(d) Conferences on the conservation of wetlands and water-
fowl to be convened as the need arises.
Membership
==========
Open for signature indefinitely and for accession to all
States Members of the United Nations or members of the specialized
agencies or IAEA; signature may be with or without reservation as
to ratification. Ratification or accession to be effected by
deposit of an instrument with the Director-General of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Date of adoption 2. 2.1971
Place of adoption Ramsar, Iran
Date of entry into force 21.12.1975
Languages English, French, German,
Russian
Depositary UNESCO
Participant Ratification Entry into force
Accession (Ac)
----------- -------------- ----------------
Algeria 4.11.1983 (Ac) 4. 3.1984
Australia 8. 5.1984 21.12.1975
Austria 16.12.1982 (Ac) 16. 4.1983
Belgium 4. 3.1986 4. 7.1986
Bolivia 27. 6.1990 (Ac) 27. 6.1990
Bulgaria 24. 9.1975 24. 1.1976
Burkina Faso 27. 6.1990 (Ac) 27. 6.1990
Canada 15. 1.1981 (Ac) 15. 5.1981
Chad 13. 6.1990 (Ac) 13. 6.1990
Chile 27. 7.1981 (Ac) 27.11.1981
Czechoslovakia 2. 7.1990 (Ac) 2. 7.1990
Ecuador 7. 9.1990 (Ac) 7. 9.1990
Egypt 9. 9.1988 (Ac) 9. 9.1988
Denmark 2. 9.1977 (Ac) 2. 1.1978
Finland 28. 5.1974 21.12.1975
France 1.10.1986 1. 2.1987
Gabon 30.12.1986 30. 4.1987
Germany 26. 2.1976 26. 6.1976
Ghana 22. 2.1988 (Ac) 22. 6.1988
Greece 21. 8.1975 (Ac) 21.12.1975
Guatemala 26. 6.1990 (Ac) 26. 6.1990
Guinea Bissau 9. 5.1990 (Ac) 9. 5.1990
Hungary 11. 4.1979 (Ac) 11. 8.1979
Iceland 2.12.1977 (Ac) 2. 4.1978
India 1.10.1981 (Ac) 1. 2.1982
Iran, Islamic
Republic of 23. 6.1975 21.12.1975
Ireland 15.11.1984 15. 3.1985
Italy 14.12.1976 14. 4.1977
Japan 17. 6.1980 (Ac) 17.10.1980
Jordan 10. 1.1977 (Ac) 10. 5.1977
Kenya 5. 6.1990 (Ac) 5. 6.1990
Mali 25. 5.1987 (Ac) 25. 9.1987
Malta 30. 9.1988 (Ac) 30. 4.1989
Mauritania 22.10.1982 (Ac) 22. 2.1983
Mexico 4. 7.1986 (Ac) 4.11.1986
Morocco 20. 6.1980 20.10.1980
Nepal 17.12.1987 (Ac) 17. 4.1988
Netherlands
(for all parts
of the Kingdom) 23. 5.1980 (Ac) 23. 9.1980
New Zealand 13. 8.1976 13.12.1976
Niger 30. 4.1987 30. 8.1987
Norway 9. 7.19742 1.12.1975
Pakistan 23. 7.1976 23.11.1976
Panama 26.11.1990 (Ac) 26.11.1990
Poland 22.11.1972 (Ac) 22. 3.1978
Portugal 24.11.1980 24. 3.1981
Russian Federation 11.10.1976 11. 2.1977
Senegal 11. 7.1977 (Ac) 11.11.1977
South Africa 12. 3.1975 21.12.1975
Spain 4. 5.1982 (Ac) 4. 9.1982
Sri Lanka 15. 6.1990 (Ac) 15. 6.1990
Suriname 18. 5.1985 18. 7.1985
Sweden 5.12.1974 21.12.1975
Switzerland 16. 1.1976 16. 5.1976
Tunisia 24.11.1980 (Ac) 24. 3.1981
Uganda 4. 3.1988 4. 7.1988
United Kingdom of
Great Britain and
Northern Ireland 5. 1.1976 5. 5.1976
United States of
America 18.12.1986 18.12.1986
Uruguay 22. 5.1984 (Ac) 22. 9.1984
Venezuela 23.11.1988 (Ac) 23. 3.1989
Viet Nam 20. 9.1988 (Ac) 20. 1.1989
Yugoslavia 28. 3.1977 28. 7.1977
Convention Secretariat
======================
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
7 place de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris
Telephone: (33-1) 45.68.10.00
Cables: UNESCO Paris
Telex: 204461 Paris/270602 Paris
Fax: 45.67.16.90
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