The Ramsar Convention is also known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as waterfowl habitat. Drafting of the Convention was initiated in Ramsar, Iran in 1971, when representatives from 18 countries and several international organizations met to discuss the alarming rate of wetland loss throughout the world. A major objective of the Ramsar Convention was identified as being "to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands, now and in the future." The Convention officially came into force in 1975.

The Convention was originally intended to promote awareness on the seriousness of threats to important wetlands throughout the world. The Ramsar Convention has however created a framework for international cooperation in the conservation of significant wetlands.

There are two obligations for contracting parties under the Ramsar Convention. The first condition states that one or more sites must be designated for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance. A moral obligation for agencies involved in site designation to pursue further protective measures is also required. This second obligation is necessary since Ramsar Site designation in itself does not provide legal protection of the key components of the wetland. In other terms, the identification of a wetland does not result in any restrictions, unless the site is regulated through existing protective status (i.e. National Park, national or provincial wildlife sanctuary).

Ramsar site designation however elevates the prominence of the site, promoting conservation needs, research and education on wetland values. More restrictive regulation or protection of wetlands generally occurs through other mechanisms. Ramsar site designation provides the impetus for signatory agencies to draft a management plan for the wetland. Actions needed to preserve the wetland's ecological integrity are identified within these documents. Canada became the twenty-ninth signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1981, when Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area was designated as a wetland of international importance. As of April 1991, 32 sites distributed in all provinces and territories have been proclaimed, encompassing over 13 million ha of wetlands.

Coordination of the Ramsar Convention obligations in Canada is carried out by the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada in close cooperation with provinces, territories and other stakeholders.

The purpose of this report is to provide information on the criteria and implications for site designation and background on the eight existing Ramsar sites in Atlantic Canada. Revisions of this document are anticipated as new sites are designated and further information on existing sites is obtained.