In ratifying a Convention in 1976, the UK
government accepted a commitment to promote the conservation of
internationally important wetland sites within its territories.
Wetlands are vital for many types of birds particularly
waterfowl and Wales have some prime sites that are essential to the
survival of many wetland plants and animals.
Wetland sites can be areas of marsh, fen, peatland or open
water; natural or artificial; permanent or temporary; with water
that is fresh, brackish or salty. They can also include shallow
areas of sea. All Ramsar sites are also SSSI.
Wetlands of International Importance are identified by CCW, in
collaboration with the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and
designated by the First Minister for the National Assembly for
Wales.