Aquatic ecosystems, comprising both freshwater and marine systems, play a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate, maintaining biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods. These ecosystems, however, face tremendous pressures from overexploitation, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. International initiatives have been designed to address these challenges by setting global standards, fostering cooperation among nations, and mobilizing resources to protect and restore aquatic environments. Among the many initiatives, two stand out for their global significance: the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) with its Aichi Targets and Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Both initiatives have shaped conservation strategies, influenced national policies, and provided frameworks for international cooperation in safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, is the first international treaty specifically focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which are vital aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands, ranging from mangroves and marshes to river deltas and estuaries, provide a variety of ecological services including water purification, flood regulation, carbon storage, and serving as habitats for diverse species of flora and fauna. The Ramsar Convention was a response to growing global concerns over the rapid destruction of wetlands due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and industrial development. Its central aim is to recognize wetlands as ecosystems of international importance and ensure their conservation through wise use, international cooperation, and local participation. One of the significant contributions of the Ramsar Convention is its system of designating “Ramsar Sites.” Member countries, known as Contracting Parties, are obligated to identify and list wetlands within their territories that meet specific ecological criteria, such as supporting endangered species, hosting migratory birds, or playing a role in hydrological balance. As of recent years, more than 2,400 Ramsar Sites have been designated globally, covering over 250 million hectares of wetlands. These sites serve as global conservation hotspots and create networks of protected areas that transcend national boundaries. For instance, the Sundarbans mangrove forests of Bangladesh and India, Lake Chad in Africa, and the Camargue wetlands in France are recognized Ramsar Sites, each playing a vital role in sustaining biodiversity and human communities. The Ramsar Convention also emphasizes the principle of “wise use,” which refers to maintaining wetlands in a way that allows for sustainable utilization of their resources while