See more coverage of this event on the main IISD ENB website

We have launched a new website to better share our reports of global environmental negotiations.

As well as current coverage of new negotiations, you can find our original reports from this event by clicking here.

Linkages: a multimedia resource for environment and

development policy makers
Ramsar COP9 9th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Kampala, Uganda | 8-15 November 2005
Ramsar Convention
 
Earth Negotiations Bulletin - ENB
Daily Web
Coverage
English French Spanish
HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
Curtain
Raiser
HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
09 Nov HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
10 Nov HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
11 Nov HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
12 Nov HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
14 Nov HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
15 Nov &
Summary
HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT HTM PDF TXT
Click for additional translations...

Ramsar COP9 Elects President

Delegates to the Ninth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP9) to the Ramsar Convention met in Plenary throughout the day to hear reports on intersessional activities, statements by Parties and observers, and a special presentation by the host country. Delegates elected the President and Vice-Presidents of COP9, and addressed other organizational matters. Above: Ramsar Convention Secretary General Peter Bridgewater and newly elected COP9 President Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Lands, Water and Environment, Uganda.


Wednesday, 9 November
Plenary


Sibylle Vermont, Switzerland, and Dr. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, WWF, introduced a WWF publication entitled Freshwater Ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar.

Trevor Salmon, United Kingdom, called for strong outcomes during the COP to assist in implementation of the Convention consistent with international conservation commitments.

Nikolai Ratsiborinsky, the Russian Federation, suggested special attention to synergies with other Conventions.

Standing Committee Chair Gordana Beltram, Slovenia, presented the report of the Committee's work during the current triennium.

Herbert Raffaele, United States, commended the report of the standing committee, recognizing work done by the members, and appreciated Chair Beltram's leadership.

Ramsar Convention Secretary General Peter Bridgewater reported on the implementation of the Convention at the global level over the current triennium.

Kabinga Pande, Zambia, called for promoting economic valuation of wetlands as a way to reduce poverty.

Nadra Nathai-Gyan, Trinidad and Tobago, called for simplifying the format of national reports.

Gilbert Mbati, Congo, announced that it had proposed five new sites for listing under the Ramsar Convention.

'Mamphono Khaketla, Lesotho, highlighted the importance of synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements.

Andréa Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso, supported an integrated approach to managing wetlands based on the needs of local communities.

Yasaman Rajabkhah, Iran, noted the establishment of a Central and West Asia regional center, highlighting its role in awareness raising, training and information exchange.

Pati Liu, Samoa, stressed linkages between wetlands and livelihoods, particularly in small island developing States.

Crispin Sedeke, Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighted the need for experience sharing.

Marco Araya, Costa Rica, called for a greater focus on cross-border Ramsar sites.

Sahondra Rabesihanaka, Madagascar, stated it had recently completed its national report.

Max Finlayson presented the report on the work of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel during the current triennium.

Flor Ángela Durán, Colombia, supported the idea of establishing a contact group to consider annexes A and B to Draft Resolution 1.

Paul Mafabi, Uganda Wetlands Programme, provided an overview of wetland conservation and sustainable use over the last 15 years in Uganda.

Alice Kaudia, Regional Director for Eastern Africa, IUCN, presented a speech from IUCN Director General Achim Steiner.

Yoka Brandt, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, launched a publication on the history of wetland management in Uganda over the past 15 years, with COP9 President Otafiire and IUCN Regional Director Kaudia.
Around the COP

The morning arrival of minister Kahinda Otafiire was heralded by a performance of the Ugandan national anthem.

A group of schoolchildren sang a song extolling the virtues of wetlands and calling for proper management.

Another group of schoolchildren danced while chanting a poem about wetland preservation.

Uganda's Ministry of Lands, Water and Environment hosted an evening reception with traditional music and drumming.

Participants danced into the night to Ugandan rhythms.

The grounds of the resort are home to numerous monkeys, which are active in the early morning, then sleep in midday, much like some delegates.

Related Links

Ramsar Convention
Convention on Biological Diversity
Convention to Combat Desertification
Convention on Migratory Species
IUCN - The World Conservation Union
Wetlands International
WWF International
BirdLife International

Related ENB/Sustainable Developments Coverage

Linkages Water, Wetlands, Oceans and Coasts page
ENB Coverage of Ramsar COP-8
ENB Coverage of Ramsar COP-7
Sustainable Developments coverage of the 3rd World Water Forum
Sustainable Developments coverage of the Stakeholder Dialogue on Sustainable Water Management Sustainable Developments coverage of the International Conference on Freshwater

DigiMarc