The role of the Ramsar Convention in biodiversity conservation Solongo Khurelbaatar Assistant Advisor for Asia-Oceania Secretariat, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands asia.oceania@ramsar.org
Our Wetlands Rivers and lakes Coastal areas Mangroves and coral reefs Peatlands Human-made fish ponds
Wetlands provide us with essential goods, services and benefits Transport Food Fishing Education Culture
Wetlands provide us with essential goods, services and benefits Flood control Coastal protection Carbon sink Biodiversity Sustainable livelihoods
The Context: Sustainable Development Wetlands provide multiple ecosystem services that underpin our future development The world prepares the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) In the current draft SDGs, wetlands are implicitly or explicitly mentioned under 7 Goals and 27 Targets
The bad news: Wetlands are in bad shape 64% of the world s wetlands have disappeared since 1900 76% loss in freshwater wetland species populations over last 40 years against average 50% loss in all ecosystems (WWF Living Planet report 2014) World population growth is driving an increasing demand on water Wetlands are rarely prioritized There is not enough public knowledge of the benefits and services that wetlands bring
And it is actually worsening: Wetlands Extent Index 1970-2008 40% of wetlands lost in the past 40 years Loss of freshwater wetlands worldwide from 1997-2011 valued at US$ 2.7 trillion per year
Vision for the Ramsar Strategic Plan (2016-2024) Wetlands are conserved, used wisely, restored and their benefits are recognized and valued by all
Goals of the Ramsar Strategic Plan (2016-2024) 1. Addressing the drivers of wetland loss and degradation 2. Effectively conserving and managing the network of Ramsar Sites 3. Wisely using all wetlands 4. Raised awareness and involvement in wetlands
Ramsar Sites: A key commitment of Ramsar Contracting Parties is to identify and place priority wetlands onto the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Ramsar Sites are a network of habitats for threatened species Nine criteria out of which eight are related to biodiversity: Criterion 2: Support threatened species 1619 Sites Criterion 3: Contribute to biodiversity in the given biogeographic region 1354 Sites Criterion 4: Support during critical life cycle stage or in adverse conditions 1228 Sites Criterion 5: Regularly support >20,000 waterbirds 682 Sites Criterion 6: Regularly support >1% waterbird population 787 Sites Criterion 7: Support significant and representative fish species 392 Sites Criterion 8: Fish spawning grounds, etc. 542 Sites Criterion 9: Support >1% of non-avian, wetland-dependent population 35 Sites
Ramsar Sites in Central Asia and their role in biodiversity conservation
Examples: White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala): Endangered
Examples: Caspian seal (Pusa caspica): Endangered
Making the best out of the network of Ramsar Sites? Include more wetlands to the Ramsar List Ensure that designation translates into conservation and wise use Raise awareness about the importance of wetlands, and vital ecosystem services and other benefits they provide Countries take the lead in managing the Ramsar Sites in nationally appropriate ways
Making the best out of the network of Ramsar Sites? Tools: Technical advice and support, e.g. publications Ramsar Information Sheet Updates every 6 years Ramsar Advisory Missions Challenges: Lack of data No update Budget restrictions Communication issues Article 3.2 cases, Monteux Record
Making the best out of the network of Ramsar Sites? Promotion of Partnership and Transboundary Cooperation: Regional Initiatives (species EAAFP; geographical - MedWet) Ramsar Regional Initiative for Central Asia: The aim of the Ramsar Regional Initiative for Central Asia will be to support the effective implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Central Asia by promoting and strengthening cooperation between the five regional countries, i.e. Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
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