12 July 2012: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) during the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 11) to the Ramsar Convention, to provide a framework for future cooperation.

According to Ramsar, JICA is currently implementing projects that promote wetland conservation as a means for achieving sustainable economic development of the local communities at 10 Ramsar sites worldwide, and many other wetlands not yet designated as Ramsar Sites.

The MoC will focus on: identifying opportunities to conduct joint activities, including the sharing of information and technical experts; and holding joint seminars, symposiums, side events, capacity building workshops and other activities. Ramsar COP 11 is taking place in Bucharest, Roumania, from 6-13 July 2012. [IISD RS Coverage of Ramsar COP 11] [Ramsar Press Release]