The Ramsar Convention ( The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance , especially as Waterfowl Habitat ) is an international treaty to protect wetlands . The Ramsar Convention ( The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance , especially as Waterfowl Habitat ) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wetlands , i.e. , to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future , recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic , cultural , scientific , and recreational value .