The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) opened on 28 October 2008, in Changwon, Republic of Korea, under the theme “Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People.” The meeting, which will conclude on 4 November 2008, will consider over 20 agenda items, including the Convention’s Strategic Plan 2009-2014 and its budget for the triennium 2009-2011, as well as reports and recommendations submitted by parties and by the Convention’s Standing Committee.

Participants are also expected to adopt a “Changwon Declaration” and will address substantive issues relating to the Convention’s implementation, including: communication, education, participation and awareness; future implementation of scientific and technical aspects; partnerships and synergies with multilateral environmental agreements and the business sector; and the status of sites in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Regarding monitoring, assessment and data needs, the meeting will address, among other items: a framework for data and information needs; harmonized guidance for describing the ecological character of wetlands and data needs and formats for core inventory; a framework for detecting, reporting and responding to change in wetland ecological character; and updated guidance on environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment. The COP will also address the relationship between wetlands conservation and other international issues, such as human health and well being, climate change, biofuels, extractive industries, urbanization, and poverty reduction.
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