Historic agreement for UK wetlands trust

Waders on the Severn Estuary at Slimbridge, one of six WWT Ramsar sites

History has been made today with the confirmation of a major new agreement between WWT and the Ramsar wetlands convention.

WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray this morning signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Ramsar at the organisation’s headquarters in Switzerland enabling the trust to strengthen its bonds with more than 150 governments.

Martin Spray said: “The signing, in Ramsar's 40th anniversary year, was historic because it reflects WWT's involvement in Ramsar long before its launch in 1971.

“WWT founder Sir Peter Scott and Professor Geoffrey Matthews, a former WWT research director, were instrumental in establishing the Ramsar treaty. Peter was the keynote speaker at its launch in Iran and today’s event, four decades on, signals increased collaboration between WWT and the convention.”

Ramsar aims to a protect wetlands globally and promote their ‘wise use’. There are now 160 partner countries and 1,960 designated wetlands across the world including six major sites that incorporate WWT centres. WWT also works in countries including Cambodia, Guyana and Madagascar to protect wetlands and rare species.

The MoC underlines WWT’s contribution to Ramsar in other areas too, not least poverty alleviation and disease control.

“The principles behind the Ramsar treaty echo those of WWT and having this opportunity to cement our ties with an organisation of such integrity and repute underscores our experience and expertise,” Martin Spray said.

“We are helping to protect endangered waterbirds in many countries and supporting those nations as they establish their own conservation infrastructure. This agreement recognises our work to date and the priceless global role wetlands play.”

Ramsar press release

  • Share this article