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into consideration, recommendations of such Conferences concerning 

 the conservation, management and wise use of wetlands and their flora 

 and fauna. 



Article 7 



1. The representatives of the Contracting Parties at such Confer- 

 ences should include persons who are experts on wetlands or water- 

 fowl by reason of knowledge and experience gained in scientific, ad- 

 ministrative or other appropriate capacities. 



2. Each of the Contracting Parties represented at a Conference shall 

 have one vote, recommendations being adopted by a simple majority 

 of the votes cast, provided that not less than half the Contracting 

 Parties cast votes. 



Article 8 



1. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and 

 Natural Resources shall perform the continuing bureau duties under 

 this Convention until such time as another organization or govern- 

 ment is appointed by a majority of two-thirds of all Contracting 

 Parties. 



2. The continuing bureau duties shall be, inter alia : 



(a) to assist in the convening and organizing of Conferences 

 specified in Article 6 ; 



(b) to maintain the List of Wetlands of International Im- 

 portance and to be informed by the Contracting Parties of any 

 additions, deletions or restrictions concerning wetlands included 

 in the List provided in accordance with Paragraph 2 of Article 3 ; 



(cl) to forward notification of any alterations to the List, or 

 changes in character of wetlands included therein, to all Contract- 

 ing Parties and to arrange for these matters to be discussed at 

 the next Conference ; 



(e) to make known to the Contracting Party concerned, the 

 recommendations of the Conferences in respect of such alterations 

 to the List or of changes in the character of wetlands included 

 therein. 



Article 9 



1. This Convention shall remain open for signature indefinitely. 



2. Any member of the United Nations or of one of the Specialized 

 Agencies or Party to the Statute of the International Court of Justice 

 may become a party to this Convention by : 



(a) signature without reservation as to ratification; 



(b) signature subject to ratification followed by ratification; 



(c) accession. 



3. Ratification or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an 

 instrument of ratification or accession with the Director General of 

 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organiza- 

 tion (hereinafter referred to as "the Depository"). 



Article 10 



1. This Convention shall enter into force four months after seven 

 States have become Parties to this Convention in accordance with 

 Paragraph 2 of Article 9. 



