The suite of guidance documents on the scientific, technical and policy implementation of the Ramsar Convention adopted by its Contracting Parties over the past 20 years (and compiled in this 4th edition of the Ramsar Wise Use Handbooks) is ever increasing. During the 2003-2005 triennium, the Convention’s Scientific & Technical Review Panel (STRP) recognized that a set of thematic frameworks would assist Parties to identify and use the guidance they need. Such frameworks, prepared by the STRP and adopted by 9th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP9) in 2005 under Resolution IX.1, include the overarching Conceptual Framework for the wise use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character (Handbook 1, 4th edition), a revised Strategic Framework and guidelines for the future development of the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Handbook 17, 4th edition), An Integrated Framework for the Ramsar Convention’s water-related guidance (Handbook 8, 4th edition), and An Integrated Framework for wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring (IF-WIAM) (this Handbook, 4th edition). COP10 (2008) added A Framework for Ramsar data and information needs (Handbook 14, 4th edition) and A Framework for processes of detecting, reporting and responding to change in wetland ecological character (included in Handbook 19, 4th edition). In addition, Handbook 15 (4th edition) now comprises A Ramsar Framework for wetland inventory and ecological character description.