The oldest multilateral environmental agreement, adopted in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971, entered into force in 1975. Currently 172 Contracting Parties with over 2,500 designated Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) covering more than 250 million hectares. Core obligations: designate at least one wetland for the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Article 2), promote wise use of all wetlands (Article 3), establish nature reserves on wetlands (Article 4), and consult on transboundary wetlands (Article 5). The 'three pillars': wise use of all wetlands, designation and management of Ramsar Sites, and international cooperation on transboundary wetlands. South Africa has 27 Ramsar Sites including freshwater systems relevant to the Incomati Basin. The South African Rivers and Ramsar Initiative (SARRI) was launched in 2025 to strengthen river protection. Mozambique and Eswatini are also Contracting Parties with designated sites. CEPA (Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness) programme supports stakeholder engagement.