f the area should be effected. This should pay particular attention to the criteria for listing of sites of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and should result in the identification of specific sites within the Bañados which would be given special conservation attention by the government under its present development plan for the area.
Within this study, special emphasis should also be given to the wide range of hydrological and ecological functions which the wetlands of the Bañados serve, and to the economic importance of these. In addition to the sites designated as being of international importance, other wetlands in the Bañados should only be reclaimed for agriculture when it is clear that the value of drainage to the local people is greater than that of the functions currently provided by the wetlands.
iv) As part of any future investment in agricultural productivity in the area, special attention should be given to ways through which the existing natural functions of the wetland system can contribute more effectively to the local and national economy. Such methods may include rehabilitation of the fur industry dependent upon Coypu, and development of ecological tourism.
v) In addition to identification of sites of highest importance within the Bañados area, special attention should be given to identification of other wetland sites within Uruguay, in particular in the vicinity of the Bañados, which are of similar international importance. One such site is the Laguna de Rocha to which special consideration should be given.
vi) The Ramsar Convention Secretariat should liaise closely with the government of Uruguay and with the InterAmerican Development Bank to ensure that future investments are based upon a detailed study of the natural benefits of the wetland system and of the environmental and socio-economic impact of any economic investment in wetland drainage.
Annex I: Recommendation C.3.9
Annex II: Monitoring Procedure
Annex III: Itinerary of Ramsar Mission, 24-28 October 1988
Monday, 24 October
Arrival in Montevideo. Meeting with Prof. Raúl Vaz-Ferreira.
Tuesday, 25 October
Meeting with the Sub-commission for the Bañados del Este of the Instituto Nacional para la Preservación del Medio Ambiente.
Meeting with the Environmental Commission of the Cámara de Diputados.
Meeting with the Joint Commission of Laguna Merin
Meeting with the Environmental Commission of the Cámara de Senadores
Wednesday 26/Thursday 27 October
Field visit to Bañados del Este and Laguna de Rocha
Thursday, 27 October
Meeting with the Sociedad de Conservación del Medio Ambiente and selected journalists
Friday, 28 October
Interview with El País
Departure for Sao Paulo