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Wednesday, 9 November
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Plenary
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Sibylle Vermont, Switzerland, and Dr. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, WWF, introduced
a WWF publication entitled Freshwater Ecoregions of Africa and
Madagascar.
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Trevor Salmon, United Kingdom, called for strong outcomes during the COP
to assist in implementation of the Convention consistent with international
conservation commitments.
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Nikolai Ratsiborinsky, the Russian Federation, suggested special attention
to synergies with other Conventions.
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Standing Committee Chair Gordana Beltram, Slovenia, presented the report
of the Committee's work during the current triennium.
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Herbert Raffaele, United States, commended the report of the standing
committee, recognizing work done by the members, and appreciated Chair
Beltram's leadership.
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Ramsar Convention Secretary General Peter Bridgewater reported on the
implementation of the Convention at the global level over the current
triennium.
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Kabinga Pande, Zambia, called for promoting economic valuation of
wetlands as a way to reduce poverty.
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Nadra Nathai-Gyan, Trinidad and Tobago, called for simplifying the format
of national reports.
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Gilbert Mbati, Congo, announced that it had proposed five new sites for
listing under the Ramsar Convention.
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'Mamphono Khaketla, Lesotho, highlighted the importance of synergies
with other multilateral environmental agreements.
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Andréa Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso, supported an integrated
approach to managing wetlands based on the needs of local communities.
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Yasaman Rajabkhah, Iran, noted the establishment of a Central and
West Asia regional center, highlighting its role in awareness raising,
training and information exchange.
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Pati Liu, Samoa, stressed linkages between wetlands and livelihoods,
particularly in small island developing States.
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Crispin Sedeke, Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighted the need for
experience sharing.
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Marco Araya, Costa Rica, called for a greater focus on cross-border
Ramsar sites.
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Sahondra Rabesihanaka, Madagascar, stated it had recently completed its
national report.
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Max Finlayson presented the report on the work of the Scientific and
Technical Review Panel during the current triennium.
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Flor Ángela Durán, Colombia, supported the idea of establishing
a contact group to consider annexes A and B to Draft Resolution 1.
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Paul Mafabi, Uganda Wetlands Programme, provided an overview of wetland
conservation and sustainable use over the last 15 years in Uganda.
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Alice Kaudia, Regional Director for Eastern Africa, IUCN, presented a
speech from IUCN Director General Achim Steiner.
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Yoka Brandt, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, launched a
publication on the history of wetland management in Uganda over the
past 15 years, with COP9 President Otafiire and IUCN Regional Director
Kaudia.
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Around the COP
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The morning arrival of minister Kahinda Otafiire was heralded by a
performance of the Ugandan national anthem.
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A group of schoolchildren sang a song extolling the virtues of wetlands
and calling for proper management.
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Another group of schoolchildren danced while chanting a poem about
wetland preservation.
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Uganda's Ministry of Lands, Water and Environment hosted an evening
reception with traditional music and drumming.
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Participants danced into the night to Ugandan rhythms.
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The grounds of the resort are home to numerous monkeys, which are active
in the early morning, then sleep in midday, much like some delegates.
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