| Delegates
line up for registration |
| A giant
arc at the Prince Philip Science Museum Complex |
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The Eighth Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties
(COP8) to the Convention on Wetlands opens today at the Prince
Philip Science Museum in Valencia, Spain. The theme of the Conference
will be "Wetlands: water, life, and culture."
Delegates will consider various substantive agenda items, including
the Convention's Work Plan for 2003-2005 and its Strategic Plan
for 2003-2008, as well as reports and recommendations submitted
by Parties and by the Convention's Standing Committee.
COP8 will also consider implementation of the Convention at the
global level and reports on a variety of issues, including the
proposed budget for 2003-2005 and the work of the Scientific and
Technical Review Panel and the Credentials Committee. Five technical
sessions are also scheduled to take place during COP8. These will
address:
· major challenges and emerging opportunities for wetlands,
water and sustainability;
· baselines for sustainable use - wetland inventory and
assessment;
· global biodiversity and the sustenance of human life
- the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance;
· management of wetlands for sustainable use and human
well-being; and
· cultural aspects of wetlands as a tool for their conservation
and sustainable use.
COP8 is expected to adopt over 40 resolutions submitted by the
Standing Committee and Parties on a wide range of policy, programme
and budgetary matters.
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