In most cases, site-specific conservation cannot be achieved in isolation from
general wise use considerations. Wetlands are exceptionally vulnerable to
changes in the quantity or quality of their water supply which result inter
alia from certain uses of surrounding land or upstream water resources.
Site-specific mechanisms, including protected area instruments, are rarely
designed to safeguard sites against adverse impacts caused by external
activities: a management authority and/or wetland owners rarely have
powers or even rights to information beyond wetland boundaries. The wise
use obligation provides Parties with a legal basis to develop measures to
regulate/manage activities damaging to wetlands, wherever they occur