Briefing Note 8, prepared by the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the Convention on Wetlands, outlines the purpose and application of Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAMs). These missions provide technical advice to help Contracting Parties address actual or potential threats to the ecological character of one or more Ramsar Sites, as well as associated wetland issues. Based on a thorough review of RAM reports, the note explains what a RAM is and is not, the circumstances under which it can be requested, and the steps involved in the RAM process, from request to reporting and follow