The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It was signed in 1971 and currently has 170 contracting parties, including all European Union member states. The Convention aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which are important for biodiversity, water quality, and human well-being.

Under the Convention, countries are required to designate and manage Ramsar sites, which are wetlands of international importance. These sites are protected from harmful human activities, such as drainage, filling, and are managed in a way that maintains their ecological integrity. The Convention also encourages cooperation and knowledge sharing among countries, which helps to promote best practices in wetland conservation.

The Ramsar Convention has been successful in protecting wetlands around the world. Since its adoption, over 2,400 Ramsar sites have been designated, covering over 2,5 million square kilometers of wetlands. These sites provide important habitat for many species of birds, fish, and other aquatic organisms, as well as for human communities that rely on wetlands for food, livelihoods, and recreation. The Convention has also helped to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need to conserve them for future generations.