The global coalition of International Organisation Partners (IOPs) for the Convention on Wetlands, comprising Birdlife International, IUCN, IWMI, Wetlands International, WWF, and WWT, has issued a powerful call to action at the 67th meeting of the Convention on Wetlands Standing Committee (SC67). Delivered by Laura MacKenzie, Senior Advocacy Officer for Wetlands International, the statement underscores the critical need to build upon the momentum generated by COP15 and to urgently address the escalating threats to the world’s wetlands. The IOPs emphasized three overarching priorities: tackling the root causes of wetland loss, reconfiguring human-wetland relationships, and establishing wetlands as central to achieving broader international environmental goals.
Building on COP15 Momentum: A Call for Accelerated Action
The opening session of SC67, held on May 5, 2026, served as a crucial platform for the IOPs to articulate their vision for the coming triennium. Following the successful COP15 in Victoria Falls, which saw the adoption of the 5th Strategic Plan for Ramsar and numerous resolutions on vital issues such as flyways, freshwater ecosystems, Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and finance, the focus has decisively shifted towards implementation. The IOPs, drawing on their extensive on-the-ground experience across diverse wetland ecosystems worldwide, have identified three paramount priorities to guide this implementation phase.
"The success of COP15 in Victoria Falls paves the way for countries to scale up the protection and restoration of wetlands; safeguarding the irreplaceable benefits they provide for people, nature and climate," stated MacKenzie on behalf of the IOPs. The statement explicitly thanked Zimbabwe for its presidency of COP15 and congratulated Panama on being selected as the host for COP16, signaling a continued commitment to the Ramsar Convention’s global agenda.
Priority 1: Addressing the Root Causes of Wetland Loss – A Financial Imperative
The foremost priority highlighted by the IOPs is the urgent need to address the fundamental drivers of wetland loss and degradation, with a particular emphasis on finance and economic decision-making. Despite increasing awareness of the critical role wetlands play, global financial flows continue to disproportionately favor activities detrimental to these ecosystems. The Global Wetland Outlook serves as a stark reminder of this imbalance, indicating that nature-negative public and private financial flows have unfortunately escalated.
The UNEP State of Finance for Nature report paints a sobering picture, revealing that for every dollar invested in nature conservation, an astonishing thirty dollars are spent on its destruction. This alarming statistic underscores the magnitude of the challenge and the imperative to redirect financial resources. The IOPs are therefore calling for intensified efforts during this triennium to reduce and reorient wetland-negative subsidies and financial flows.
The IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment further emphasizes the pivotal role of governments in this transition. Policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks are instrumental in shaping the actions of businesses and financial institutions. By aligning fiscal policies and incentives with biodiversity goals, governments can create an enabling environment for wetland conservation. Moreover, the IOPs stressed the necessity of rapidly integrating the intrinsic and economic value of wetlands into mainstream economic policy. The persistent tendency to undermine wetland safeguards in the pursuit of development projects remains a significant obstacle.
Illustrative examples of these detrimental impacts were provided. The recent weakening of legislation protecting glacier areas was cited as an example that exacerbates the threats posed by lithium mining to wetlands and water security in the High Andes. Similarly, the proposed dilution of the EU Water Framework Directive has raised profound concerns among environmental stakeholders, highlighting the vulnerability of crucial water resources to regulatory changes. These instances underscore the need for robust legal and policy frameworks that unequivocally prioritize wetland protection.
Priority 2: Reconfiguring Human-Wetland Relationships – Embracing Transformative Change
The second key priority articulated by the IOPs revolves around reconfiguring the fundamental relationship between humanity and wetlands. This entails fostering a deeper appreciation for wetlands not merely as resources to be exploited, but as vital, interconnected components of the natural world with inherent value and rights. The IOPs welcomed the adoption of several IUCN resolutions concerning the rights of nature, including rivers, which were endorsed by governments, Indigenous Peoples’ Organizations, and NGOs in October.
The statement expressed anticipation for exploring how "rights of wetlands" approaches can catalyze transformative change. This concept aligns with the recognition by IPBES of the essential nature of such shifts and is referenced within the Ramsar Strategic Plan. By acknowledging and respecting the intrinsic rights of wetlands, a paradigm shift can occur, moving beyond anthropocentric views towards a more holistic and equitable relationship with these ecosystems. This reorientation is crucial for ensuring their long-term survival and the continued provision of their invaluable services.
The implications of this shift are profound, potentially leading to more sustainable land and water management practices, enhanced community engagement in conservation efforts, and a greater recognition of the spiritual and cultural significance of wetlands for many Indigenous communities. It moves beyond a purely utilitarian approach to one that values wetlands for their own sake and for their integral role within broader ecological systems.
Priority 3: Wetlands as Vital Connectors – Bridging Environmental Agreements
The third priority emphasizes the critical role of wetlands as essential facilitators in the delivery of multiple international environmental agreements. The IOPs advocate for wetlands to be recognized and prioritized as the vital watery connectors that flow through the agendas of the Rio Conventions (Convention on Biological Diversity – CBD, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification – UNCCD, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – UNFCCC), as well as the UN Water Conference. This is in line with Resolution XV.4 on synergies.
The UN SDG 6 Synthesis Report has underscored the importance of water as a "Super Connector" across all Sustainable Development Goals and international conventions, with wetlands occupying a central position in this nexus. The year 2026 has already seen positive developments, with Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species adopting decisions related to flyways, connectivity, and migratory wetland species. The Pantanal Declaration, a significant regional initiative, has championed the central role of wetlands not only for biodiversity but also for climate regulation, water security, and the livelihoods of local communities. These initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of cross-border cooperation and strong political leadership in wetland conservation.
The IOPs also highlighted the importance of strengthening coherence across monitoring and reporting systems. They expressed support for the proposed indicator framework for the 5th Strategic Plan and encouraged the Standing Committee to adopt it, which will facilitate more effective tracking of progress and accountability.
Synergies and Opportunities Across Global Environmental Agendas
The IOPs outlined specific opportunities for advancing wetland conservation within the frameworks of other major international environmental negotiations:
- UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia: This conference presents a crucial opportunity to accelerate action on freshwater ecosystems and peatlands. The incorporation of wetlands into land degradation neutrality targets and drought resilience plans will be vital for achieving these objectives.
- CBD COP17 in Armenia: The global review at this meeting should clearly showcase how reversing wetland loss and degradation is fundamental to achieving the 2030 biodiversity targets.
- UNFCCC COP31 and the UN Water Conference: Discussions on water security, climate resilience, and mitigation must lead to a significant shift in investment from "grey" to "green and blue" infrastructure, recognizing the superior and integrated benefits of nature-based solutions.
Furthermore, the IOPs recognized the significant potential of "whole of society" voluntary initiatives. They warmly encouraged more Contracting Parties to join initiatives such as the Freshwater Challenge (featured in Resolution XV.15), the Mangrove Breakthrough, and the Peatland Breakthrough, which represent collaborative efforts to address critical ecosystem challenges.
The Indispensable Role of Scientific and Technical Expertise
The statement concluded by underscoring the exceptional value and importance of the outputs from the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. The IOPs are pleased to contribute to many priority tasks, including work on GEOwetlands, the water cycle, transformative change pathways, and the forthcoming Global Wetland Outlook focused on cities. The STRP’s scientific guidance and technical recommendations are indispensable for informing policy, guiding practical conservation actions, and fostering innovation in wetland management.
The IOPs expressed their commitment to continued collaboration with Contracting Parties, the Ramsar Secretariat, and a wide array of stakeholders. Their collective aim is to advance shared wetland goals through robust implementation of the Ramsar Convention and its Strategic Plan, ensuring a future where these vital ecosystems are protected, restored, and wisely used for the benefit of all. The insights and calls to action emanating from SC67 are poised to shape the global agenda for wetland conservation in the critical years ahead.
