wise use of mires and peatlands - Peatland Ecology Research Group

134 FRAMEWORK FOR WISE USEIn relation to a particular country, has it or does it -Ratified the principal international environmental conventions and has itincorporated relevant international legislation into domestic legislationHave in place national policies relevant to mires and peatlandsHave a body of relevant legislation governing land use planning andenvironmental protection.Have an adequate public administration function to administer legislationgoverning mires and peatlands.Have a comprehensive and participative land-use-planning system.Operate a system of licensing for the commercial development ofpeatlands.Have clear property laws where mires and peatlands are concernedincorporating a legal framework which protects the rights ofindividuals and communities over landRequire the appropriate rehabilitation of mires and peatlands after use.Established sufficient protected areas according to internationallyaccepted criteriaHave a policy for increasing knowledge and promoting public awarenessof peatlands and their values through education and the mass media.Encourage the exercise of civic responsibility in regard, inter alia,to mires and peatlands.Play an active role in stimulating wise use policies at the international levelOperate any incentives to develop mires and peatlands within thecontext of overall coherent economic and social policies.Table 5/8. Checklist of actions to be taken at national level.Ensure that mires and peatlands are seen in the context of integratedcatchment management.Apply the Ecosystem Approach to catchment management.Table 5/9 Checklist of actions to be taken at sub-national regional or local governmentlevel