2 April 2012: The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) has reported that Ramsar National Focal Points met for a two-day Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) negotiations training workshop to enhance their capacity to prepare for effective negotiation during the upcoming 11th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP 11).

According to Ramsar, 26 delegates met from 2-3 March 2012, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following the regional workshop for Africa on “Updating National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan.” The workshop was organized by the Ramsar Secretariat team for Africa, with financial support from the Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC) of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

The workshop featured participatory presentations, discussions, experience sharing, role play, informal meetings with the participants and the resource persons, as well as a practical simulation on negotiation of COP agenda items and the Draft Resolution on “Integrated framework for linking wetland conservation and wise use with poverty eradication.”

Participants identified a need for a champion to take the lead in promoting the implementation of the Convention in Africa and play an advocacy role in the countries. The choice of the champion will be made within the political authority at the highest level and approved by an African regional meeting. Ramsar COP 11 is scheduled to take place in Bucharest, Romania, from 6-13 July 2012. [Ramsar Press Release]