The fourth seminar for French Ramsar site managers took place on 15 and 16 November 2012 in the heart of the magnificent Brenne wetlands complex.
Organised by the the Brenne Regional Natural Park with the support of the Ramsar France association, this event brought together some 150 participants, elected representatives, specialists, representation from the Ramsar Convention secretariat, and managers of Ramsar sites both in France and in Croatia and Belgium. There was an exchange of experiences and know-how so that wetlands can be better known and protected, and so the many services they provide to society can be better highlighted. Discussions centred in particular on the interconnections between stakeholders and the added value that should be provided by two aspects specific to the French approach, i.e. wetlands transfer units and the Ramsar France association, whose purpose is to motivate and build links among stakeholders.
On this occasion, the first “Ramsar Charter” was signed by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, by the Ramsar France association and by the Camargue Regional Natural Park, coordinator of the “Camargue” Ramsar site. This charter sets out their undertakings to establish partnership-based management and ensure the conservation of this iconic wetland.