International conference 'Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands’ ecosystems'

An international scientific-practical Conference "Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands’ ecosystems”, dedicated to the 40th Anniversary of Ramsar Convention is organized by UNDP/GEF Wetlands Project in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention (Switzerland).

The conference will showcase successful wetlands conservation activites undertaken in Central Asian countries. The participants will exchange experiences in biodiversity conservation, efforts to strenthen national legislation on wetlands conservation, and to improve the network of protected areas, as well as successful experiences in applying alternative activities for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

The conference will focus on:

1. Improvement of national policy and legislation on wetlands
2. Network expansion and strengthening of protected area management
3. Conservation of biodiversity of wetlands, riparian forests and the management of peatlands
4. Approaches for the implementation of sustainable agriculture, fisheries and hunting
5. Alternative activities, microcredit program as a mechanism for the development of alternative activities of the local population
6. Support for community initiatives

Session I. Legislation and legal framework for the sustainable management of wetlands
Session II. Conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems of wetlands
Session III. Sustainable use of wetlands
Session IV. Wetlands and the local community, funding mechanisms of their initiatives

As an outcome a publication of all conference materials is expected.

Conference languages: Russian and English.

Application forms and print materials should be sent to: 16 Barayev st., Block A, office 213, 000001, Astana, Kazakhstan to Wetlands Project, or to e-mail: aray.belgubayeva@undp.org.