[posted on 1 April 2004]

Working Group on the cultural values of wetlands

In a meeting in Valencia on 25 and 27 March, the MedWet Initiative of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) established a Working Group on the cultural values of wetlands. Its main purpose is the following:  

To encourage and support the incorporation of cultural values in the management of wetlands in the Mediterranean Region, in accordance with the terms of Ramsar Resolution VIII.19 on ‘Guiding principles for taking into account the cultural values of wetlands for the effective management of sites’.

The MedWet/Culture Working Group will consist of representatives of the Ramsar Secretariat, the MedWet Co-ordination Unit, SEHUMED (Sede para el estudio de los humedales mediterráneos) and Med-INA (Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos). The Working Group will be chaired by professor María José Viñals, while SEHUMED will ensure its secretariat.

Within a framework of close collaboration, SEHUMED will lead on theoretical and methodological matters, while Med-INA will be responsible for the development of case studies and other concrete activities for the implementation of Resolution VIII.19. The results will be reported to the next Conference of the Contracting Parties of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar COP9) to be held in Kampala , Uganda in November 2005.  

(please see the 'opinions and articles' section for more information)