Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

Ramsar sites are wetlands recognized for their international importance, according to the eponymous Convention (signed in 1971, entered into force in 1975). 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". As of March 2017, there are over 2200 Ramsar sites around the world, covering over 2.1 million km².For more information about wetlands of international importance, visit the convention's website: http://www.ramsar.org/about/the-importance-of-wetlands