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Ramsar Convention
The Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
The objective of the Ramsar Convention is to protect all wetlands of the world, because their area and value is constantly deteriorated due to drainage, pollution and commercial use of wetlands. The Convention emphasises the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands, especially as migratory, resting or nesting sites of waterfowl. All parties that have joined the Convention are required to take measures to protect wetlands and designate at least one wetland to be included in the List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Today the Convention has been ratified by 158 parties, including Estonia (in 1993) and the List of Wetlands of International Importance includes 1782 wetlands with total area over 160,000,000 hectares.
There are 11 wetlands of international importance in Estonia with total area of more than 200,000 hectares. Wetlands of international importance in Estonia are:
- Matsalu National Park,
- Alam-Pedja Nature Conservation Area,
- Emajõe Suursoo Mire and Piirissaar Island,
- Endla Nature Conservation Area,
- Hiiumaa islets and Käina Bay,
- Muraka Nature Conservation Area,
- Nigula Nature Conservation Area,
- Puhtu-Laelatu-Nehatu Wetland Complex,
- Soomaa National Park,
- Vilsandi National Park,
- Laidevahe Nature Conservation Area.
"Text of the Ramsar Convention"
Webpage of the Ramsar Convention
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