- Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments. They are cradles of biological diversity, providing the water and primary productivity upon which large numbers of plant and animal species depend for survival. They are also important locations of plant genetic diversity and support large numbers of bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species. Wetlands provide tremendous economic benefits through their role in supporting fisheries, agriculture and tourism, and through much of the world they have a crucial role as a source of clean water for dependant human populations. Unfortunately they are also among the world's most threatened ecosystems, owing mainly to continued drainage, pollution, over-exploitation or other unsustainable uses of their resources.

- The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention or Wetlands Convention) was adopted in Ramsar, Iran in February 1971 and entered into force in December 1975. The Convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use. The Convention has three main 'pillars' of activity: the designation of wetlands of international importance as Ramsar sites; the promotion of the wise-use of all wetlands in the territory of each country; and international co-operation with other countries to further the wise-use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention's Contracting Parties have assumed a wide range of related obligations. As of October 2004 there were 144 Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1,421 Ramsar sites covering over 120 million hectares.

- Egypt  Implementation ??

http://www.ramsar.org/profile/profiles_egypt.htm

http://www.ramsar.org/ram/ram_rpt_26e.htm

http://www.ramsar.org/cop9/cop9_nr_egypt.pdf

See also:

The Ramsar Convention website- The official website of the Ramsar Convention Bureau.

- This webpage provide access to:

• An updated bulletin board of current Ramsar Convention news.

• Introductory information about the Convention including a table of Contracting Parties and ratification dates, an online brochure and information pack and contact details and information.

• Key Ramsar Convention documents including the full agreement texts, strategic and work plans, resolutions and recommendations of the Conference of the Parties, Conference reports (including national reports submitted by Contracting Parties), and a range of relevant criteria and guidelines.

• The list of Wetland of International Importance, available in several formats including a searchable Ramsar Sites Database.

• A Wise Use Resource Centre for assisting wetland managers which includes a mini clearing house for promoting information relating to communication, education and public awareness, a wise use resource library, online versions of wise use handbooks, and information on how to seek assistance from wetlands experts through the Wetlands Experts Database.

URL: http://www.ramsar.org/