RAMSAR Conference of Parties (Mauritius)

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The purpose of this grant, "Ramsar Africa Regional Meeting," is to provide Contracting Parties (CPs) from Africa with the opportunity to articulate regional perspectives, issues, and concerns in preparation for the next Conference of Parties (COP) in Bucharest, Romania. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Grand Bay, Mauritius in October 2011. The objectives of the regional meeting are as follows: 1) To analyze the progress made and the obstacles encountered in the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2009-2015 and the resolutions adopted by COP 10. 2) To review the main COP 11 issues and draft resolutions to allow for regional debate and final national/regional input and consultation. 3) To take into account emerging issues such as Wetlands and Climate Change, Wetlands and Biodiversity targets, Wetlands and Urbanization, Wetlands and Green Economies, Wetlands and Tourism, and Wetlands and Extractive Industries. 4) To provide training on the use of the electronic version of the National Report format to be used for preparing the national reports. 5) To discuss regional issues and agree upon regional priorities for the next triennium. 6) To discuss the experience at the field level of joint implementation of the environment-related conventions with which Ramsar has Memoranda of Cooperation and/or a Joint Work Plan. 7) To encourage the integration of wetland issues into national policies/strategies and programs. 8) To enhance the participation of regional bodies in taking joint actions for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. 9) To consider how Ramsar could improve its services to the region. 10) To encourage the accession of countries to the Ramsar Convention and promote universal membership in the region by demonstrating to the countries that are not yet Contracting Parties the principles and work of the Ramsar Convention.

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