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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10171989 - S.7 S. 7A. To BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FROM: Nancy Fanden Contra Supervisor District II CostaDATE: October 16 , 1989 0 County SUBJECT: Designating San Francisco Bay as a Wetlands of International Importance SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1 . Adopt the attached resolution requesting Governor Deukmejian to nominate the San Francisco Bay Wetlands System as a Wetland of International Importance and for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International -Importance. 2 . Send a copy of this resolution to other Bay Area Counties, coastal cities, and ABAG requesting that they take similar action. BACKGROUND As this County' s representative to BCDC, the attached BCDC staff report was provided for Commission action on its October 5, 1989 meeting. Summarily, that report indicates that the United States has ratified the Ramsar Convention. That convention establishes a process for member states (nations) to nominate areas for international recognition. The Save San Francisco Bay Association and the Audubon Society have urged the designation of San Francisco Bay as a Wetland of International Importance. Individual states can recommend specific sites or areas to the Federal Government. For that reason the attached resolution is directed toward the Governor, requesting he nominate the San Francisco Bay Wetland System. The BCDC .staff report provides background on this issue. If the Board agrees to proceed on this, the support of other local and regional governments is important and we should send this resolution to Bay Area counties, cities along the Bay, the Bay Area legislative contingent, and ABAG to see if a ground swell can be created for this action. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE: RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOA COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER S I GNATURE(S): ry- y �/ ACTION OF BOARD ON OCT 1 7-1989 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER h This matter was broubht to the attention of the Board after the Agenda was prepared. The Board determined the matter was of an urgent nature and agreed to take appropriate action. The Board adopted Resolution No. 89/698 as set forth in Recommendation No. 1 above, and requested the Community Development Department to advi�se'the-.warious -aae'ncies as: set forth in Recommendation No. 2 above. VOTE OF SUPERVISORS 1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE UNANIMOUS (ABSENT AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES. AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THig E DATE SHOWN. Cc: See attached ATTESTED OCT 1 7 1989 PHIL BATCHELOR. CLERK OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR M382/7-83 BY- --�( DEPUTY 44, Page Two cc: Supervisor Fanden CAO Community Department County Counsel California Fish and Game C/o CDD California Resource Agencyc/o CDD Bay Area Counties c/o CDD Waterfront Cities c/o CDD ABAG c/o CDD Bay Area Legislators_ c/o CDD SAN FRANCISCO BAY CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Thirty Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco 94102 557 - 3686 September 29, 1989 TO: All Commissioners and Alternates FROM: Alan R. Pendleton, Executive Director SUBJECT: DESIGNATING SAN FRANCISCO BAY AS A WETLANDS OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE (For Commission consideration on October 5, 1989) Recommendation The staff recommends that the Commission request that Governor George Deukmejian nominate the San Francisco Bay Wetland System as a Wetland of International Importance especially for Waterfowl and for inclusion on the List of Wetlands of International Importance. The staff further recommends that the Commission ask the California Department of Fish and Game and the Resources Agency to support the nomination as well. Background In 1971 a worldwide convention on wetlands created a protocol called •The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat' (also known as the Ramsar Convention) . This resulted in an treaty which provides a framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats. The broad objectives of the Convention are to stop the loss of wetlands and assure their conservation. This protocol was signed by the United States on September 13, 1985. Thereafter, it was accepted by the United States Senate and ratified by President Ronald Reaqan on November 10, 1986. A copy of the convention is attached. The Convention places general obligations on its parties so that conservation of wetlands throughout the participating nations is afforded. Thus, member nations are required to consider wetland conservation within its national land use planning. Examples of the United States' planning policies and regulations that promote the wise use of wetlands include: (1) Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which includes a national program to regulate filling in and dredging of wetlands; (2) the federal Coastal Zone Management Act's policies on promoting wetland conservation; (3) the Environmental - Protection Agency's national estuary program; and (4) the creation of nature preserves and wildlife refuges by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. -2- In addition, the parties to the Convention may have special obligations pertaining to those wetlands which are designated by the federal government in a 'List of Wetlands of International Importance.• Wetlands are designated for this list based on 'international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology.' These obligations include promoting the conservation of listed wetlands and informing the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources of any changes or likely changes in the ecological character of any listed site. To be placed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, a wetland in the United States must be nominated by a state. That nomination is reviewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service against criteria established by the Convention. Wetlands of international importance within the United States include the Chesapeake Bay Wetlands System in Maryland and Virginia, and Everglades National Park and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. The Proposal The Save San Francisco Bay Association and the Audubon Society have requested that the Commission nominate San Francisco Bay as a Wetland of International Importance and several wetland areas within the Bay for the List of Wetlands of International Importance. With the help of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the East Bay Regional Park District, these groups have identified publicly-owned wetlands in the Bay that would meet the criteria for listing. The Audubon Society is also proposing the Richardson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for the list. The wetlands include the San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuges, the Grizzly Island and Joice Island State Wildlife Areas in the Suisun Marsh, and the Hayward Regional Shoreline in Hayward, among others. In all, the Fish and Wildlife Service would designate about 32,000 acres, the Department of Fish and Game lands include about 15,721 acres, the Regional Park District encompass 5,821 acres, and the Audubon lands include about 900 acres. Additional wetlands can be added at a later date. The staff has investigated the importance and effect of such a designation for San Francisco Bay wetlands. It appears that the designation would neither affect the ownership nor management of publicly or privately owned wetlands so designated because the proposed wetland areas are presently owned and managed by public or private groups for wetland habitat and wildlife purposes. The designation would not affect lands that are not within the boundaries of the designated wetland areas. The staff believes that San Francisco Bay wetlands should be recognized as internationally important, particularly because they serve as a critical stop on the Pacific Flyway for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. They also provide habitat for several endangered species of animals and plants. Such recognition will help to increase the public's awareness of the Bay's unique and important habitat values. It may also help to focus attention on the need to acquire, restore and properly manage the Bay's wetland resources. Finally, the designation may help to elevate the status of San Francisco Bay when federal funds for wetland acquisition and management are allocated. THE RAMSAR CONVENTION Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Excerpted from a brochure of the Ramsar Convention Bureau, International Union for Conservation of Natural Resources) • O ' What is the Ramsar Convention? The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, sometimes also known as the Ramsar Convention from its place of adoption in 1971 in Iran, is an international treaty which provides the framework for international cooperation for the conservation of wetland habitats. Because wetlands are very important for ecological processes as well as for their rich flora and fauna, the broad objectives of the Convention are to stem the loss of wetlands and ensure their conservation. To meet these objectives, the Convention places general obligations on Contracting State Parties relating to the conservation of wetlands throughout their territory, and special obligations pertaining to those wetlands which have been designated in a 'List of Wetlands of International Importance'. The Convention entered into force in late 1976 following the accession of the seventh State Party, Greece. As of mid 1985, it has 40 Contracting State Parties throughout the world. What Areas Are Covered by The Convention? The Convention takes an extremely broad approach in determining the 'wetlands' which come under its aegis. Wetlands are defined as: 'areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine waters, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres'. In addition, the Convention provides that wetlands 'may incorporate riparian and coastal zones adjacent to the wetlands and islands or bodies of marine water deeper than six metres at low tide lying within the wetlands' . As a result of these provisions, the coverage of the convention extends to a wide variety of habitat types including rivers, coastal areas and even coral reefs! Why Conserve Wetlands? Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments. They provide tremendous economic benefits to mankind through fishery production - over two thirds of the world's fish harvest is linked to the health of wetland areas - the maintenance of water tables for agriculture, water storage and flood control, shoreline stabilization, timber production, waste disposal and water purification, and recreational opportunities. Wetlands provide critical habitats for waterfowl and other birds as well as for countless mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species, many of which are threatened with extinction. The richness of wetlands can also be seen in that wetlands can produce up to eight times as much plant matter as wheat fields! a v c! —2— , But 2—. But these riches can only be maintained if the ecological processes of wetlands are allowed to continue functioning. Unfortunately, wetlands are among the world's most threatened habitats due mainly to accelerated drainage, land reclamation, pollution and over-exploitation of wetland species. How Can A Convention Help? Wetlands are truly international habitats and cooperation among States is therefore a necessity for effective wetland conservation. The health of wetland habitats is dependent upon the quality and quantity of their water supply. Wetlands are affected, for example, by human impacts upon streams and rivers. These impacts can occur at considerable distances from the wetland areas and in many. cases beyond national borders. Wetlands are also seriously degraded by transboundary air and water pollution. Finally, much of the wetland fauna are migratory species whose conservation and management require international cooperation. It was against this background that the Convention was adopted in 1971, following a series of international conferences and technical meetings, mainly held under the auspices of the International Waterfowl Research Bureau (IWRB). Obligations Under the Convention It is explicitly stated in the Convention that there is a general obligation for the Contracting Parties to include wetland conservation considerations within their national land-use planning. They are required to formulate and implement this planning so as to promote, as far as possible, the wise use of wetlands in their territory. Significantly, the Contracting Parties have interpreted this wise use requirement to mean the maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands, which has important implications for wetland conservation measures. A second obligation under the Convention is the designation of wetlands for inclusion in a "List of Wetlands of International Importance." Specific conservation duties pertain to the listed sites. At least one site must be designated by each Contracting Party with selection based on *international significance in terms of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydrology., Criteria for selection (see p. 13) , with greatest relevance to importance for waterfowl, have been adopted by the Contracting Parties. The Contracting Parties, furthermore, are obliged to inform the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as Convention Bureau of any changes or likely changes in the ecological character of any listed site. Finally, Contracting Parties are obliged to promote the convention of wetlands in their territory through the establishment of nature reserves. This applies to all wetlands whether or not they are included on the List. -3- The List of Wetlands of International importance In practice, the Contracting Parties have gone far beyond the mandatory designation of only one site: as of mid-1985 some 300 sites covering in excess of 20,000,000 hectares have been designated for the List. Furthermore, no site has been deleted from the List and replaced by another, despite the possibility that this might be done by a Contracting Party in its •urgent national interest.• Of all aspects of the Convention, the List has attracted greatest international attention. Placing an area on the Ramsar List has had considerable impact upon the conservation of the area and upon public recognition of the global importance of the site. Listing under the Convention has become a very important conservation tool. It can be noted that although most Contracting Parties have designated wetland sites for the List on the basis of their importance for waterfowl, other faunal and floral interests are often taken into account, with the result that a rather comprehensive selection of major wetland types is included on the List, especially for the Western Palearctic Region. It should also be noted that Ramsar sites may encompass very large areas. For example, Canada has designated sites which in total are in excess of ten million hectares; Mauritania has designated one area of 1,173,000 hectares; and the USSR has designated sites totalling 1,227,800 hectares. On the other hand, Contracting Parties such as Italy and Denmark have demonstrated the value of using several small sites within national networks. Two Examples of Ramsar Convention Sites 1. Ichkeul National Park, Tunisia. Ichkeul (10,000 ha) is one of the main sites in the Mediterranean region for wintering waterfowl and is essential in the Palearctic waterfowl migration cycle. The wetlands site of the National Park comprises an isolated wooded massif and Lake Ichkeul, a permanent lake indirectly connected to the sea via Lake Bizerte and the Tindja Wadi. Lake Ichkeul is fed by wadis which dry up in the summer, causing the level of the lake to fall and salt water from Lake Bizerte to flow in. The land around the marshes has been partly exploited for agriculture. The construction of barrages in several of the wadis which feed the lake within fresh water is endangering the ecosystem of the entire region. International attention has been drawn to this Ramsar site and efforts are being made by the Tunisian Government to reconcile development requirements with international obligations to safeguard the area. 2. Netherlands Wadden Sea. The Netherlands Wadden Sea (25,000 ha) is an area under constant human pressure. The area has tremendous economic significance with its large gasfields and with the extensive and intensive agriculture and fisheries it supports. It also provides exercise grounds for the Netherlands army and navy, supports a large tourist industry and includes significant industrial centres and harbour facilities. -4- The site provides critical habitat for numerous waterfowl, fish, invertebrate and plant species. Seal populations, which once were thriving in the area, are now seriously threatened. The designation of the site on the Ramsar List has been greeted by European conservationists as an important recognition of the intention of the Government of the Netherlands to, ensure the conservation of the area despite its intensive use. The task is a daunting one. It is interesting to note that a Resolution was adopted at the Second Conference of the Contracting Parties for the remaining area of the Wadden Sea (under the jurisdiction of Denmark and of the Federal Republic of Germany) also to be placed on the List. The countries concerned have agreed that this will provide an additional mechanism for regional cooperation for nature conservation. How is the Convention Run? The Contracting Parties meet regularly to discuss national experiences, to review the status of sites on the List to promote cooperative activities and to hear reports from international organizations. Such meetings have been held on three occasions in Cagliari, Italy (1980) ; in Paris, France (1982) ; and in Groningen, Netherlands (1984) . The next meeting is scheduled for Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1987. Secretariat services for the Convention are provided by IUCN, as Convention Bureau. IUCN is assisted in the task by the IWRB as Scientific Adviser. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) acts Convention Depositary. What do the Contracting Parties Say? National reports on the implementation of the Convention which have been submitted to Conferences of the Contracting Parties provide an interesting overview of national experiences. Italy has indicated that its general national policy on wetland conservation has been based on the Convention and that it has stimulated active conservation collaboration between its Central Government and Regions. Hungary has noted that the Convention provides important impetus for States to cooperate for wetland conservation. Norway has also said that the Convention has provided the basis for its national wetland conservation policy, with particular attention being given to preparing wetland inventories, ensuring the protection of a network of wetland reserves, and preventing degradation of wetland habitats. Sweden has commented that the Convention has increased national interest in wetlands, spotlighted their importance both nationally and internationally and promoted the concept that migratory waterfowl are an international asset. Several Contracting Parties have also stressed the utility of the Convention in helping to prevent detrimental changes to sites included in the List. Examples include the reverse of the order to drain part of the Colfiorito Marsh a Ramsar site in Italy; the cessation of commercial fisheries in Lake Haleji, a Ramsar site in Pakistan, the rejection of proposed plans to -5- sink a stricken oil tanker close to the Minsmere Walberswick Ramsar site in the United Kingdom; and the abandoning of plans to construct an autobahn extension contiguous to a Ramsar site (the Rhine between Eltville and Bingen) in the Federal Republic of Germany. What Further Action is Needed? Efforts are under way to promote expanded global cooperation through the Convention. In particular increased involvement from Latin American States is anticipated in view of the recent adoption of the official Spanish language text of the convention. Additional sites are also being promoted for the List. Attention is needed to enhance cooperative project activities under the Convention. At the 1984 Groningen Conference of the Contracting Parties a •Framework for the Implementation of the Convention' was adopted with specific 'Action Points' for such collaborative efforts. One, Action Point called for the establishment of a 'Clearing House' to link developing countries seeking development aid for wetland conservation projects with aid agencies in the developed world. Finally, a Protocol to the Convention was adopted in December 1982 which addressed two technical problems: the inclusion of an amendment clause in the Convention since there was no amendment provision in the original text; and the establishment of additional authentic language versions of the Convention. Once this Protocol enters into force, the Contracting parties intend to examine amendments to provide for certain improvements including a financial basis for a Convention Secretariat. The Promise for the Future The Ramsar Convention, as the first modern global conservation convention, has the potential to do what no other existing conservation convention can do - foster cooperation to conserve particular extensive habitats and the species found in them. The Contracting Parties are demonstrating their determination to make the Convention a success. IUCN as Convention Bureau, IWRB as its Scientific Adviser and Unesco as Convention Depositary are similarly committed to promoting and giving added vigour to the Convention. With continued goodwill from the Contracting Parties and with the involvement and assistance of other conservation-minded States and organizations and the general public, the important objectives of the Convention can be achieved. The opportunity should be seized to expand the use of the Ramsar Convention to help conserve wetland areas. How States Can Join the Convention Any Member State of the United Nations, one of its specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or a Party to the Statues of the International Court of justice may become a Party to the Convention either by: (a) signature without reservation as a ratification; (b) signature y-4 -6- subject to ratification followed by ratification; or (c) accession. Signatures and the deposit of instruments of ratification or accession are to be made with the director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in Paris France. The Convention requires that each Contracting Party shall designate at least one wetland to be included ,in the List when joining the Convention. The boundaries of each of these wetlands must be precisely described and also delimited on a map to be provided to Unesco at the time of adherence to the Convention. • Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat . Ramsar, 2.2.1971 as amended by Paris Protocol 3.12.1982 (The modifications made to the Convention by the of ecology, botany, zoology, limnology or hydro- Parts Protocol are reproduced in italics: final clauses logy. In the fiat instance wetlands of international concerning entry into fora provisions of this Proto- importance to waterfowl at any season should be col are included as a footnote to Article 10 of the included. Convention.) 3. The inclusion of a wetland in the List does not pre- judice the exclusive sovereign rights of the Con- The Contracting Parties, tractmg Party in whose territory the wetland is si. tuated. Recognizing the interdependence of man and his en- 4, Each Contracting Party shall designate at least one. vironment; wetland to be included in the List when signing Considering the fundamental ecological functions of this Convention or when depositing its instrument wetlands as regulators of water regimes and as habi- of ratification or accession, as provided in Article tau supporting a characteristic flora and fauna,espe- 9, dally waterfowl; S. Any Contracting Party shall have the right to add Being convinced that wetlands constitute a resource to the List further wetlands situated within its ter. of great economic, cultural. scientific, and recreatio- ritory, to extend the boundaries of those wetlands nal value, the loss of which would be irreparable; already included by it in the List,or,because of its Desiring to stem the progressive encroachment on urgent national interests, to delete or restrict the and loss of wetlands now and in the future; boundaries of wetlands already included by it in Recognizing that waterfowl in their seasonal migra- the List and shall, at the earliest possible time, in- tions may transcend frontiers and so should be regar- form the organization or government responsible ded as an international resource; for the continuing bureau duties specified in Artic- le 6 of any such changes. Being confident that the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna can be ensured by combi- 6. Each Contracting Party shall consider its interrta- ning far-sighted national policies with co-ordinated tional responsibilities for.the conservation, mana- international action; gement and wise use of migratory stocks of water- fowl, both when designating entries for the List, Have agreed as follows: and when exercising its right to change entries in the List relating to wetlands within its territory. Article t 1. For the purpose of this Convention wetlands are Article 3 areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether 1. The Contracting Parties shall formulate and im- natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, plement their planning so as to promote the con- with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brakish servation of the wetlands included in the List,and or salt, including areas of marine water the depth as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their of which at low tide does not exceed six metres. territory. 2. For the purpose of this Convention waterfowl are 2. Each Contracting Parry shall arrange to be infor- birds ecologically dependent on wetlands. med at the earliest possible time if the ecological character of any wetland in its territory and inclu- Article 2 ded in the List has changed,is changing or is likely 1. Each Contracting Party shall designate suitable to change as the result of technological develop- wetlands within its territory for inclusion in a Litt menu, pollution or other human interference. In- of Wetlands of International Importance, herein- formation on such changes shall be passed without after referred to as"the List"which is maintained delay to the organization or government responsi- by the bureau established under Article S. The ble for the continuing bureau duties specified in boundaries of each wetland shall be precisely desc- Article S. ribed and also delimited on a map and they may incorporate riparian and coastal zona adjacent to Article 4 the wetlands, and islands or bodies of marine wa- 1. Each Contracting Party shall promote the conser- ter deeper than six metra at low tide lying within vation of wetlands and waterfowl by establishing the wetlands, especially where these have impor- nature reserves on wetlands, whether they are in- tance as waterfowl habitat. cluded in the List or not, and provide adequately 2. Wetlands should-be selected for the List on ac- for their wardening. count of their international significance in terms 2. Where a Contracting Party in its urgent national interest, deletes or restricts the boundaries of a experts on wetlands or waterfowl by reason of wetland included in the List,it-should as far as knowledge and experience gained in scientific,ad- possible compensate for any loss of wetland ministrative or other appropriate capacities. resources, and in particular it should create addi- 2. Each of the Contracting Parties represented at a tion! nature reserves for waterfowl and for the protection,either in the same area or elsewhere,of Conference shall have one voce,recommendations an adequate portion of the original habitat. being adopted by a simple majority of the votes cast, provided that not less than half the Contrac- 3. The Contracting Parties shall encourage research ting Parties cast votes. and the exchange of data and publications regar- ding wetlands and their flora and fauna. ,article g 4. The Contracting Parties shall endeavour through 1. The International Union for the Conservation of management to increase weaterfowl populations Nature and Natural Resources shall perform the on appropriate wetlands. continuing bureau duties under this Convention. 5. The Contracting Parties shall promote the training until such time as another organization or govern- of personnel competent in the fields of wetland ment is appointed by a majority of two-thirds of research, management and wardening. all Contracting Parties. 2. The continuing bureau duties shall be, inter alia: Article 5 (a) to assist in the convening and organizing of The Contracting Parties shall consult with each other Conferences specified in Article 6; about implementing obligations arising from the (b) to maintain the List of Wetlands of Interna- Convention especially in the case of a wetland exten- tional Importance and to be informed by the ding over the territories of more than one Contrac- Contracting Parties of any additions, exten- ting Party or where a water system is shared by Con- sions, deletions or restrictions concerning tracting Parties. They shall at the same time wetlands included in the List provided in ac- endeavour to co-ordinate and support present and cordance with paragraph 5 of Article 2; future policies and regulations concerning the conser- vation of wetlands and their flora and fauna. (c) to be informed by the Contracting Parties of any changes in the ecological character of Article 6 wetlands included in the List provided in ac- cordance with paragraph 2 of Article 3; 1. The Contracting Parties shall, as the necessity arises, convene Conferences on the Conservation (d) to forward notification of any alterations to of Wetlands and Waterfowl. the List, or changes in character of wetlands included therein, to all Contracting Parties 2, These Conferences shall have an advisory and to arrange for these matters to be discuss- character and shall be competent, inter alia: ed at the next Conference; (a) to discuss the implementation of this Conven- (e) to make known to the Contracting Party con- tion; cerned, the recommendations of the Con- (b) to discuss additions to and changes in the List; ferences in respect of such alterations to the List or of changes in the character of wetlands (c) to consider information regarding changes in included therein. the ecological character of wetlands included in the List provided in accordance with Article 9 paragraph 2 of Article 3; 1. This Convention shall remain open for signature (d) to make general or specific recommendations indefinitely. to the Contracting Parties regarding the con- 2. Any member of the United Nations or of one of servation, management and wise use of the Specialized Agencies or of the International wetlands and their flora and fauna; Atomic Energy Agency or Party to the Statute of (e) to request relevant international bodies to the International Court of Justice may become a prepare reports and statistics on matters which Party to this Convention by: are essentially international in character affec- (a) signature without reservation as to ratifica- ting wetlands. tion; 3. The Contracting Parties shall ensure that those (b) signature subject to ratification followed by responsible at all levels for wetlands management ratification; shall be informed of, and take into consideration, (c) accession. recommendations of such Conferences concerning the conservation, management and wise use of 3. Ratification or accession shall be effected by the wetlands and their flora and fauna_ deposit of an instrument of ratification or acces- sion with the Director-General of the United Na- Article 7 tions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to. as "the 1. The representatives of the Contracting Parties at Depositary"). such Conferences should include persons who are • 1 +M Article 10' amendment communicated in accordance witn 1. This Convention shall enter into force four mon- paragraph 3 shall be convened by the Bureau upon the after seven States have become Parties to this the written request of one third of the Contracting Convention in accordance with paragraph 2 of Ar- Parties. The Bureau shall consult the Parries con- ticle 9. cerning the time and venue of the meeting. 2. Thereafter this Convention shall enter into force S. Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds ma- for each Contracting Party four months after the . joriry of the Contracting Parries present and day of its signature without reservation as to voting• ratification, or its deposit of-an instrument of 6. An amendment adopted shall enter into force for ratification or accession. the Contracting Parties which have accepted it on the first day of the fourth month following the Article 10 bis dare on which two thirds of the Contracting Par- t. This Convention may be amended at a meeting of ties have deposited an instrument of acceptance with the depositary. For each Contracting Parry the Contracting Parries convenedfor that purpose in accordance with this article. which deposits an instrument of acceptance after the dare on which two thirds of the Contracting 2. Proposals for amendment may be made by any Parries have deposited an instrument of accep- Conrracting Parry. tance, the amendment shall enter into force on the 3. The text of any proposed amendment and the first day of the fourth month following the date of reasons for it shall be communicated to the the deposit of its instrument of acceptance. organization or government performing the Conti- nuing Bureau duties under the Convention Article 11 (hereinafter referred to as "the Bureau")and shall t. This Convention shall continue in force for an in- promptly be communicated by the Bureau to all definite period. Contracting Parries. Any comments on the text b-y the Contracting Parries shall be communicated to 2. Any Contracting Party may denounce this Con- the Bureau within three months of the date on vention after a period of five years from the date which the amendments were communicated to the on which it entered into force for that Party by Contracting Parries by the Bureau. The Bureau giving written notice thereof to the Depositary. shall, immediately after the Iasi day for submis- Denunciation shall take effect four mounths after sion of comments, communicate to the Contrac- the day on which notice thereof is received by the ting Parries all comments submitted by that day. Depositary. 4. A meeting of Contracting Parries to consider an ' Article 4 This Protocol shall be open for signature at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 3 December 1982. Article S 1. Any Stare referred to in Article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention may become a Contracting Party to this Protocol by: (at signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval: (b)signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval,followed by ratification, acceptance or approval,- (c) pproval,(c) accession. 2. Parification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance, ap- proval or accession with the Director-General of the United .Nations Educational. Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as "rhe Depositary—). 3. Any State which becomes a Contracting Party to the Convention after the entry into force of this Protocol shall,failing an expres- sion of a different intention at the time of signature or of the deposit of the instrument referred to in Article 9 of the Convention, be considered as a Parry to the Convention as amended by this Protocol. 4. Any State which becomes a Contracting Party to this Protocol without being a Contracting Party to the Convention,shall be con- sidered as a Parry to the Convention as amended by this Protocol as of the dare of entry into force of this Protocol for that Stare. Article 6 1. This Protocol shall enter into force the fust day of the fourth month following the date on which two thirds of the States which are Contracting Parries to the Convention on the date on which this Protocol is opened for signature have signed it without reserva- don as to ratification, acceptance or approval, or have rarified, accepted, approved or acceded to it. 2. With regard to any Stare which becomes a Contracting Party to this Protocol in the manner described in paragraph 1 and 1 of.4 r- ricle S above,after the date of its entry inro font, this Protocol shall enter into force on the date of its signature without reserva- lion as to ratification, acceptance, or approval or of its ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. J. With regard to any Stare which becomes a Contracting Parry to this Protocol,in the manner described in paragraph 1 and 2 of Ar- ride S above,during the period between the date on which this Protocol,is opened for signature and its entry intoforce,this Pro- roto/shall enter into force on the date determined in paragraph 1 above. Article 12 — ' 2. When this Convention has entered into force, the 1. The Depositary shall inform all States that have Depositary shall have it registered with the signed and acceded to this Convention as soon as Secretariat of the United Nations in accordance possible of: with Article 102 of the Charter. (a) signatures to the Convention; IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being (b) deposits of instruments of ratification of this duly authorized to that effect, have signed this Con- Convention; vention. (c) deposits of instruments of accession to this DONE at Ramsar this 2nd day of February 1971, in a Convention; single original in the English, French, German and Russian languages, all texts being equally authentic2 (d) the date of entry into force of this Conven- which shall be deposited with the Depositary which tion; shall send true copies thereof to all Contracting Par- e) notifications of denunciation of this Conven- des. tion. Pursuant to the Final Act of the Conference to conclude the Protocol, the Depositary provided the second Conierencr of the Con- trncring Parties with official versions of the Convention in the Arabic. Chinese and Spanish languages,prepared in consultation with interested Governments and with the assistance of the Bureau. S. 7 4 s THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Order on October 17, 1989 by the following vote: AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, McPeak and Torlakson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None RESOLUTION NO. 89/ 698 SUBJECT: In the Matter of Designation of ) San Francisco Bay as a Wetland ) of International Importance ) WHEREAS, in 1971 a worldwide convention of wetlands created a protocol called "The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (also known as the Ramsar Convention) ," and WHEREAS, the protocol was signed by the United States on September 13 , 1985, accepted by the Senate and ratified by President Ronald Reagan on November 10, 1988, and WHEREAS, the Ramsar Convention allows signatory nations to nominate sites as a Wetland of International Importance, and WHEREAS, the Save the San Francisco Bay Association and the Audobon Society have requested the San Francisco Bay Wetlands System be nominated, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, that it urges nomination of the San Francisco Bay Wetlands System as a Wetlands of International Importance, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this County urges Governor Deukmejian to nominate the San Francisco Bay System as a Wetlands of International Importance to the Federal Government. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Resources Agency are requested to support this nomination. I hareby certify that this Is a Crus and Correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the TM=Board "1�8V a.data ce"' _ PHIL BATCHELOR.Clerk of the Board ot Supervisors and County Admi i t sW By J .Deputy cc: . Director of Community Development County Administrator Public Works Director County Counsel cjc4/wetlands.res RESOLUTION NO. 89/698