28 June 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA) has produced documents for the public on the Changwon Declaration, wetlands and culture, and rice paddies.

The Changwon Declaration (Resolution X.3) is one of the main outcomes of the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10) to the Ramsar Convention, which took place in Changwon, Republic of Korea, from 28 October-4 November 2008. The document on wetlands and culture addresses the relationship between people and the wetlands that are essential to their lives. It follows on resolutions VII.31, adopted at COP 8, and resolution IX.19, adopted at COP 9, which target the protection of wetland culture. The document on rice paddies defines these wetlands, highlights their importance for biodiversity, and outlines the avenues being pursued that aim to conserve rice paddy wetlands.

The goal of the RRC-EA is to enhance the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in the East and South-east Asia region through training, research, advocacy and public awareness programmes. [Publication: The Changwon Declaration] [Publication: Wetlands and Culture] [Publication: Rice Paddies and the Ramsar Convention]