The UK has generally chosen to underpin the designation of its Ramsar sites through prior notification of these areas as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (or Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) in Northern Ireland).

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO - UNESCO Conventions, Recommendations & Declarations in the UK

Biosphere reserves often cover large areas which encompass national parks, nature reserves, protected areas, and in some cases Ramsar sites (Ramsar Convention on the conservation of migratory birds of international significance) as well as world heritage areas.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES