Ramsar is a global environmental treaty that aims to protect and conserve wetlands across the world. The Ramsar Convention, officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, was established in 1971 and is named after the city of Ramsar, Iran, where it was signed. The treaty commits its member countries to preserve and sustainably use wetlands to maintain their ecological value and biodiversity. Wetlands are defined by the treaty as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters." By signing the convention, countries agree to designate certain wetlands as Ramsar sites, which are protected and managed to preserve their ecological character. The Ramsar Convention aims to raise public awareness about the importance of wetland conservation and restoration and to encourage international cooperation to achieve its goals.