14 January 2013: The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) has released the sixth edition of the Ramsar Convention Manual, which was first published in 1994 and has since been periodically updated.

The 110-page Manual, available in English, French, and Spanish, describes the Convention, its structures and its activities. It features sections on: the history of the Convention; the bodies set up under the Convention and their functioning; assistance to parties; and how States may join the Convention. The section on assistance to parties describes: the Ramsar Handbooks; the wise use of wetlands; listed sites; international cooperation; reserves and training; and Ramsar message communications. The Manual also contains 30 pages of background materials and references. [Publication: Ramsar Convention Manual]