The world’s first environmental treaty focused on ecosystem conservation is signed in Ramsar, Iran.

Ramsar, Iran

The (Ramsar) Convention on Wetlands is ratified by seven countries and enters into force.

Global

The very first Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) sets the Convention.

Italy

Adopted at the first Extraordinary COP (ExCOP), the Paris Protocol adds an amendment process and official working languages.

France

In Groningen, COP2 delegates agree on early recommendations  to develop national wetland strategies and protection frameworks.

Netherlands

COP4’s Montreux Record is launched to track Wetlands of International Importance undergoing ecological change and support their recovery.

Switzerland

The Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) is created at COP5 to provide expert guidance to the COP, Standing Committee and Secretariat.

Japan

At COP6 in Brisbane, Parties adopt the first Strategic Plan (1997–2002), setting measurable goals for conservation and wise use.

Australia

COP7 defines the Convention’s core approach with Resolution VII.8: wise use, site protection and international cooperation.

Costa Rica

The framework for Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs) is initiated at COP8, encouraging cooperation at basin and subregional levels.

Spain

The Kampala Declaration, adopted at COP9, becomes the Convention’s first ministerial-level political statement.

Uganda

Two COP10 resolutions link wetlands to climate adaptation and mitigation, with a focus on peatlands and disaster risk reduction.

Republic of Korea

The role of Indigenous Peoples and traditional knowledge in wetland conservation is formally acknowledged by COP11.

Romania

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme is launched to recognize cities that conserve and sustainably manage urban wetlands at COP12.

Urugvay

Dubai’s COP13 mainstreams gender equality across wetland policy and management, strengthening inclusion in implementation worldwide.

United Arab Emirates

COP14, hosted jointly in Wuhan and Geneva, adopts the Wuhan Declaration linking wetlands to sustainable development, resilience and peacebuilding.

China/Switzerland