The international wetland community convened on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva in May 2026, marking the first significant gathering since the landmark Convention on Wetlands COP15 held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2025. This pivotal event, the 67th meeting of the Convention on Wetlands Standing Committee (SC67), brought together government delegates, international experts, and observers, including key partners like Wetlands International, to review progress, share expertise, and chart a course for the implementation of ambitious new global wetlands goals and targets.
The meeting served as a critical juncture, allowing participants to build upon the momentum generated at COP15, where nations adopted a forward-looking strategic plan for wetlands for the period 2025-2034. SC67 provided a vital platform for Contracting Parties to assess how effectively they are translating these global commitments into tangible actions at national and regional levels. The discussions and decisions made in Switzerland are poised to significantly influence the trajectory of wetland conservation and wise use for the next decade, directly impacting biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being worldwide.
Partners for Wetlands Priorities: A United Front for Global Action
The opening plenary session saw Wetlands International, speaking on behalf of all six International Organisation Partners (IOPs) of the Convention on Wetlands, deliver a powerful opening statement that set the tone for the week. This collective voice underscored a unified commitment to prioritizing wetlands in global environmental agendas. The statement articulated three core priorities for immediate and sustained action:
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Addressing Root Causes of Wetland Loss: A primary focus was placed on tackling the fundamental drivers of wetland degradation, particularly within financial and economic decision-making frameworks. This involves a critical re-evaluation of economic models that often incentivize wetland destruction for short-term gains, advocating instead for integrated approaches that recognize the intrinsic and economic value of healthy wetland ecosystems.
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Reconfiguring Human-Wetland Relationships: The partners emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how humanity interacts with wetlands. This includes exploring innovative frameworks like the "Rights of Wetlands," which seeks to grant legal standing to wetlands, recognizing their inherent value and the necessity of their protection independent of direct human benefit. This approach aims to foster a deeper ethical and legal commitment to wetland preservation.
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Investing in Wetlands for Broader MEA Delivery: The statement highlighted the indispensable role of wetlands in achieving the objectives of other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). By prioritizing wetlands in national and regional implementation strategies, and globally as crucial hydrological connectors, their contribution to realizing targets set by the Rio Conventions (biodiversity, climate change, desertification), the UN Water Conference, and other significant environmental frameworks can be significantly amplified.
Following this overarching statement, an IOP information session provided a deeper dive into the ongoing work of organizations like Wetlands International. Progress was showcased across several key implementation initiatives, including the Freshwater Challenge, the Mangrove Breakthrough, and the Peatland Breakthrough. These initiatives represent collaborative efforts to restore and protect critical wetland types, demonstrating practical pathways towards achieving global targets. The session also served as an open forum for Contracting Parties to offer feedback and suggestions on how IOPs can enhance their effectiveness in supporting shared wetland conservation goals.
Wetland Indicators: Measuring Progress Towards Ambitious Goals
A cornerstone of SC67 was the adoption of the indicator framework designed to meticulously measure progress towards the targets outlined in the Convention on Wetlands Strategic Plan 2025-2034. This framework is not a standalone document but is strongly and explicitly aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and other overarching global sustainability goals. This alignment is crucial for ensuring a coherent and integrated approach to environmental action, recognizing that wetland health is intrinsically linked to broader biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation efforts.
Significant amendments were incorporated into the indicator framework to allow for greater flexibility and precision. Notably, provisions were made to differentiate between wetlands that have been lost entirely and those that have been degraded. This distinction is vital for accurate monitoring and targeted intervention. Furthermore, the framework was enhanced to improve its alignment with specific targets aimed at mobilizing finance and reducing harmful incentives, as stipulated under the GBF. This ensures that financial flows and economic policies actively support, rather than undermine, wetland conservation.
The adoption of this robust indicator framework paved the way for another critical decision: the formal adoption of the template for National Reports. These reports, due by December 7, 2027, will form the basis of a comprehensive global implementation report to be presented at the next Conference of the Parties (COP16). The development of a draft guidance document to assist countries in completing these reports was also presented, with plans for further refinement and improvement. This systematic approach to reporting and monitoring is essential for accountability and for identifying areas where support and intervention are most needed.
Waterbird Population Estimates: Safeguarding Avian Migratory Flyways
Building on the establishment of the Global Waterbird Estimates Partnership (GWEP) at COP15, SC67 approved a significant update on progress and the creation of a permanent GWEP International Coordination Committee. This decision solidifies the institutional framework for a critical scientific endeavor: the accurate estimation of waterbird populations.
While acknowledging the persistent funding gap that urgently needs to be addressed, the progress made in establishing the GWEP provides a more secure foundation for its vital work. The partnership is tasked with providing long-term coordination, scientific and technical guidance, and resource mobilization to produce updated Waterbird Population Estimates (WPEs) in 2027 and beyond. These estimates are indispensable for effective waterbird and wetland conservation. They inform the designation and management of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, guide national conservation strategies, and are crucial for protecting migratory flyways that span continents. The accuracy and regular updating of WPEs are therefore directly linked to the health of both bird populations and the wetlands they depend on.
Science in the Spotlight: Advancing Wetland Knowledge and Application
Contracting Parties at SC67 enthusiastically welcomed a comprehensive report on the vital work of the scientific and technical body of the Convention on Wetlands (STRP). The discussions highlighted plans to enhance the involvement of early career researchers, promote the dissemination of STRP outputs, and expand collaborative research efforts. This commitment to fostering new talent and broadening the reach of scientific findings is crucial for the ongoing advancement of wetland science and its practical application.
Several prioritized STRP tasks were considered, including four key areas previously highlighted in the IOP opening statement:
- GEOwetlands: This initiative leverages earth observation technologies for wetland inventories, assessment, monitoring, management, and reporting. The potential of remote sensing to provide consistent and large-scale data is transformative for understanding and managing these often-inaccessible ecosystems.
- Global Wetland Outlook on Cities: Building on previous editions, this outlook will focus on the critical role of urban wetlands. The insights gained will be vital for informing sustainable urban development and the integration of green and blue infrastructure into city planning.
- Analysis of Transformative Change Pathways for Wetlands: This task explores radical shifts in approaches to wetland conservation and restoration, including the role of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). It seeks to identify and promote innovative strategies that can lead to significant and lasting positive impacts.
- Report on Wetlands and the Water Cycle: Scheduled for launch at the UN Water Conference later in 2026, this report will underscore the fundamental connection between wetlands and the global water cycle, highlighting their role in water regulation, purification, and supply.
The robust engagement with the STRP’s work signals a strong commitment from Contracting Parties to base their decisions and actions on the best available scientific evidence.
Cities and Wetlands: Integrating Urban Ecosystems into Conservation Agendas
SC67 received an encouraging update on the Wetland Cities Accreditation Scheme, a program that recognizes cities demonstrating a strong and positive relationship with their local wetlands. The scheme has already officially accredited 74 cities from 27 countries, showcasing a growing global commitment to urban wetland stewardship.
Looking ahead, the meeting confirmed that future roundtables of Wetland City Mayors will be hosted in Valdivia, Chile, in 2027, and Mechelen, Belgium, in 2028. Preparations are also well underway for this year’s roundtable in Niigata, Japan, with a particular focus on rice paddies and the multifaceted importance of urban wetlands, not only for waterbirds but also for human communities.
As global urbanization continues, conversations at SC67 centered on the increasingly vital role of the Wetland City Accreditation scheme. It is recognized as a powerful tool for building public awareness and education on wetland conservation and wise use. Furthermore, urban wetlands are increasingly acknowledged for their significant contributions to global biodiversity targets, particularly in relation to urban green and blue spaces, climate adaptation strategies, and the provision of essential ecosystem services.
With the deadline for new applications for accreditation approaching in December 2026, and with the next Global Wetland Outlook focusing on cities, coupled with the designation of "Wetlands for sustainable cities" as the theme for World Wetland Day 2028 (aligning with the next wetland COP in Panama City), the interest and action surrounding urban wetlands are projected to surge. This initiative is effectively bridging the gap between urban development and ecological preservation.
Rights of Wetlands: A New Frontier in Conservation Law
In alignment with the growing global momentum of the "Rights of Nature" movement, which is gaining traction at both local and national levels, SC67 engaged in discussions about the promising potential of "Rights of Wetlands" approaches. Panama, having recently raised the rights of nature at the UN, has been a notable proponent of this paradigm shift.
These discussions recognized that empowering wetlands with legal standing could offer an impactful route for their conservation and restoration, aligning with the urgent need for transformative change in how we value and protect natural ecosystems. Building upon recent IUCN resolutions concerning the rights of rivers and the broader rights of nature, as well as 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 proposed by Contracting Parties at the upcoming wetland COP in Panama City.
This legal and philosophical shift represents a profound evolution in conservation thinking, moving beyond anthropocentric views to recognize the intrinsic value and ecological rights of wetlands themselves. Such an approach could unlock new avenues for legal protection and empower communities to advocate for the health of their vital wetland resources.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Beyond these six key highlights, the formal deliberations and informal conversations at SC67 spanned a wide array of critical topics. These included:
- Risks to Wetlands and Water Security: Concerns were raised regarding the potential dilution of the Water Framework Directive in Europe, which could have significant repercussions for wetland health and water security. Additionally, the threats posed to High Andean wetlands by increased lithium mining activities were a subject of urgent discussion, highlighting the complex interplay between resource extraction and ecosystem preservation.
- Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs): The increasingly important role of RRIs in driving cross-border implementation of wetland conservation efforts was recognized. Welcome confirmation of new funding for the Southern African RRI and the Danube WILD Island RRI signifies a strengthening of these crucial regional collaborations.
- Wetland Finance: The critical need for substantial investment in wetland conservation and restoration was a recurring theme. A resource mobilization plan adopted by Parties at SC67 outlines strategies for increasing financial flows, with IOPs poised to play a significant role in supporting its implementation.
With just over two years remaining until the next wetlands COP in Panama City, the focus of the global wetland community remains resolutely on accelerating action and ensuring effective implementation at local, landscape, national, and regional levels. As International Organisation Partners to the Convention on Wetlands, there is a clear anticipation of continued collaboration with governments, the Convention’s secretariat, and an expanding network of diverse wetland partners. This collective effort is geared towards scaling up wetland protection and restoration, ultimately benefiting people, nature, and the global climate.
All documents from SC67 can be accessed through the Ramsar Convention website, providing a comprehensive record of the discussions and decisions. Further insights into the Convention on Wetlands’ perspective can be found on their news section, and Wetlands International’s aspirations for the meeting were detailed in their pre-conference materials. The convergence at Lake Geneva marks a significant step forward, reinforcing the global commitment to safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems for present and future generations.
