Ramsar Convention on Wetlands from the Perspective of International Environmental Law

Native plants and animals, including certain species, grow in wetlands. Due to their potential economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value, it is highly important to protect them. Wetlands not only provide part of the aquifers and groundwater, but provide a favorable environment for birds and fisheries. Despite these valuable benefits, these rich ecosystems are threatened by different risks. One of the major causes of wetland degradation and destruction is the human factor. Today, destruction of wetlands and pollution of coastal waters, such as ozone depletion crisis, deforestation and the extinction of many plant and animal species have become global environmental crisis. This study seeks to explain the role of wetlands in international environmental rights and obligations of States regarding their protection, with an emphasis on the Ramsar Convention.