 Environment Minister Lee Maan-ee, center at the podium, presides over a general meeting of the 10th Ramsar Convention after taking the presidency Wednesday. In his acceptance speech, Lee said the “Changwon Declaration,” which is scheduled to be adopted at the end of the meeting, would convey the importance of wetlands to world leaders and would urge them to make joint efforts on the wise use of wetlands. / Yonhap |
The following article is a speech Lee Maan-ee, minister of environment of the Republic of Korea, delivered to take presidency at Ramsar COP10 Wednesday. ― ED.
First of all, I would like to extend my gratitude to Uganda for contributing to the development of the Ramsar Convention as the chair country of COP9.
Now 158 countries have joined the Ramsar Convention, and the number of Ramsar sites amounts to more than 1,800. Such a huge growth of the Convention reflects the strong commitment of the contracting parties to the goal of the Convention and a worldwide consensus on the values of wetlands.
I believe this year's COP10 will usher us into a new stage of the development of the Convention.
First of all, this year's meeting will elaborate and adopt the strategic plan, which will be the guideline for us to implement the convention over the next two triennia. The parties will also discuss how to improve the CEPA program, which is essential to the improvement of awareness on wetland conservation. The change of frequency and timing of COPs is also on the agenda of COP10, which would be an important milestone in implementing the Convention and national wetland policies.
On top of this, the participants will discuss major global concerns related to wetlands such as climate change, human health, poverty reduction, and bio-fuel.
Through the adoption of the ``Changwon Declaration,'' we will appeal the importance of wetlands to world leaders and working-level officials, and urge them to join our efforts on the wise use of wetlands.
Besides, I think we are at a historical turning point as it is the tenth time that the parties are gathered. The number ``10'' signifies a completion of one cycle and the new beginning of another. In this respect, I believe this COP10 can be an opportunity to assess the development we have made so far and renew our determination.
So, it is my pleasure and honor to take the presidency at such an important meeting, but at the same time, I feel a great sense of responsibility.
With vice-presidents, I will make utmost effort to facilitate discussion on the agenda items including the adoption of the over thirty resolutions. And I will closely cooperate with the secretariat for the smooth proceedings of the meeting.
In closing, I would like to ask for your unsparing cooperation and support to make COP10 more successful in raising awareness on wetlands and further developing the Convention.
Thank you very much.
