The Eighth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP8) to the Convention on Wetlands opens today at the Prince Philip Science Museum in Valencia, Spain. The theme of the Conference will be "Wetlands: water, life, and culture."

Delegates will consider various substantive agenda items, including the Convention's Work Plan for 2003-2005 and its Strategic Plan for 2003-2008, as well as reports and recommendations submitted by Parties and by the Convention's Standing Committee.

COP8 will also consider implementation of the Convention at the global level and reports on a variety of issues, including the proposed budget for 2003-2005 and the work of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel and the Credentials Committee. Five technical sessions are also scheduled to take place during COP8. These will address:

· major challenges and emerging opportunities for wetlands, water and sustainability;
· baselines for sustainable use - wetland inventory and assessment;
· global biodiversity and the sustenance of human life - the Ramsar List of Wetlands of   International Importance;
· management of wetlands for sustainable use and human well-being; and
· cultural aspects of wetlands as a tool for their conservation and sustainable use.


COP8 is expected to adopt over 40 resolutions submitted by the Standing Committee and Parties on a wide range of policy, programme and budgetary matters.