Resolution XII.10, adopted in 2015 during the 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP12), endorsed the
establishment of a Wetland City accreditation system, “Wetland City Accreditation of the Ramsar Convention”. Under this resolution, Contracting Parties
recognize “the huge potential of urban areas in terms of education and public awareness related to wetlands conservation” and that the accreditation
scheme “can assist cities, Contracting Parties and stakeholders in promoting awareness on the wise use and conservation of wetlands”.
This accreditation scheme grants cities with branding opportunities and global recognition as model cities that maintain a strong and positive relationship
with wetlands.
Since Ramsar COP13, 43 cities from 17 countries have been officially recognized as “Wetland Cities” under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
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Canada |
Sackville |
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China |
Changde, Changshu, Dongying, Haikou, Harbin, Hefei, Jining, Liangping, Nanchang, Panjin, Wuhan, Yancheng, Yinchuan |
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France |
Amiens, Belval-en-Argonne, Courteranges, Pont Audemer, Saint Omer, Seltz |
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Hungary |
Tata |
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Indonesia |
Subaraya, Tanjung Jabung Timur |
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Iran |
Bandar Khamir, Varzaneh |
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Iraq |
Al Chibayish |
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Japan |
Izumi, Niigata |
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Madagascar |
Mitsinjo |
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Morocco |
Ifrane |
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Republic of Korea |
Changnyeong, Gochang, Inje, Jeju, Seocheon, Seogwipo, Suncheon |
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Rwanda |
Kigali |
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South Africa |
Cape Town |
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Spain |
Valencia |
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Sri Lanka |
Colombo |
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Thailand |
Sri Songkhram District |
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Tunisia |
Ghar el Melh |
The Convention on Wetlands Secretariat provides more detailed information about the Wetland City accreditation scheme such as accreditation criteria;
processes for nomination, recognition and renewal; among others. Relevant documents can be accessed via
https://www.ramsar.org/our-work/activities/wetland-city-accreditation
