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Policy documents

Policy brief for the Convention on Biological Diversity 2010

The meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2010 (COP 10) has put the biodiversity target for 2020 on the agenda. These targets in fact set the agenda regarding biodiversity policies for the coming years. Wetlands International international has used this document to advocate for improved targets; focusing on the role of healthy ecosystems for water supplies and carbon storage.

Policy brief into World Bank Palm Oil Strategy Consultations

Wetlands International participated in a multi-stakeholder consultation process organised by World Bank on 3-4 June 2010 which aimed to identify how World Bank can address issues facing the palm oil sector. Since there are increasing concerns about sustainability issues in the sector, particularly related to palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia (the two largest producers of crude palm oil) the World Bank Group is undertaking this strategy preparation exercise for its activities and future direction for the palm oil sector. This policy brief holds Wetlands International’s input to this meeting.

Input for the 2020 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity

Input from Wetlands International on the draft targets for 2020 of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Final Joint Statement to Working Group 2 at SBSTTA 14

This is the Final Joint Statement to Working Group 2 at SBSTTA 14 on the CBD’s Proposed Mission, Strategic Goals and Targets for the Post 2010 Framework, which is Agenda Item UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/14/10, on 17^thMay 2010, Nairobi, Kenya and was delivered by Muhtari Aminu-Kano, BirdLife International.

The Need for the Review of the UNFCCC’s Forest-Related Terms, Definitions and Classifications

Allowing plantations to be classed as forests for the purpose of enabling engagement with emerging carbon trading markets will create perverse incentives that actually finance conversion of natural forests by wood / paper product and oil palm plantation companies with the associated significant loss of biodiversity1. The conversion of natural forests, whether to wood plantations or oil palm plantations, creates substantial greenhouse gas emissions, with up to 80% of carbon lost to the atmosphere depending on the type of forest ecosystem and the type of plantation which replaces it.

Submission to the Programme of Work on the Biological Diversity of Inland Water Ecosystems

This submission to the CBD technical meeting in May 2010 in Nairobi (SBSTTA) contains Wetlands International's suggestions on the Indepth Programme of Work on Inland Waters.

Joint NGO Submission to CBD SBSTTA on forest, climate and biofuels programmes of work

The organisations of Pro Natura (Friends of the Earth Switzerland), Wetlands International, Humane
Society International and The Wilderness Society are working together in order to strengthen and safeguard biodiversity aspects in climate change mitigation policy, with the aim to create synergies in incentives to conserve forests, wetlands, peatlands and other natural habitats. We have engaged ourselves since 2008 in the context of the UNFCCC negotiations. The CBD has an important role in addressing biodiversity aspects in the UNFCCC negotiations. We therefore wish to make joint a proposal related to these topics to the 14th SBSTTA of the CBD in Nairobi.

Submission to Bolivia summit to call for review forest definitions UNFCCC

From 20 to 22 April 2010 The People’s World Conference took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Wetlands International jointly with partner organisations provided input to the Bolivia Summit to call for a review of forest defintions, terms and classifications under the UNFCCC for the purpose of the negotiated REDD+ policy (reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries). Without clear distinction between natural forests and plantations, there is a high risk that under the UNFCCC this will create financial incentives for the conversion of natural forests including their organic soils (peatlands) to wood / paper and oil palm plantations.

Cost-effectiveness of wetlands for climate change adaptation

This paper highlights the role of specific wetlands for climate change adaptation. It iis made for the meeting of the UN FCCC 'Nairobi Working Programme' on climate change adaptation in Madrid, April 2010.

Letter to the European Commission on the implementation of the EU Biofuel Directive

This is a letter from a long list of NGOs and sent by Wetlands International to the European Commission on the implementation of the EU Biofuel Directive. In the letter the coalition wishes to express its deep concern and alarm over the draft Commission Communication on the practical implementation of the EU Biofuels and bioliquids sustainability schemes.

Information sheet on palm oil & peatlands

This paper shines light on the issue of greenhouse gas emissions due to conversion of areas with peatsoils for palm oil production, including for biodiesel. The paper will focus on palm oil in Southeast Asia; the most relevant area for vegetable oil production on peatlands, with alarming greenhouse gas emissions as a result.

Policy brief against CDM support for forest plantations

Briefing note against the proposal to give carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism to project to just continue existing plantations. The proposed Article 13 opens the opportunity for CDM to support tree plantations in areas that were (as of December 31 1989) or are a plantation at the start of the CDM project activity, but may be cleared or converted to “exhaustion” within 5 years. 5 Reasons against the proposal are mentioned.

Wetlands International Policy brief UN climate Conference Copenhagen

This policy brief summarises the position of Wetlands International for a post-2012 climate agreement. It provides text suggestions for incorporating the emissions from peatlands in decisions on land use emissions in both developed countries and developing countries. Currently, peatland emission remain unaccounted in Annex 1 countries and are in danger to remain ignored under REDD schemes. The policy brief also emphasises the role of wetland conservation and restoration in climate change adaptation strategies.

RSPO resolution on plantations on peatlands

At the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) 9th session in 2009, Weltands International submitted the attached resolution, calling for the development of criteria to deal with plantation on peat. The resolution was adadpted and will be carried out.

Policy brief to UN climate negotiations 2-6 November Barcelona

The drainage of peatlands leads to huge CO2 emissions. Wetlands International advocates for a new Climate Agreement to include a decision for efforts to halt these emissions. Wetlands International has therefore prepared a policy brief for negotiators which shows text proposals to enable this. This policy brief focuses on the inclusion of peatlands in the proposed REDD policy (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest degradation).

Policy brief LCA KP Bangkok Climate Talks - Sept/Oct. 2009

This document provides the input from Wetlands International with regard to addressing emissions from peatlands and other wetlands under negotiation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Bangkok in the end of September and beginning of October 2009. It includes "Peatlands, REDD+ & NAMA’s" as well as "Peatlands and LULUCF Kyoto Protocol".

Vision of a new Ramsar regional initiative for Black Sea coastal wetlands (BlackSeaWet vision)

This publication is a background document for a new regional Ramsar initiative, which includes a brief overview of current status of coastal wetlands and main threats to them, legal framework and conservation activities related to coast and coastal wetlands, present mission, vision, key targets and objectives of BlackSeaWet Initiative.

BlackSeaWet vision

Wetlands International Policy brief on LCA & KP - 5 Aug '09

This policy brief provides an analysis of both the REDD section in the LCA text (d.d. 22 June) and add.2 & 3 of the KP text (d.d.1 July) with regards to addressing emissions from degraded wetlands/peatland. Please download this policy brief with our comments and recommendations as input for the upcoming intersessional informal consultations in Bonn, 10-14 August 2009.

Submission to the European Commission regarding indirect land use change due to biofuels

This is the joint submission of the EU Biofuels Coalition on the Issue of indirect land use change (ILUC) in relation to the growing demands for biofuels.

ECA Submission on REDD- 24 April 2009
This submission covers issues relating to REDD, which the ECA is calling for incorporation into negotiating text for consideration at the sixth session of the AWG-LCA. It has been issued by ECA in response to an invitation for submissions by 24 April 2009 relating to the elements of paragraph 1 of the Bali Action Plan. Read more...

ECA Submission on LULUCF - 24 April 2009

This submission covers issues relating to LULUCF in response to the call for submissions, by 24 April 2009, on the Annex to the AWG-KP Chair’s conclusions on Land use, land-use change and forestry (FCCC/KP/AWG/2009/L.3) of 8 April 2009, ‘Options and proposals on how to address definitions, modalities, rules and guidelines for the treatment of land use, land use change and forestry’.

Summary ECA-position paper Bonn - March 2009

This paper summarises the postion of the Ecosystems Climate Alliance (ECA) on REDD and LULUCF (1). It is based on our recent submission to the UNFCCC (2).

De-constructing LULUCF and its perversities

The rules, definitions and guidelines on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) under the Kyoto Protocol contain what are routinely referred to as the LULUCF perversities, since their application results are regarded as ' perverse' in relation to climate change. This brief guide explains the complexities of land use change and forestry components of LULUCF and identifies the key problems in the LULUCF rules and definitions.

Submission Bali Action Plan - Ecosystem Climate Alliance (ECA)

This submission to the UNFCCC covers the position of the Ecosystem Climate Alliance (ECA) for the fulfillment of the Bali Action Plan. Wetlands International is one of the initiators of ECA, a newly established network of Environmental and Social NGOs committed to keeping natural terrestrial ecosystems intact, on and in the ground, and out of the atmosphere, in an equitable and transparent way.

Submissions to UNFCCC AWG-LCA and AWG-KP on mitigation

Wetlands International brings its views and policy proposals with regard to the role of wetlands in a new climate change treaty to the attention of the UNFCCC delegates. This is in view of the invitation for the submissions for Parties due in February.

Advice to the UNFCCC Contracting Parties (COP 14, 2008)

This brief was used by the team of Wetlands International attending COP 14 in Poznan, Poland (December 2008). The aim is to advice delegations on the different issues on the agenda in different committees of the COP.

Pérdida de turberas alimenta el cambio climático

Las emisiones globales producto de la pérdida de suelos orgánicos de turba suman más de 3000 millones de toneladas de dióxido de carbono (Tm/CO2) por año; esto representa cerca del 10% de todas las emisiones antropogénicas globales.

Letter to the members of the Dutch Parliament on International Biomass policy

This letter (in Dutch) indicates five clear gaps in the national biomass policy of The Netherlands between actual policy and reality in the field. It is sent to the members of the permanent Committee for Foreign Affairs of the Duth Parliament.

Suggestions pour la version préliminaire des Résolutions pour la COP 10 de la Convention Ramsar sur les zones humides

Dans ce document , nous soulignons nos recommendations pour les Résolutions de la Convention Ramsar COP 10 en République de Corée qui a lieu du 28 Octobre au 4 Novembre 2008.

Cambios propuestos a los Proyectos de Resolución para la COP 10 de la Convención de Ramsar sobre los Humedales

En este documento resaltamos (en negrita) las enmiendas propuestas para los Proyectos de Resolución para la COP X en Corea. Por favor no dude en contactarnos para cualquier consulta. Esperamos contar con su apoyo en Corea.

A moratorium on palm oil from tropical peatlands

Proposed resolution to be adopted at the 5th General Assembly of the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil 20 November 2008 in Bali. The resolution calls for a moratorium on palm oil from tropical peatlands based on the precautionary approach in the RSPO Principles & Criteria, and the formation of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions committee to deliver its findings and recommendations by the 7th RSPO meeting in 2009.

Recommendations for Ramsar COP 10

Attached the recommendations on the draft resolutions of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands COP 10, 28 October till 4 November 2008 in Korea.

Best Practice Guidelines on Restoration of Mangroves in Tsunami Affected Areas

Mangroves as an ecosystem are capable of performing certain functions or environmental services.

Mangrove plants produce organic matter through photosynthesis and this produces the food for most of the fish and shellfish in the coastal waters.

Fish and shrimp catches increase with the increasing presence of mangroves in the inter-tidal zone.

Moratorium on deforestation for palm oil production

This is a call of global company Unilever for a moratorium on deforestation for palm oil. Wetlands International, as a member of the Round Table of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), supports this call.

Options for improving the treatment of LULUCF in a Copenhagen agreement

This discussion paper discusses options for improving the options for improving the treatment of LULUCF in a Copenhagen agreement: forest and wetland degradation, factoring out, harvest wood products, and approaches for fuller accounting. This working paper aims to contribute to the discussion by Parties and other relevant organisations and individuals, in the process leading up to and in Accra, Poznan (COP14) and Copenhagen COP15).

Letter to the government of Kenya about the Tana wetlands

Letter to Hon. John. N. Michuki, EGH, MP, Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources about the plans to convert the Tana wetlands into sugarcane plantations for biofuel production.

Advise to the Contracting Parties of CBD COP 9

This paper presents our views on the issues on the agenda of the Convention of Biological Diversity, COP 9, in Bonn, May 2008. Wetlands International had an active presence at this convention (see the section with all our events on this).

Policy paper for the UN-FCCC meeting in Accra, august 2008

In this paper, Wetlands International presents its agenda for the new climate treaty that is being discussed in Accra, Ghana (August 2008). The paper focuses on the giant carbon dioxide emissions from degraded peatlands. These emissions are so far ignored.

Wetlands International provided this paper to the delegations at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (UNFCCC), Accra, Ghana.

Submission to the UN-FCCC on wetlands and climate change

This is the submission of Wetlands International to the "Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action under the Convention"; the working group working on a post-Kyoto climate treaty.

Wetlands International letter 10% mandatory biofuel target EP

Wetlands International position on biofuels: letter to the European Commission.

Factsheet tropical peatlands and climate change

Climate change is significantly fueled by the destruction of wetlands.

Press release: UN-FCCC fails to address emissions from wetland destruction

Press statement on UNFCCC's failure to address emissions from degraded wetlands.

Strategi dan Rencana Tindak Nasional Pengololaan Lahan Gambut Berkelanjutan

Meskipun dokumen SRTNPLGB ini merupakan payung bagi cikal-bakal dikeluarkannya strategistrategi pengelolaan lahan gambut di Daerah, namun ia bersifat akomodatif, yaitu dalam penerapannya dapat dikembangkan sesuai dengan kekhasan dan prioritas Daerah sesuai tuntutan desentralisasi dan otonomi, sepanjang nilai dan fungsi ekologis menjadi pertimbangan yang berimbang dengan penilaian ekonominya, serta kepentingan rakyat banyak menjadi sasaran utamanya.

National Strategy and Action Plan for Sustainable Management of Peatlands

It is envisaged that this document can be utilised and developed to suit the specific characteristics and priorities of each region in line with the demands of decentralisation and autonomy, provided that ecological functions and values are given as much consideration as economic values.

Waterbird monitoring in the Bijagós / Monitorização de aves aquáticas

In April 2000, Wetlands International and the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation came to an agreement for the execution of activities under the project Waterbird and IBA surveys, training and public awareness in Guinea-Bissau, 2000-2002 (in English & Portuguese)

Advice for Ramsar COP 9

' Strengthening the impact of Ramsar COP 9'. Advise on the resolutions of the Ramsar Convention COP 9.

Global Peatland Initiative – Agreement between DGIS and Wetlands International

Global Peatland Initiative – Agreement between DGIS and Wetlands International

The Socio-Economics of Wetlands

The Socio-Economics of Wetlands

The Cost of Reclamation, the Price of Failure

Specialist Groups – Wetland Restoration – “The Cost of Reclamation, the Price of Failure”

Saturnisme et les Oiseaux d’Eau

Saturnisme et les Oiseaux d’Eau – Rapport international actualise

Presentation at the AWC Coordinators Workshop 2003

IWC - Asian Waterbird Census – Coordinators Workshop 2003 – 1. Ramsar Statement

Post-tsunami Conservation Issue and Challanges

Wetlands International South Asia (WISA) and the World Wide Fund for Nature – India
(WWF-India) coordinated a consultative meeting involving NGOs and Research Institutes
with an interest in addressing conservation and sustainable development issues to build
upon assessments and relief measures already being carried out by the Government of
India. This provided a common platform for planning and implementation of inputs into
future initiative being developed/planned at various levels.

The Edinburgh Declaration

An international conference on waterbirds, their conservation and sustainable use was held in Edinburgh, Scotland, from 3-8 April 2004, and was attended by 456 participants from 90 countries.

Conservation of Fish Biodiversity in West African Wetlands

The present document is the result of a project "Conservation of Fish Biodiversity in West African Wetlands". The project was carried out by Wetlands International with funding from the Netherlands Goverment under the Programme for International nature management (PIN). It aimed to initiate a regional framework to conserve fish biodiversity in the inland waters of West Africa.

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