Nermin Wafa Head of Programs & Activities Division Environomental Sector LAS

1. The economic valuation of wetlands in the Arab countries International Symposium “Water and Wetlands in the Mediterranean “ Agadir, Morocco on Februrary 6-8, 2012 Nermin Wafa Head of Programs & Activities Division Environomental Sector LAS

2. The total economic value of 63 million hectares of wetland around the world is estimated at $3.4 billion per year. Based on the sample of 89 case-studies, wetlands in Asia have the absolute highest economic value at $1.8 billion per year. Schuyt and Brander (2004) The economic values of the world’s wetlands. WWF

6. 6th Meeting of COP (1996) Resolution VI.23: Encourage more studies of the economic value of water within wetlands, through dissemination of the forthcoming Convention publication on Economic valuation of wetlands: guidelines for policy makers and planners 7th Meeting of COP (1999) Ramsar Convention Work Plan 2000-2002. Operational Objective 2.4: To provide economic evaluations of the benefits and functions of wetlands for environmental planning purposes. 8th Meeting of COP (2002) Resolution VIII.1: Annex : Guidelines for the allocation and management of water for maintaining the ecological functions of wetlands. Economic valuation provides a potential decision-support framework 9th Meeting of COP (2005) Resolution IX.2: Future implementation of scientific and technical aspects of the Convention Encourages parties to work with (UNEP), (UNDP), NGOs and others to: undertake assessments of the economic, social, cultural and livelihood values of wetlands with a view to enhancing sustainable livelihoods utilizing a wise use approach;

7. Background submit recommendations for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in the Arab Region. In June 2009: ‘Cairo Statement’ In November 2009: CAMRE at their meeting in MarsaAlam, Egypt. Cairo Statement formally approved In June 2010: Muscat action plan implement programs One of these programs was execution of the study on economic valuation of wetlands in Arab region. 

8. In December 2010: CAMRE Approved the Arab regional Statement for Action on the 2020 biodiversity targets , funding Strategies &innovative Financial Mechanisms Inviting /UNEP/Teeb to undertake an Arab Teeb Initiative to evaluate the economic values of biodiversity & Ecosystem Services

9. In February, 2011: Meetings with expertise from Ramsar, IUCN ….etc The 16th Meeting of the Scientific & Technical Review Panel (STRP) Preparing for workshop include experts in this field and national focal points in the Arab countries.  Seek funding from the GEF or UNEP for pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a bigger project  . Working for financing from the World Bank and interested Regional & Int Donors The results indicated that the participants are willing to hold the study in sites with environmental and economical importance. In May, 2011: A questionnaire was developed during Fujairah   workshop called on Ramsar Secretariat to hold a regional workshop on the economic valuation of wetlands & Arab preparatory Meeting to Ramsar COP 10 (june –romania 2012) In December 2011: CAMRE at their meeting in Egypt. To take into consideration the importance of wetlands in their planning program submitted to Arab Ministers of Water & Arab Ministers of Tourism

16. Priorities for choosing sites

19. Methods of obtaining data

22. Analysing & presenting data

23. Development scenarios for the economics of wetlands

24. Publishing Report

30. The Economic value of some wetland in the Arab countries "Proposal for Pilot study"

31. Objectives of study Putting the economic value of wetlands in the subject of consideration by the decision-makers in the development of plans of wetlands Help officials in the management and development of policies in improvement of human well-being Guiding local communities & Small – Medium Business to the Economic revenue of wetlands The maintenance of biodiversity in wetlands Helping Ngo’s to play a lead role in conservation of wetlands This study could be a model study to the economic values of the components of various ecosystems (desert - forest – marine ....... Etc) Raising awarness of policy makers on the economic significance of tourism as one of the main services of wetlands Raising awarness of Water Officials on the economic value of water in wetlands

32. Expected Outputs The project produced report valuating economic values of different types of wetlands in different Arab countries The project will be pilot study and lead to the feasibility of a bigger project Training of new generations of Arab specialists in this important field. Training also involves awareness seminars on results from research efforts helping Capacity building in environmental economic aspects of wetlands is incorporated into the project. Applying environmental economics valuation for a range of different stakeholders from local to national level, across government, NGOs, private sector, and academia. Encouraging non- member Arab States to join RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands

33. A guide to Sustainable Tourism

34. Tourism Businesses can promote and support Wetland biodiversity by: Reducing pollution from tourism, particulary by ensuring that all liquid & Solid wastes are properly treated and disposed of in ways that do not result in damage to biodiversity & by minimizing use of pesticides , fertilisers and toxic chemicals Obtaining all food stuffs, and other biological resources used in tourism activities from sustainably managed sources supporting biodiversity conservation by gov. agencies and Ngos through practical actions, including financial contributions, ex: through sponsership and voluntary donations. Ensuring that no invasive alien species are introduced through tourism activities - Ensuring that no threatened or endangered species are put at risk from tourism activities or enter the tourism supply chain ( especially as food or souvenirs) - Using the Communications and marketing strengths of the tourism sector to raise awarness of tourists and destination authorities of the value of biodiversity and the steps they can take to protect it .

35. Economic Benefits for Locals & Government. Well managed tourism in and around wetlands can bring significant benefits both economic and environmental, Local communities and local gov. can and often do benefit in terms of income and employment. Income Benefits for long term conservation Measures the wetland iteslf can benefit directly when the income from tourism (entry fees , local products, etc,,) is used directly to conservative measure thus linking tourism with long term conservation

36. The scale of Tourism globally economic activity generated by travel and tourism represents around 5% of gdp 6-7% of the world’s jobs. By 2020 it will grow around 1.6 billion In 2010 International tourists to Wetlands reached 940 million tourists expenditures linked to wetlands amounts 925 billion yearly Half of international tourists Travelling to wetlands Particularly to coastal areas

38. Namibia Contributed 14.2 % of gdp toruism The etosha pans ramsar site 6 touristic Ramsar parks Attracts 200,000 visitorsThe highest number of all parks

39. Slovenia annual income of 950,000 Euros skicjan Caves Ramsar Site 305 hectare reinvested in the parks’s infrastructure and for nature conservation efforts. Earned from 96,000 visitors in 2010

40. Budget: 100,000 USD$

41. Duration and Payment

42. Thank you