The Ramsar Convention adopted on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, is a pioneer in international treaties for environmental conservation. As this was a time before the appearance of the word “sustainability”, the expression “the wise use of” was used. Wetlands, which are the focus of the Convention, are vanishing at a rate three times that of forests despite their being essential in the conservation of biodiversity. It is important that many people understand the benefits which wetlands provide.