What is the Ramsar Convention?

In 2022, Izumi and Niigata became the first cities in Japan to receive a Wetland City Accreditation.

What is a Wetland City?

The Wetland City Accreditaton Program was adopted at the 12th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, which was held in Uruguay in 2015. It offers accreditation to cities that meet international standards for local stakeholder participation in the conservation, restoration, and management of wetlands, public awareness, and environmental education.

Objective

The purpose is to brand the city and promote conservation and wise use of wetlands in the region.

Eligible Entities

Prefectural and Municipal governments

Municipalities located within or adjacent to wetlands recognized by Ramsar Convention or important wetlands
Applications by multiple municipalities are accepted.

Requirements

In principle, all of the international standards must be met.

International Criteria

Group A: Criteria Based on Implementing the Conservation and Wise Use of Wetlands

A１: There is a Ramsar Convention wetland completely or partially located in the administrative division of the municipality.
A２: Other important wetlands are completely or partially located in the administrative division of the municipality.
*A1 and A2 correspond to either of the above
A３: There are national or regional policies, legal measures, or plans in place to prevent the degradation and loss of wetlands.
A４: There are examples of restoring and creating wetlands as an element of urban infrastructure
(examples include controlling floods, mitigating climate change, improving water quality, and providing recreation).
A５: The importance of wetlands is considered in municipal spatial planning and integrated urban management.
A６: Local communities are involved and participate in the planning and management of wetlands.
A７: Through environmental education, dissemination of information on wetlands, and their introduction into school curricula, the project fosters public awareness of the value of wetlands and encourages their wise use.
A８: Holding events on or around World Wetlands Day (February 2) is promoted.
A９: There are organizations such as local stakeholders committees, interested parties, and experts that support and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the region.

Group B: A Complementary Approach

B１: Water quality and public health standards are met.
B２: The benefits of wetlands (in terms of supply, regulation, cultural and infrastructural services) are recognized and taken into account during municipal planning and policy making.
B３: Local communities are involved in wisely using wetlands and enjoy their benefits.

Period of validity

Accreditate is valid for 6 years. It may be renewed upon confirmation of compliance with the criteria.

A Comparison of the Ramsar Convention Wetlands Registration and Wetland City Accreditation
	The Ramsar Convention Wetlands Registration	Wetland City Accreditation
Period	Ongoing	Reviewed every 6 years
Subject	Wetlands	Municipalities
Contents	Wetland Conservation and Wise Use	Municipal Branding and Promotion of Wetland Conservation and Wise Use ※Coordination of Policies and Communities

An Overview of the Ramsar Convention

The Izumi City Wetlands Registration