Complexities in Assessing Participation Commitments Under the Ramsar Convention

Despite a growing global consensus on the importance of public involvement in environmental governance, the extent to which countries follow through on their commitments to participation under multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) remains unclear. Through an examination of institutionalization of participation by India as part of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, this paper identifies important complexities that need to be disentangled when assessing fulfillment of a commitment to participation. Findings from the analysis indicate the need to develop methods and make normative decisions regarding how to account for: participation across multiple management functions and Ramsar designated wetland sites; the layering of the Ramsar Convention with existing domestic laws and policies; evolution of participation commitments over time; flexibility in commitments; and the social, political, and institutional factors that affect participation that are outside the control of national-level governments.