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Ramsar NorBalWet Seminar 2009, Turku, Finland, 25.-27.8.2009

Networking with Wetland Managers in Nordic-Baltic countries

Aims of the seminar

• to strengthen valuable exchange of know-how between Nordic Baltic countries upon priority areas of wetland cooperation
• to form active networks on different levels of wetland actors

• how to enhance the transboundary cooperation
• the role of wetland strategies
• wetland restoration and biological diversity, especially river, lake and peatlands restoration

• Programme
• Conclusions

• Words of welcome,
  Tiina Niikkonen, Superintendent, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services
• Ramsar info & COP10 actions for the contracting parties,
  Nadezhda Alexeeva, Assistant Adviser for Europe, Ramsar Secretariat
• CEPA activities in Norway – actions underway or planned,
  Jan-Petter Huberth Hansen, Senior Advisor, Norwegian Directorate for Nature Management

Enhancing cooperation within NorBalWet region

• Networking in wetland issues with IUCN WCPA and Nordic Council of Ministers working group on terrestrial ecosystems,
  Dr. Stig Johansson, Regional Director, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services
• Cooperation of transboundary Ramsar sites within NorBalWet region, examples of EUROPARC transboundary cooperation,
  Liisa Nikula, Senior Advisor, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services
• Wings over wetland – Wetlands International (regional initiative involvement of flyways),
  Dr. Umberto Gallo-Orsi, WOW Project Coordinator, Wetlands International
• Wetlands and development aid – situation in Finland,
  Dr. Matti Nummelin, Environmental Advisor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Excursion to Local Wetland Area

• Mietoistenlahti Bay, 
  Mikael Nordström, Senior Advisor, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services

Wetland strategies

• Swedish river restoration programme,
  Henrik Schreiber, Conservation Biologist, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
• Finland’s strategy on wetlands and game and LIFE+ project,
  Mikko Alhainen, Game Management Planner, Hunters’ Central Organisation
• Finland’s strategy on mires and state of Finnish mires,
  Dr. Tapio Lindholm, Leading Expert, Nature Division, Finnish Environment Institute

Wetland restoration and biological diversity

• Scientific and Technical Review Panel and Ramsar tools for wetland restoration: Ramsar Handbook,
  Nadezhda Alexeeva, Assistant Adviser for Europe, Ramsar Secretariat
• The Ramsar Handbooks for the Wise Use of Wetlands, 3rd edition 

Wetland restoration and biological diversity in Nordic-Baltic countries

• Country Reports
  • Denmark: Sten Asbirk, Head of Section, Danish Agency for Spatial and Environmental Planning
  • Estonia: Kai Kimmel, Specialist for nature management, Estonian Environmental Board 
  • Finland: Tiina Niikkonen, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services
  • Latvia: Vija Busa, Head of Division of Protected Territories, Ministry of Environment
  • Russia: Olga Lerman, Chief Specialist-Expert, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
  • Sweden: Henrik Schreiber, Conservation Biologist, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
• New river restoration manual of Sweden,
  Henrik Schreiber, Conservation Biologist, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
• Life projects promoting mire diversity,
  Maarit Similä, Conservation Biologist, Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services
  • Abstract: Life projects promoting mire diversity
• Kokemäenjoki Life (2006-2011) project area presentation,
  Tapio Aalto, Project Coordinator, Southwest Finland Regional Environment Centre

More information

• Ramsar National Focal Point Tiina Niikkonen, tiina.niikkonen(at)metsa.fi