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Were it not for a series of international agreements, the business of conservation would be considerably more difficult than it is already. Laws and treaties are indispensable to the enforcement of environmental regulations and principles all over the world. Not only do they set global standards, but their very presence on the world stage often persuades governments to become signatories or draw up legislation of their own.
The Ramsar Convention is the world's oldest international conservation treaty. Initiated in 1971 in the Iranian town from which it takes its name, Ramsar obliges its 92 member countries to designate and protect wetlands of international importance and to promote their "wise use". Nearly 800 sites are currently listed.
But any treaty is only as effective as its weakest member, and the Ramsar Convention is no exception. If the world's threatened wetlands are to survive, the requirements of the convention must be taken more seriously by its present members - and more countries have to become signatories without delay.
Thanks to Ramsar, significant gains have been achieved for the conservation of wetlands. But protection and preservation are often fragile ideals, and we must be ever-vigilant to ensure that all environmental agreements, treaties, laws, and conventions are followed and respected. WWF will lead the way at every opportunity.
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