Far-Ranging Discussions at Ramsar COP 10

On Friday morning, most regional groups reconvened to coordinate their positions. Delegates met in plenary and contact group sessions in the morning and afternoon. In plenary, delegates heard a special presentation on interactions between human health and wetlands, and a report from the contact group on the legal status of the secretariat.

They then considered draft resolutions on: regional initiatives; the Ramsar Small Grants Fund; scheduling future COPs; establishing a transition committee within the Management Working Group; Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness; future implementation of scientific and technical aspects of the Convention; the Modus Operandi of the Scientific and Technical Research Panel (STRP); private-sector partnerships. Contact groups on the budget and the legal status of the Ramsar Secretariat met in morning and evening sessions.

Above: Latin American delegates conferred during the afternoon plenary.