Viet Nam signed the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands fifteen years ago, and recently designated a second wetland site to the List of Wetlands of International Importance according to Ramsar criteria . The new report is intended to serve as a benchmark for progress and trends in wetlands management and protection in the last fifteen years, highlighting recommendations for the future.

Wetlands play a key role in Viet Nam's socioeconomic development, national defense, poverty alleviation, disaster prevention, cultural maintenance, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. By drawing national and international attention to their importance and to strategic steps towards their wise use and sustainable development, it is hoped that they may be maintained for the benefit of present and future generations in Viet Nam.

The report was launched internationally at the Ramsar COP9 in Uganda, 8-15 November 2005 and can be downloaded in English and Vietnamese from http://www.mekongwetlands.org/Products/General/index.htm

(*) Viet Nam Environment Protection Agency (VEPA) mission: To support the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's leadership to implement the state environmental management activities in terms of environmental inspectorate and supervision, pollution prevention, environmental quality improvement, natural conservation, environmental technology promotion and public awareness enhancement.  Website: www.nea.gov.vn

(**) IUCN mission: To influence, encourage, and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. Website: www.iucn.org.vn

(***) The Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme (MWBP) is a joint programme of the four riparian governments of the Lower Mekong Basin – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam – managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the Mekong River Commission (MRC), in collaboration with and other key stakeholders. With funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP, The Royal Netherlands Government, MRCS, the Water and Nature Initiative (WANI) and other donors, the programme tries to address the most critical issues for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in the Mekong wetlands. Website: www.mekongwetlands.org