Changwon hosts Ramsar Convention 2008

Changwon hosts Ramsar Convention 2008

○ When	Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, 2008
○ Where	Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do
○ Overview
President LeeMyung-bakdelivers a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of Ramsar Convention 2008 which began in Changwon,Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province), on Oct. 28. The 10th meeting of member nations of the Ramsar Convention, the international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of natural wetlands, was held in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4, 2008. Since wetlands cover a broad spectrum of nature, from rivers and peat-land to dams or artificial reservoirs, the Ramsar Convention is considered a gathering to discuss all environmental issues, and meetings are held every three years to discuss challenges, achievements and recommendations to protect the wetlands of the 158 member countries. At the meeting, the participants adopted a "Changwon Declaration" under the theme of "Healthy Wetland, Healthy People." They also adopted a resolution on the enhancement of biodiversity in rice fields as wetland systems. These two are expected to be crucial to raising the status of Korea internationally.