Our Actions

Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from the 19th to the 23rd of May 2013. Under the headline “Resilient People – Resilient Planet”, delegates will discuss progress to date and future needs for disaster risk reduction efforts. Wetlands International will highlight the role of ecosystems in mitigating the impact of natural hazards and extreme weather events.

European River Restoration Conference

The 5th European River Restoration Conference will be held from 11-13 September 2013 in Vienna, Austria. Join Wetlands International and our partners in European river restoration us as we showcase inspiring examples of river restoration and bring together key policy makers and restoration practitioners to share and learn about the successes, challenges and opportunities for river restoration in Europe.

Building Community Resilience to Natural Disasters in Kenya

Downstream communities in the Ewaso Nyiro River of north eastern Kenya are extremely vulnerable to droughts and floods. We are working to help communities reduce their vulnerability and improve their livelihoods through an innovative approach combining sustainable ecosystem management, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Reducing disaster risk by restoring wetlands in the Inner Niger Delta of Mali

The 1.4 million people who depend on the Inner Niger Delta in Mali suffer increasingly from low water levels in the Niger River, which flows downstream into the delta. We are working to address the growing upstream water diversions for irrigation and hydropower, and help downstream communities adapt to sustain their livelihoods.

Building resilience to disasters in the Mahanadi delta and Kosi-Gandak floodplains, India

In the Mahanadi River delta and Kosi-Gandak floodplains we restore wetlands and improve water management to reduce the risk of disasters. With our partners we enhance the ability of vulnerable communities to adapt to climate change and create more secure and sustainable livelihoods. This provides a safer environment from floods and improves the capacity of these communities to bounce back if they do occur.

Reducing the risk of floods and landslides in the Philippines

Population pressures and the over- and misuse of natural resources has resulted in widespread ecosystem degradation and led to the increased risk of (elongated) floods and landslides. In four sites in the Philippines, both urban and rural, we are working to reduce the risk of these water-related disasters.

Strengthening Coastal Resilience for Communities in Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia

We work to reduce the impacts of frequent disasters on vulnerable communities in Nusa Tenggara Timur, utilising innovate approaches to improve water management, sustainable livelihoods, ecosystem restoration, disaster risk reduction and the adaptive capacity of local communities. Through our Bio-rights microcredit scheme we improve the livelihoods of communities that restore their ecosystems by, for example, the planting of mangroves and other productive trees.

International Symposium on Water and Wetlands in the Mediterranean “From Grado to Agadir: The next 20 years”

International Symposium, Agadir, Morocco, 6-8 February 2012

RESTORE - Restoring Europe's Rivers

Wetlands International encourages the restoration of European rivers towards a more natural state to deliver increased environmental quality, flood risk reduction, and social and economic benefits.

In the partnership RESTORE we share knowledge to policymakers, river basin organisation and practitioners and promote best practice on river restoration in Europe.

Saving water for the Mujib Reserve, Jordan

Together with the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN) we worked in Jordan to reduce the impact of the dam upstream on the Mujib reserve, involve the local population in agricultural activities to save water and preserve water quality, and make sure that the Mujib reserve water needs are fulfilled in water management plans and decisions of the government.

Water for all in the Ichkeul Basin, Tunisia

By setting up a dialogue between the different demanders of water, we built a consensus that assured the access to water of all (farmers, dams, etc.) as well as preserves the wetlands and biodiversity of the Ichkeul Basin in Tunisia on the long term. This work was done with our local partner INAT, the Institut National Agronomique.

Improving the water quality of the Sebou River, Morocco

The Sebou River in Morocco suffers from serious pollution problems. To successfully push for control of urban pollution, we developed a monitoring & evaluation system for surface water quality.

Managing water with communities in the Mahanadi Delta, India

In the Mahandi Delta, Orissa, India, we word to reduce flood risks by managing and  restoring wetlands, as areas were excsessive water can be stored.

Restoring the high mountain peatlands of Ruoergai, China

Drainage, Yak and sheep overgrazing, and erosion severely damage the high altitude peatlands of the Ruoergai, located on the Tibetan Plateau in China. Working with communities and the government we diminish the grazing pressure, block erosion gullies, re-seed grassland and much more. The goal is to give the marshes their important natural functions back and improve the inhabitants well-being.

For a healthy Inner Niger Delta, Mali

The Inner Niger Delta is a lifeline for one and a half million people, whose flooding provide fish, fodder for their cattle and water for rice production. This inland delta is also home to millions of waterbirds, that migrate to this rich environment, as well as hippos and many other species. We work with communities and Malinese government to restore the flood forest, reduce the people's poverty and prevent the negative impacts of dams and climate change on the delta. 

Influencing policies along the Niger River

We provide key tools and knowldge in the development and implementation of major government policies in the entire Niger River Basin, which stretches from Guinea Chonakry all the way to the Niger Delta in Nigeria. We use our experience in the Inner Niger Delta as the basis for his work.

Maintaining Wetlands and Livelihoods in the Paraná Delta, Argentina (La Plata basin)

This project aims to fight the current degradation of the Parana Delta wetlands by influencing the “Strategic Integral Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of the Parana Delta” (PIECAS) and other policy processes, contributing to the implementation of an Integrated Management of Wetland Resources approach, as a basis for food and water security; and for new livelihood strategies that will support sustainable economic development.

Mediterranean Wetlands for Water and People

Building civil society's capacities to dialogue with governments about improved wetland management represents the potential value added of this project. This project promoted exchange of experiences between Mediterranean countries on the issues of participatory and integrated water management and environmental security.

Case Study of the Inner Niger Delta (WETwin)

 The overall objective of the WETwin is to enhance the role of wetlands in basin-scale integrated water resources management (IWRM), with the aim of improving the community service functions while conserving good ecological status. Full title: Enhancing the role of wetlands in integrated water resources management for twinned river basins in EU, Africa and South-America in support of EU Water Initiatives.

Saving the Wular Lake, Kashmir while fighting flood and drought risks downstream

This project focuses on Wular Lake, one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. Rapid degradation of Wular Lake has an enormous impact on community health and livelihoods. This prompted the state government to contract Wetlands International South Asia and her partners to develop an integrated management plan for restoration of the lake and its catchment.

Economic Valuation of Chilika Lake, Orissa

The project aimed at valuing the ecosystem services of Chilika Lake to assess their contribution to local and regional economy; assess impacts of developmental activities on these services. Proposed are a review of current management plans, alternate strategies to ensure sustained provisioning for overall livelihood security of the wetland dependant communities. 

Chilika Lagoon, India

Wetlands International conducted the monitoring and research, choosing the best flow regime. In this way, a very important lake for man and nature was managed in a sustainable way.

Management of Lake Kutubu Ramsar Site, Papua New Guinea

The project aims to assess current condition of populations of freshwater fishes (especially the endemic species) at Lake Kutubu, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea, comparing species composition, sizes and abundances to baseline data from around the date of Ramsar-listing. It involves a rapid assessment of ecological health of the wetland and includes consultations with traditional land and resource owners.

Fiji Seascapes (EBM Phase 2)

The project continues from an earlier phase, conducted in Vanua Levu, Fiji. It extends the development of integrated, community-based management of entire landscapes from head of catchment to the sea and the associated lagoon and coral reefs. Wetlands International is responsible for design, training and inventory elements especially related to freshwater streams and fishes.

Technical advice on ecological character descriptions for Australian Ramsar sites

This activity involves invited technical advice to projects that are developing ecological character descriptions for selected Ramsar Sites in Australia. Emphasis is on review of Ramsar Criteria met and identifying the critical ecosystem services, especially those related to the Criteria met.

Promoting conservation and management of arid-zone floodplain wetlands of the Channel Country bioregion

The project aims to raise awareness of the globally important wetlands and waterbird populations supported by unregulated rivers of the arid Channel Country bioregion, inland eastern Australia. It will produce a publication that informs landholders (mostly graziers), the wider community and government agencies on wetland management issues and that advocates appropriate allocations (no reduction in river floods) in current water resource planning.

National Aerial Survey of Waterbirds in Australia

Wetlands International is a partner in design and implementation of the first-ever aerial survey of waterbirds (including migratory shorebirds) across the Australian continent, to be conducted in October 2008. Results will provide context for recorded trends in waterbird use of degraded river basins and will inform updates to waterbird population estimates.

Conservation of the Ruoergai Plateau marshes and Altai Mountain wetlands

In the Ruoergai Marshes on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau and the Altai Mountains in Northwest China, we demonstrated practical ways in which biodiversity conservation and provision of ecosystem services can be supported by different economic sectors and local communities.

Gestion intégrée des fleuves critiques en eau

De l'eau pour les écosystèmes (Water for Ecosystem). Ce projet concerne le delta intérieur du Niger au Mali.

Management Action Plan for Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura

Rudrasagar, a floodplain wetland of Gumti River, is of national importance identified by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India, considering its ecological and socio-economic significance in the region. Concerned over its rapidly deteriorating status , Government of Tripura engaged WISA for formulation of a Management Action Plan.

Conservation and Sustainable Development of Vembanad Kol Wetlands, Kerala

Vembanad Kol located within backwaters of Kerala is essentially a brackish water system bestowed with unique biodiversity which provides livelihood support to a large community depending upon its resources for their sustenance. The wetland system has been hub of the economic activities due to its location within the largest urban and industrial agglomeration in Kerala. It is also favoured destination for foreign and domestic tourists for recreation.

Development of information tools on wetland biodiversity and management in Australia

Wetlands International developed a suite of information tools for organisations that are promoting wetland management and significant wetland species in Queensland, Australia. We led on mangroves, saltmarshes, coastal grass-sedge wetlands, arid-zone swamps and inland non-arid swamps.

Support to NRM regional bodies and wetland managers across Australia in recognition and management of important wetlands

Support to NRM (natural resource management) regional bodies and wetland managers across Australia in recognition and management of important wetlands.

This three year project will support priority, remote NRM regions across Australia in terms of their important wetland (Ramsar, Directory and shorebird site) assets. Working closely with the regional bodies, WIO will transfer skills on recognition and management of these assets through one-to-one, on-site consultation at regional centres and important wetland sites.

Разработка программы сохранения трансграничных водно-болотных угодий, расположенных по границе Российской Федерации с Белоруссией и Украиной

Цель проекта - содействие сохранению и устойчивому использованию ценных водно-болотных угодий, находящихся на границе Российской Федерации с Белоруссией и Украиной

Promotion of wetland biodiversity conservation in the Moscow region of the Russian Federation through the development of a Regional Strategy and Action Plan for Wetlands Wise Use

The objective is to support the sustainable use of water resources in the Moscow Region by establishing the technical, legal and social conditions for the implementation of an integrated approach to land-use planning based on wetland wise use.

Support to the Establishment of the Integrated Management Approach for the Sivash, Ukraine

The basis for the establishment of an integrated management system for the entire Sivash ecosystem for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources was established.

Public participation in conservation and sustainable use of Small Rivers in Ukraine; support for the River Network in Ukraine

The capacity to undertake small river conservation work in Ukraine was developed. A series of conservation actions by small NGOs throughout Ukraine were developed and implemented by members of the Ukrainian Rivers network. Project was financed by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

Small rivers of Ukraine: public participation in their conservation and sustainable use

Wetlands International established an NGO Association called the “Ukrainian Rivers Network” (URN) to support and advocate better conservation and sustainable development of small rivers and streams throughout Ukraine.

Development of a National Wetland Strategy and Action Plan for Ukraine

A National Strategy and Action Plan including strategic planning policies for integrated and inter-sectoral conservation, restoration and wise-use of wetlands and wetland resources in Ukraine was agreed and drafted. The national wetland directory was updated and amended. This is now awaiting formal endorsement by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukrainian.

Kranji Reservoir, Singapore

A Pilot Enhancement Wetland to Improve Water Quality Standard at Kranji Reservoir, Singapore

Wetland at Dianchi Lake, Kunming, China

Wetlands International has been involved as Wetland Specialists to the treatment wetland cum wetland park development project at east bank of Dianchi Lake, Kunming, Yunnan Province.

The main objective of this man made wetland system is to improve lake water from Dianchi

The importance of Black Sea coastal wetlands, in particular for migratory waterbirds

The needs and priorities for the conservation, restoration and wise-use of wetlands along the Black Sea coast were identified to act as a basis to guide future wetland conservation planning and management activities in the region.

Project at Kota Kemuning

Rehabilitation of a drainage System Using a Constructed Wetland at Kota Kemuning.

Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment at Putrajaya

Realization of constructed wetlands for waste water treatment. An example of a water management system in an urban setting.

Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Program: reference group (Australia)

This is a pilot project to improve water quality in the lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef and protect wetland biodiversity. Wetlands International provided a member on the Minister-appointed panel to advise and make recommendations on proposed wetland restoration projects for sites in the catchment of the Great Barrier Reef.

A condition assessment of wetlands and waterbirds of Shoalwater Bay Training Area (Queensland, Australia)

This project aims to assess the condition of intertidal wetlands (including migratory shorebird populations), freshwater swamps and streams in the internationally important Shoalwater Bay wetlands, to recommend any management responses, and propose appropriate monitoring of condition.

Roebuck Plains management planning (Australia)

This project will prepare a plan that will guide the managers of Roebuck Plains Station in maintaining the natural heritage of the property and its wetlands.

National training course for wetland managers

This project provides training on integration of hydrological processes into wetland management for wetland managers.

Technical advisory group for the ‘Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in China’ project

This project will create an advisory team for the UNDP Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in China Project Steering Committee.

Production of a wetlands newsletter for China

The production of a newsletter will improve awareness of wetlands issues among managers and the public in China.