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Title:	KK Wetlands has right criteria to be Ramsar site, says Kurup
Date:	24 October 2011
Source/Author:	http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/10/24/kk-wetlands-has-right-criteria-to-be-ramsar-site-says-kurup/
Category:	Malaysia


KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, one of the popular tourist attractions in the state, is poised to become a Ramsar site soon. Expressing confidence in the uniqueness of Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said it had the right criteria to be accorded Ramsar-site status. In this respect, he said his ministry would give its utmost support to make this a reality. Ramsar sites are designated under the Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The Convention has the unique distinction of being the first modern treaty between nations aimed at conserving natural resources. The Convention was signed in 1971 at the small Iranian town of Ramsar, and hence, is also known as the Ramsar Convention. “Mostly important is to maintain this status and thus, I urge everyone to contribute towards making Kota Kinabalu Wetlands a Ramsar site worthy for many generations to come.” He said this in his speech when launching the Malaysia Environment Week 2011, organised by the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, here, yesterday. Kurup said the 24-hectare Kota Kinabalu Wetlands provided the opportunity for visitors to experience and learn first-hand about mangrove habitat, a type of wetlands, without the burden of having to travel to a distant location. “Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. Many wetlands have been significantly destroyed to make way for development. “However, if managed well, wetland ecosystems can play a vital role in the mitigation of climate change which helps humans counter the effects of climate change based on their role in ensuring water and food security,” he said. —Bernama Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/10/24/kk-wetlands-has-right-criteria-to-be-ramsar-site-says-kurup/#ixzz1bfhoaQvV
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