6 April 2012: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has announced that, following the approval by the Standing Committee of the draft resolutions for consideration by the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP 11), the Secretariat has finalized and translated all the draft resolutions into the three Convention languages (English, French and Spanish).

This is the second and final batch of available draft resolutions released by the Ramsar Secretariat. The resolutions address: financial and budgetary matters; adjustments to the Strategic Plan 2009-2015 for the 2013-2015 triennium; the status of sites in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance; Streamlining procedures for describing Ramsar Sites at the time of designation and subsequently; Ramsar Site Information Sheet (RIS) – 2012 revision; Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) – 2012 revision; climate change and wetlands: implications for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; agriculture-wetland interactions: rice paddy and pesticide usage; ensuring efficient delivery of scientific and technical advice and support to the Convention; future implementation of scientific and technical aspects of the Convention for 2013-2015; adjustments to the modus operandi of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) for the 2013-2015 triennium; adjustments to the terms of Resolution VII.1 on the composition, roles, and responsibilities of the Standing Committee and regional categorization of countries under the Convention; wetlands and sustainable development.

The draft resolution on wetlands and sustainable development would have the COP invite all contracting parties to reflect on the outcomes of the Global Forum on Wetlands for the Future, which was held in Iran from 5-6 March 2011 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and to disseminate the document to help to promote actions that will enhance the implementation of the Convention over the next 40 years and beyond.

The draft resolution on climate change and wetlands would have the COP urge Parties to maintain the ecological character of wetlands to enhance their resilience, their ability to contribute to nature-based climate adaptation, and their capacity to sequester and store carbon. The draft also contains bracketed text on: national approaches for REDD+; incentive measures and funding mechanisms under climate change adaptation and mitigation activities to support the sustainable use and restoration of wetlands; and improved collaboration on biodiversity and climate change at the international level.

COP 11 will take place in Bucharest, Romania, from 6-13 July 2012. [Draft Resolutions] [IISD RS Story on the Release of the First Batch of Draft Resolutions]