Data and information are the life-blood of good decision-making and implementation of commitments made by Ramsar Contracting Parties to secure the wise use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character. The Framework for Ramsar data and information needs adopted by Parties at COP10 and presented in this Handbook provides a mechanism for recognizing all the different categories of data and information needed to implement the Convention’s Strategic Plan 2009-2015 (Resolution X.1). The Framework itself is structured to correspond to the Goals and Strategies set out in the Plan. The framework covers data and information needs at all levels, including the needs of the Parties, the Secretariat, the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP), the Standing Committee, and the Conference of the Parties (COP), from global to local scales. It specifically offers assistance to Contracting Parties on sources and uses of data and information for their effective implementation of the Convention, and it is designed to be adapted by Parties into tailored versions for use in their own contexts.