The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. It was the first of the modern global intergovernmental treaties on nature conservation and wise use of natural resources. Since its inception, the list of contracting parties has increased to 146. The Convention now incorporates all aspects of wetland conservation and recognises their wider contributions to the conservation of biodiversity and the welfare of humankind.
The Scottish Government has designated 51 Ramsar sites in Scotland, which cover an area of 326,719Ha.