Exploring Ramsar Sites: Johor's National Parks in Malaysia

Adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, otherwise known as the Ramsar Convention provides the global framework international cooperation on wetland issues. As of October 2018, a total of 170 countries from around the world have become Contracting Parties to the Convention. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.

The concept of “wise use”, which is defined as “the maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands, through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development” lies at the heart of the Convention. The concept alludes to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and all the services that they provide, for the benefit of both people and nature. Contracting Parties are committed towards the wise use of wetlands in their respective territories via national policies, legislation, site management and public education.

Contracting Parties are encouraged to nominate wetland sites to be included on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, otherwise known as the Ramsar List. The nominated sites are assessed based on a set of criteria in order to determine whether they are of “international importance”. The inclusion of a site on the List reflects a government’s commitment to ensure that its ecological character, functions and values are maintained for the benefit of future generations. As of October 2018, there are 2,306 sites worldwide, which cover a combined area over 2.1 million square kilometers.