The Niagara River holds a special place in the lives of Western New York residents, but it’s now receiving an international distinction.

The river corridor is now a Ramsar site, meaning it is a wetland of international importance according to a multinational governmental treaty designed to protect waterways.

Other Ramsar sites include the Florida Everglades, the Nile River Delta and the Galapagos Islands.

The distinction came as the result of more than 1,500 hours of pro bono work from University at Buffalo law students, whose effort were also honored during a ceremony Thursday morning.