This edition of A Directory of Wetlands of International Importance marks the 7th successive occasion that a Directory of Sites has been prepared for a triennial meeting (COP) of Ramsar Contracting Parties. This edition features a CD-ROM with (multiple format) descriptions of 1140 Ramsar Sites linked to interactive maps of the 130 Contracting Parties (member countries) that have designated these wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. (CD edited by Scott Frazier)