This very first directory of wetlands of one of the most arid zones on earth is intended to increase awareness among decision makers and planners of the consequences of wetland loss and degradation. It will also assist responsible authorities to identify new sites for listing under the Ramsar Convention. The directory consists of a series of national reports describing the principal wetlands in 13 countries.
This directory provides details of measures taken to date to establish a system of protected areas in the region, which includes Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Pakistan, India, Burma, China and the former USSR. Each national system is reviewed and accompanied by a list and a map of protected areas. Over 100 individual properties are described in more detail.