Abstract: Wetlands are among the most productive and most threatened ecosystems on the planet. This paper analyzes the Ramsar Convention, the first global international treaty dedicated to the protection of wetland ecosystems, and explores its application using the example of Hutovo Blato Nature Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The paper provides a detailed description of the historical development of the Convention, the definition and classification of wetlands, the ecological functions of wetlands, and the criteria for inclusion in the Ramsar List. Special attention is given to Hutovo Blato as an example of the successful implementation of the Ramsar Convention, with a detailed presentation of geographical characteristics, biodiversity, management, and conservation challenges of this unique wetland ecosystem. The analysis demonstrates that effective wetland protection is crucial for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.

Keywords: Ramsar Convention, wetlands, Hutovo Blato, biodiversity conservation, sustainable management

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