Wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring: practical techniques and identification of major issues. Proceedings of Workshop 4. Supervising Scientist Report 161

The 2nd International Conference on Wetlands and Development aimed to review progress in wetland conservation and development since the 1st Conference (Malaysia, 1995). The conference reviewed trends in wetland development and management, and identified issues and solutions which could benefit agencies and individuals concerned with the wise use of wetlands at all levels. Special focus was given to Africa, with the aim of developing new partnerships, networks and programs for the future. Endorsements for the conference were received from the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and the World Heritage Convention. More than 40 donors provided funds to the conference. The Conference was opened by the Senegalese Minister of Environment and Nature Protection, in the presence of the Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Conference included 5 workshops covering: 1. Strategies for wise use of wetlands: Best practices in participatory management; 2. Strategies for conserving migratory waterbirds; 3. Integrated wetlands and water resources management; 4. Wetland inventory, assessment, monitoring and valuation; 5. Mechanisms for financing the wise use of wetlands. The proceedings of workshop 4 are presented in this report