9 December 2011: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has reported on the outcomes of the third annual seminar of activity leaders at French Ramsar Sites, highlighting the adoption of the “Charter for the management of Ramsar Sites.”

The Charter was signed by: Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, French Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing; Hervé Schiavetti, President of the Camargue Regional Nature Park for the Association Ramsar France; and Anada Tiéga, Ramsar Secretary General. It outlines the tasks of the Government of France, the Association Ramsar France and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, which include cooperating for an improved implementation of the Convention at national level, and making use of the Ramsar Site quality label for the recognition and promotion of sustainable management activities at listed sites. The Charter further spells out the tools and responsibilities of the organizations in charge of Ramsar Site management.

The seminar took place in the Camargue, France, from 14-15 November 2011, and brought together approximately 200 participants. [Ramsar Press Release]