---
title: "Wise Use Concept (Ramsar): Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Wise Use Concept under the Ramsar Convention emphasizes sustainable wetland management, crucial for policymakers and environmental advocates."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/wise-use-concept-ramsar"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Wise use is the Ramsar Convention's principle requiring the maintenance of wetland ecological character through sustainable use within the context of ecosystem approaches.
- What is the current authoritative definition of wise use under Ramsar?
- Does the wise use obligation apply only to designated Ramsar Sites?
- How does wise use differ from preservation?
- What happens when a wetland's ecological character changes?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Wise use is the Ramsar Convention's principle requiring the maintenance of wetland ecological character through sustainable use within the context of ecosystem approaches.

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## Timeline

1. 2 February 1971

   The wise use concept is the foundational obligation of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, signed at Rams…

2. 21 December 1975

   The wise use concept is the foundational obligation of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, signed at Rams…

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Example

India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change invoked the wise use principle when framing the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, governing Ramsar Sites such as Odisha's Chilika Lake.

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