The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is the intergovernmental treaty providing the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. The Convention targets local and national actions as well as international cooperation as key factors in achieving global sustainable development.

The Convention is currently ratified by 169 countries and by ratifying the member parties have committing to work towards the “three pillars” of the Convention. The three pillars promote the work towards wise use of all their wetlands, the designation of suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensuring their effective management. Lastly the pillars seeks to promote international cooperation on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.