The global wetland community convened on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva in May 2026, marking the first significant gathering of its kind since the high-profile Convention on Wetlands COP15 held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July of the previous year. This pivotal event, the 67th meeting of the Convention on Wetlands Standing Committee (SC67), brought together government delegates, international experts, and observers, including representatives from Wetlands International, to meticulously review progress on the ambitious global wetland goals and targets adopted at COP15. The delegates engaged in a robust exchange of experiences and expertise, forging concrete agreements on further actions crucial for the effective implementation of these vital conservation mandates.
The SC67 meeting served as a critical juncture for translating the visionary commitments made at COP15 into tangible actions on the ground. The Convention on Wetlands, officially known as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, the Convention has grown to encompass 172 Contracting Parties, united by a shared understanding of the indispensable ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational values. The COP15, held in 2025, was particularly significant for adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which elevated the importance of wetlands and included specific targets for their conservation and restoration. SC67, therefore, represented a vital opportunity to consolidate momentum and ensure these commitments were being actively pursued.
Partners for Wetland Priorities: A United Front for Action
The opening plenary session saw Wetlands International deliver a powerful opening statement on behalf of all six International Organisation Partners (IOPs) of the Convention on Wetlands. This unified voice underscored the critical role of these organizations in supporting the Convention’s objectives. The statement articulated three paramount priorities for immediate action: addressing the fundamental root causes of wetland loss and degradation, with a particular emphasis on integrating ecological considerations into financial and economic decision-making processes; reconfiguring the complex relationship between humanity and wetlands, notably through the innovative concept of Rights of Wetlands; and strategically investing in wetlands as indispensable contributors to the achievement of other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The IOPs stressed the imperative of prioritizing wetlands in national and regional implementation plans and globally, recognizing them as vital watery conduits that connect ecosystems and underpin the success of critical global environmental conferences, including the Rio COPs and the UN Water Conference.
Later in the week, an dedicated IOP information session provided a deeper dive into their ongoing initiatives. Significant progress was highlighted across key implementation programs, including the Freshwater Challenge, the Mangrove Breakthrough, and the Peatland Breakthrough. These initiatives represent collaborative efforts to tackle specific wetland ecosystem threats and accelerate conservation and restoration. The meeting also provided a valuable platform for Contracting Parties to offer their perspectives on how the IOPs could enhance their effectiveness in achieving shared wetland conservation goals. This collaborative approach, involving governments and civil society, is recognized as essential for driving meaningful change in wetland management.
Wetland Indicators: Measuring Progress Towards a Sustainable Future
A cornerstone decision of SC67 was the formal adoption of the indicator framework designed to meticulously measure progress towards the ambitious targets set forth in the Convention on Wetlands Strategic Plan 2025-2034. This framework is intrinsically and explicitly aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and other overarching global environmental objectives. Key amendments were incorporated to ensure flexibility in differentiating between lost and degraded wetlands, thereby enabling more precise monitoring and targeted interventions. Furthermore, the framework was refined to enhance alignment with targets focused on mobilizing crucial finance for conservation and dismantling harmful incentives that contribute to wetland destruction, as stipulated within the GBF.
This crucial adoption paved the way for SC67 to also approve the standardized template for National Reports. These comprehensive reports, due by December 7, 2027, will form the bedrock for a global implementation report to be presented at the next Convention on Wetlands Conference of the Parties (COP16). A draft guidance document accompanying this template was also presented, with plans for further refinement and enhancement to ensure its utility and clarity for Contracting Parties. The development of robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms is critical for accountability and for demonstrating the collective impact of global efforts to conserve wetlands. The clarity provided by these indicators will allow for a more accurate assessment of where the world stands in meeting its wetland conservation commitments, identifying successes and areas requiring intensified focus.
Waterbird Population Estimates: Safeguarding Migratory Routes
Following the establishment of the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership (GWEP) at COP15, SC67 took another significant step by approving an update on the GWEP’s progress and endorsing the creation of a permanent GWEP International Coordination Committee. While acknowledging the urgent need to address the funding gap for these critical initiatives, this progress solidifies the GWEP’s foundation for its vital task. The partnership is poised to provide long-term coordination, essential scientific and technical guidance, and resource mobilization for the production of Waterbird Population Estimates in 2027 and beyond.
Accurate Waterbird Population Estimates are indispensable for both waterbird and wetland conservation, as well as for the wise use of wetland resources. This data is crucial at national levels and along global flyways, informing the designation and effective management of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. It also underpins broader waterbird conservation actions, helping to identify species and habitats most in need of protection. The GWEP’s work is a tangible example of how scientific collaboration and international cooperation can yield essential data for informed conservation decision-making, directly contributing to the health of ecosystems and the survival of migratory species. The partnership’s continued development signals a growing commitment to understanding and protecting these vital avian populations and the wetlands they depend on.
Science in the Spotlight: Advancing Wetland Knowledge
Contracting Parties at SC67 enthusiastically welcomed a comprehensive report detailing the vital work of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP), the Convention’s scientific advisory body. The report outlined plans to strengthen the involvement of early-career researchers, promote the dissemination of STRP outputs, and expand collaborative research efforts. This focus on nurturing the next generation of wetland scientists and ensuring their contributions are integrated into policy and practice is a promising development.
Parties also deliberated on a prioritized list of STRP tasks. Notably, four key areas highlighted in the IOP opening statement were given prominence: GEOwetlands, which leverages earth observation technologies for wetland inventory, assessment, monitoring, management, and reporting; the next Global Wetland Outlook specifically focusing on cities; an analysis of transformative change pathways for wetlands, including the role of Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs); and a critical report on wetlands and the water cycle, slated for release at the UN Water Conference later in the year. The STRP’s scientific agenda is directly addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing wetlands today, providing the evidence base needed for effective policy and management. The emphasis on earth observation, for instance, offers unprecedented opportunities for large-scale monitoring and assessment, while the focus on cities recognizes the increasing urbanization and its impact on wetland ecosystems.
Cities and Wetlands: Urban Resilience and Biodiversity
The SC67 meeting also received an update on the progress and impact of the Wetland Cities Accreditation scheme. The scheme recognizes cities that demonstrate a strong and positive relationship with their surrounding wetland ecosystems. Future roundtables of Wetland City Mayors are scheduled to take place in Valdivia, Chile, in 2027, and in Mechelen, Belgium, in 2028, underscoring the growing international engagement with this initiative. Preparations are already underway for this year’s roundtable in Niigata, Japan, which will focus on the critical role of rice paddies and the importance of urban wetlands for both waterbirds and human populations.
With a significant and ever-increasing proportion of the global population residing in urban areas, the Wetland City Accreditation scheme is proving to be an increasingly vital tool for raising public awareness and fostering education on wetland conservation and wise use. The accreditation scheme acknowledges the crucial contribution of urban wetlands to global biodiversity targets, particularly those relating to urban green and blue spaces, climate adaptation, and the provision of essential ecosystem services. To date, 74 cities from 27 countries have officially received this prestigious accreditation. The upcoming deadline for new applications in December of this year, coupled with the next Global Wetland Outlook focusing on urban areas and the designation of "Wetlands for sustainable cities" as the theme for World Wetland Day 2028—aligning with the next wetland COP in Panama City—all point towards a significant surge in interest and action concerning urban wetlands. This recognition and engagement are vital for integrating wetland conservation into urban planning and development, ensuring that cities can thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Rights of Wetlands: A New Paradigm for Conservation
The burgeoning global momentum behind the Rights of Nature movement, gaining traction at both local and national levels worldwide, has significantly influenced discussions around wetland conservation. Panama, for instance, has recently elevated the discourse on the rights of nature at the United Nations. During SC67, delegates explored the exciting potential of "Rights of Wetlands" approaches as a powerful and impactful pathway for wetland conservation and restoration, aligning with the urgent need for transformative change in our relationship with nature. Building upon recent IUCN resolutions concerning the rights of rivers and the rights of nature, and the ongoing work of the Rights of Wetlands Initiative, there is strong support for the development of a new Draft Resolution on the rights of wetlands. This resolution could be formally presented by Contracting Parties at the next wetlands COP.
The concept of Rights of Wetlands posits that wetlands, as living entities, possess inherent rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate. This legal and philosophical shift moves beyond viewing wetlands solely as resources for human use and towards recognizing their intrinsic value and ecological integrity. Such an approach could empower legal and policy frameworks to protect wetlands from degradation and destruction more effectively, holding accountable those who cause harm. The growing recognition of these rights signifies a profound evolution in conservation thinking, moving towards a more holistic and rights-based approach to environmental stewardship.
Broader Deliberations and Future Outlook
Beyond these six key highlights, the formal deliberations and informal discussions at SC67 encompassed a broad spectrum of critical topics. Concerns were raised regarding the potential risks to wetlands and water security stemming from the proposed dilution of the Water Framework Directive in Europe. The threats to High Andean wetlands from increased lithium mining operations were also a significant point of discussion. The increasingly vital role of Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs) in driving cross-border implementation was recognized, with welcome confirmation of new funding for the Southern African RRI and the Danube WILD Island RRI.
Furthermore, the substantial work required in the realm of wetland finance was underscored. A resource mobilization plan, adopted by the Parties, highlights the significant financial commitments needed, with IOPs expressing their readiness to contribute substantially to these efforts. The Convention’s secretariat has been actively engaged in developing strategies to attract and channel finance towards wetland conservation and restoration projects.
With just over two years remaining until the next wetlands COP in Panama City, the overarching focus remains resolutely on action and implementation at local, landscape, national, and regional levels. As International Organisation Partners to the Convention on Wetlands, there is a clear commitment to continued collaboration with governments, the Convention secretariat, and an ever-expanding array of wetland partners from across society. The collective aim is to significantly scale up wetland protection and restoration efforts, recognizing their indispensable benefits for people, nature, and the climate. The outcomes of SC67 provide a robust framework and renewed impetus for this crucial work, signaling a strong global commitment to safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations.
All SC67 documents are accessible via the Ramsar Convention website. Further insights can be found on the Convention on Wetlands website regarding new reporting tools and partnerships, and Wetlands International’s aspirations for the meeting are detailed in their related publications.
