*The
Contracting Parties
Protocol to Amend the Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat known as
the Paris Protocol.
Considering that for the effectiveness of the Convention
on Wetlands of International Importance especially
as Waterfowl Habitat, done at Ramsar on 2nd February
1971 (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"),
it is indispensable to increase the number of Contracting
Parties;
Aware that the addition of authentic language versions
would facilitate wider participation in the Convention;
Considering furthermore that the text of the Convention
does not provide for an amendment procedure, which
makes it difficult to amend the text as may be considered
necessary.
*Certified
copy
Recognizing the interdependence of Man and his environment;
Considering the fundamental ecological functions of
wetlands as regulators of water regimes and as habitats
supporting a characteristic flora and fauna, especially
waterfowl;
Being convinced that wetlands constitute a resource
of great economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational
value, the loss of which would be irreparable;
Desiring to stem the progressive encroachment on and
loss of wetlands now and in the future;
Recognizing that waterfowl in their seasonal migrations
may transcend frontiers and so should be regarded
as an international resource;
Being confident that
the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna
can be ensured by combining far-sighted national policies
with co-ordinated international action.
*Final
Act
The Representatives of the Governments at the Extraordinary
Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention
on Wetlands of International Importance especially
as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar, 1971) met at Paris,
from 2 to 3 December 1982, with a view to adopting
a protocol concerning an amendment procedure and additional
authentic language versions of the text of the Convention.
The Conference met pursuant to Recommendation 1.7
of the First Conference of the Contracting Parties
to the Convention (Cagliari, Italy, November 1980).
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