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Ramsar Convention

The 1971 Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) was initiated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 1971 to stem the loss of wetlands worldwide. It promotes the conservation of wetlands, and their use, so that these areas continue to operate as functioning ecosystems.

New Zealand has five sites listed as wetlands of importance under the Convention:

  • Firth of Thames
  • Whangamarino Wetland
  • Kopuatai Peat Dome
  • Farewell Spit
  • Waituna Wetlands Scenic Reserve.

Last updated: 17 September 2007