18 October 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) reported that the Government of Nicaragua has designated the Sistema Lacustre Playitas-Moyúa-Tecomapa as its ninth Wetland of International Importance, effective 29 June 2011.

According to Ramsar, the site comprises a permanent lake and two seasonal freshwater lakes, intermittent rivers, swamps, and the flooded agricultural lands that surround them. It supports various mammals, reptiles, fish and birds, including migratory species. The site also supports fisheries and agriculture.

Nicaragua’s designation contributes to one of the goals contained in the Ramsar Convention’s Strategic Plan for 2009-2015, which is to reach a protected area of 250 million hectares by 2015. [Ramsar Press Release]