Aquatic ecosystems, comprising freshwater and marine environments, play a vital role in sustaining global biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting human livelihoods through the provision of food, water, and recreation. Despite their significance, these ecosystems face threats such as pollution, overexploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change. In response, several international initiatives have been launched to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems. Among these, two particularly impactful initiatives are the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): Life Below Water. Both initiatives aim to protect aquatic habitats, species, and ecosystem services through international cooperation, policy development, and on-the-ground conservation action. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. Though the term "wetlands" broadly includes marshes, swamps, peatlands, and even some shallow marine systems, it is deeply connected to aquatic ecosystems due to its focus on water-dominated habitats. The convention recognizes the ecological, hydrological, and economic importance of wetlands and aims to halt their degradation. One of the most defining aspects of the Ramsar Convention is the designation of “Ramsar Sites,” which are wetlands of international importance. Countries that are parties to the convention commit to maintaining the ecological character of these sites and promoting their wise use. As of 2024, there are over 2,400 Ramsar Sites globally, covering more than 250 million hectares. These sites include a variety of aquatic habitats such as mangroves, coral reefs, river deltas, lakes, and estuaries, showcasing the convention’s broad relevance to aquatic ecosystem conservation. An essential feature of the Ramsar Convention is its emphasis on the "wise use" of wetlands. This principle advocates for the sustainable utilization of wetland resources in a way that maintains their ecological character. This is particularly important in aquatic ecosystems where overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable agriculture can rapidly degrade the health and productivity of water bodies. Through national wetland policies, stakeholder engagement, and integrated water resource management, the convention encourages governments to integrate conservation objectives with socio-economic development. Additionally, the Ramsar Convention has established a platform for international cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building. It works in close collaboration with other international organizations such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Through regional initiatives and funding mechanisms like the Ramsar Small Grants Fund, the convention has supported numerous projects targeting wetland restoration, pollution control, and biodiversity monitoring in aquatic environments. The Ramsar Convention has also influenced national environmental legislation and planning processes. Many countries have developed legal and institutional frameworks to protect wetlands and associated