2005 - Communicating the Pan-European Ecological Network - ECNC

Ramsar ConventionAssessment of the Ramsar ConventionAssessment of thestrengths and weaknessesof the legislation/policy insupport of PEENAssessment ofCommunication,Education, Participationand Awareness (CEPA)requirements or activities insupport of PEENConvention provides for the protection of wetland areas. The originalemphasis of the Ramsar Convention was on the conservation and wiseuse of wetlands primarily to provide habitat for waterbirds. Over the years,however, the Convention has broadened its scope to cover all aspects ofwetland conservation and wise use, recognising the fundamental ecologicalfunctions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific andrecreational value. There are no networks as such, however theConvention provides a framework for international co-operation for wetlandprotection. The Convention’s Contracting Parties make a commitmentto: 1) designate at least one site that meets the Ramsar criteria forinclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance; 2) protect theecological character of listed sites; 3) include wetland conservation withintheir national land-use planning; 4) establish nature reserves on wetlandsand promote wetland training; and 5) consult with other ContractingParties about the implementation of the Convention. Article 5 provides forcross border cooperation/networks: The Contracting Parties shall consultwith each other about implementing obligations arising from theConvention especially in the case of a wetland extending over the territoriesof more than one Contracting Party or where a water system is sharedby Contracting Parties. They shall at the same time endeavour tocoordinate and support present and future policies and regulations concerningthe conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna Article 5provides for Cooperation and therefore the need for communication. TheConvention requires promotion of wetland training (education).The following Ramsar Convention Resolutions have supported furtherCEPA activities: Resolution VIII.31 of Ramsar COP8 in 2002 adopted theprogramme on communication, education and public awareness 2003 –2008, this resolution commits the Ramsar Secretariat and the contractingparties to a number of CEPA activities. One interesting feature is that thecontracting parties formally designate a CEPA focal point for Ramsar onefrom the country’s government and one from an NGO.67