Our Actions

Climate-proof disaster risk reduction for Indigenous communities in Guatemala

The Partners for Resilience work to reduce the risks of droughts and landslides in vulnerable communities in 5 departments in Guatemala. In addition to securing the communities´ livelihoods, improve their natural resources management and protect them from natural disasters, we also build their capacity to influence decisions that affect them, and involve them in platforms to exchange experiences. Furthermore, by working with different levels of government, we connect national policies with local experiences and influence municipal budget allocation.

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.

Sustainable development and land planning in the Parana Delta

The Parana Delta wetlands in Argentina are under pressure from the extraction of natural resources, infrastructure development, large-scale livestock farming and agriculture. This is threatening the wetlands ecosystem and traditional livelihoods that rely on artisanal farming and fishing in the delta. To overcome these challenges, we are working with strategic regional partners to develop sustainable solutions that rely on a scientific knowledge base and best management practices.

Bio-rights for Disaster Risk Reduction of K'iche' communities in Sololá, Guatemala

With our partner CARE we have started a Bio-rights initiative in Sololá, Guatemala to reduce the vulnerability to landslides, mudslides and heavy weather of four K’iche’ communities. Each rainy season they suffer these landslides and mudslides, which are caused by deforestation, as forest has been cleared for maxán leafs, pacaina and coffee monocultures.  

A Biodiversity Action Plan for the footprint of Shell in Brunei

The rarely visited country of Brunei Darussalam is a green gem on the rapidly deforesting island of Borneo. Much of Brunei is still covered in peat swamp or mangrove forest, which is in stark contrast to the situation in other countries within the region. These forests are rich with species of plants and animals, but face threats due to development, peat drainage and fires. To conserve and restore Brunei’s green heritage Wetlands International Malaysia is partnering with Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) and Brunei Liquified Natural Gas (BLNG) (together referred to as Brunei Shell Joint Venture - BSJV) to improve the sustainability of their ongoing oil and gas activities. A Biodiversity Action Plan is being developed and implemented for the onshore footprint of BSJV.

Conserving and restoring wetlands in the Niger Delta

The Niger Delta in Nigeria is the largest wetland in Africa and the third largest mangrove forest in the world. The region is known for its richness in biodiversity as well as its oil and gas resources. Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in the delta. At the same time they are being degraded by unsustainable practices and a legacy of pollution and oil spills. In the delta we are bringing new perspectives to the fields of biodiversity conversation and sustainable development, putting the conservation and restoration of wetlands at the centre of achieving both livelihood and biodiversity improvements.

While this work happens under our partnership with Shell, we are not directly involved in the cleanup of oil pollution, but include the oil industry as an important stakeholder for our new ways of planning development, and improving the condition of wetlands and water resources to benefit both biodiversity and human well-being.

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.

From the Arctic to Africa: Protecting Waterbirds and Wetlands

Along the migratory flyway between the Northwest Russian Arctic and West Africa, we are protecting wetlands and waterbirds by developingregional long-term wetland conservation and wise-use strategies. Our goal is to bring together people in the countries across the flyway in Africa, the EU and Russia through networking tools for wetland managers and the development of local conservation action and monitoring.

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.

Mangrove-based coastal defense strategies

Wetlands International is committed to reducing the knowledge gaps on mangrove functions and values. Our aim is to maximise the utilisation of ecosystem-based solutions for coastal defense.

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.

Sustainable shrimp production

Wetlands International works with businesses and the Government of Indonesia to introduce certification of sustainable shrimp farms. This work with the private sector supports the 'silvofishery concept' that combines the replanting of mangroves near and inside shrimp and fish ponds. This is a sustainable alternative for the rigid clearing of coastal mangrove forests for aquaculture.

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.

Saving and restoring peat swamp areas

With years of scientific research and extensive demonstration projects, carried out in Argentina to Siberia and Southeast Asia, we have built up an extensive expertise in peatland restoration. We now use our knowledge to promote and implement large-scale projects to save and rehabilitate peatlands.

Ecological Mangrove Restoration in Thailand

Wetlands International promotes Ecological Mangrove Restoration; an innovative technique of restoring degraded mangrove forests by only restoring the hydrology to its natural state. Compared to seedling planting projects, this approach is significantly cheaper and creates a mangrove forest with more different species of mangroves and other flora and fauna. Krabi Estuary, a Ramsar Site of International Importance, located in Southwest of Thailand, was selected to demonstrate the approach. 

Sustaining mangroves with communities in Sedili Kecil, Johor, Malaysia

In Sedili Kecil, Johor, Malaysia, we aim to raise awareness on the importance of the conservation of mangrove forests among local communities. We also encourage their involvement in rehabilitating mangroves and strengthening their capacity to implement techniques for sustainable use and monitor the mangroves.

Restoration of coastal hydrology at Tanjung Piai, Malaysia

Wetlands International Project looked into the problems with erosion in Tanjung Piai which was designated as a Ramsar site in 2003. The coastal mangroves are an important landmark of Malaysia: the most southern tip of the Asian Continent.

Green Coast - the Tsunami Response

Through Green Coast we restored thousands of hectares of coast that were damaged by the Tsunami. Green Coast adopted a unique approach: restoration & management of coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, sand dunes and coral reefs through a community-led approach. This improved the biodiversity and economic well-being of hundreds of coastal communities in five countries: India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Birds and Avian Influenza

Improving our understanding of the role of wild birds in avian influenza, particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been a priority for Wetlands International. To support regional cooperation, the Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Birds and Avian Influenza beings together representatives from government agencies in the Asia-Pacific region, international NGOs, convention secretariats and international organisations and independent experts. It serves as a Working Group of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership and is jointly convened by Wetlands International and FAO.

Establishing a network of educational wetland centres in European Russia

Wetlands, in particular peatlands, being a characteristic feature of Russian landscapes, provide real and essential benefits to a wide range of interest groups. However, it is evident that the high biodiversity and socio-economic values of wetlands have not been adequately communicated to decision-makers, users and the public at large.

Bringing wetland information into decision making of the oil & gas sector

Activities by the oil and gas sector can often threaten wetlands, such as in the Arctic or oil sands of Alberta, Canada. Shell and Wetlands International have developed a software tool called WPIAT (the Wetlands Pre-Impact Assessment Tool), which can help improve the understanding of how development affects wetlands, including its impact on biodiversity and people who depend on wetlands for food and work.

Wetland Centre at the Sebezhsky National Park

The project was aimed to increase awareness (locally and regionally) of the ecological and socio-economic functions and values of wetlands, their conservation needs and sustainable management options, through the establishment of a wetland center at the Sebezhsky National Park and the creation and publication of educational and awareness materials.

World Wetlands Day (2nd February each year)

Every year on February 2nd World Wetlands Day is celebrated globally with awareness raising events, in which many of our Wetlands International offices participate or co-organise.

Ecotourism in Sedili Kechil, Johor, Malaysia

This project aimed to stimulate ecotourism in Sedili Kechil in Johor province of Malaysia to strengthen the livelihoods of the local community of Sedili.

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.

BIOMAC

Conservation du Lamantin ouest africain (Trichechus Senegalensis)

Entre 2004 et 2007,Wetlands International Afrique s’est intéressée au statut et valeur de cette espèce dans son aire de répartition. Cela a abouti, dans la première phase à la mise en place d’une stratégie régionale de conservation du lamantin. De 2008 à 2011, l’objectif visé est essentiellement de conserver le Lamantin ouest africain et ses habitats, en se basant sur des données scientifiques les plus fiables, et en tenant compte de l’environnement, des caractères socioéconomiques et culturels de son aire de répartition.

Initiative mangrove en Afrique de l'Ouest

Wetlands and Livelihoods Programme

This programme focused on the mainstreaming of sustainable wetland management principles and practice into the development of poverty reduction strategies through local and international partnerships in DAC1 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. It did so by enhancing of existing and supporting development of new policies at local, national and international levels, with specific inclusion of the water and health sectors and by ensuring due attention to the need for equitable development.

Taller para la Conservación de Aves Playeras Migratorias en Arroceras del Norte de América del Sur

Durante el mes de octubre de 2008 se llevó a cabo en la ciudad de Calí, Colombia el taller para la “Conservación de Aves Playeras Migratorias en Arroceras del Norte de América del Sur”, organizado por Wetlands International y la Asociación Calidris, con el apoyo de la Red Hemisférica de Reservas de Aves Playeras (RHRAP) y la National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) y, con el auspicio de la Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle del Cauca (CVC).
 

Towards integrating wetland biodiversity conservation with water and agricultural management in Ukraine. A pilot project in the South Bug River Basin

The goal of this project is to develop the foundations for integrating wetland biodiversity conservation into water related sectoral policies in Ukraine based on ecological network development and civil society engagement in a pilot project in the South Bug River Basin.

Creating Marine Protected Areas in Sierra Leone

We work in Sierra Leone to support its government to sustainably manage its marine and coastal resources and biodiversity conservation. We focus on the establishment of two Marine Protected Areas in the country.

Municipal Governance, Capacity and Social Responsibility in Wetland Biodiversity Conservation: A demonstration in Anqing Municipality, Anhui Province

The project funded by the European Union - China Biodiversity Project aims to incorporate wetland biodiversity conservation into the routine business of The Peoples Government of Anqing Municipality (GAM) in middle Yangtze river, Anhui Province. The project will create conditions for wetland users to organize themselves to take joint actions that eliminate deleterious overall impacts on wetland biodiversity and local income generation.

Wetlands and Poverty Reduction in Hengshui Lake

Hengshui Lake is a vitally important oasis ecosystem in the harsh dry central North China Plain. The lake is a central component of the Hengshui Lake Nature Reserve. The lake itself has been a central part of the local economy, with fishing and farming the predominate activities. However, slowly the lake’s resources are diminishing and many of the local people live in poverty. This project aimed to investigate the possibility of alternative livelihood development within the Nature Reserve to aid conservation and poverty alleviation.

The role of wetlands for reducing poverty at Pattani Bay, Thailand

This project aimed to raise awareness among the development and humanitarian aid sector for the need to take the values of wetlands into account in their plans and activities for Pattani Bay. The project has been successful in promoting mangrove replanting and for establishment of community patrol for illegal fishing gears.

East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership Communication Support

The project involves creation of a special communication enhancement package to support the development of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership: the partnership aimed at conservation of the migratory waterbird populations and the wetland areas they depend on.

Increasing coastal resilience in the Pacifics

Wetlands International, WWF, the Institute of Applied Sciences and Wildlife Conservation Society developed a methodology for Adaptive Management of high biodiversity tropical mangrove areas and associated coral reef, sea-grass and upland ecosystems for the ability to recover from climate change impacts.

First meeting of the Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Waterbirds and Avian Influenza

This project involved the first meeting of the Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Waterbirds and Avian Influenza, which aimed to establish a regional network of management agencies and organizations of Asia-Pacific that facilitates collaboration on research and monitoring of Avian Influenza (AI) in wild waterbirds. it was held in Beijing in vember 2007, with wide representation.

Wetland Resource Centre in Malaysia

 To develop a Wetland Resource Centre, managed by Wetlands International Malaysia, where information on wetlands and related topics is easily obtainable for, in the first place, (Malaysian) decision-makers, planners, other NGOs, consultants, scholars and student, and in the second place anyone else who might be in need for such information and so, on the long run well informed decision.

Develop capacity of Malaysia’s Environmental NGOs in Integrated Water Resource Management

Wetlands International - Malaysia in partnership with the Malaysian Environmental NGO (MENGO) developed a programme empower society, mobilise community action, capitalise local knowledge and raise awareness among the public sector for Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Wetlands International Malaysia played a coordinating role in this project.

Development of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership

This activity comprises several separately funded actions all of which support development of the Flyway Partnership for East Asia - Australasia, including: hosting of the Partnership Secretariat during 2008; national workshops in Flyway countries; and support to Meetings of Partners including drafting of technical documents.

Training of indigenous rangers in wetland and waterbird conservation, northern Australia

The activity comprises separately-funded components, all focused on developing capacity of indigenous Australians employed as natural resource rangers, to conduct wetland and waterbird survey and conservation projects in remote regions of northern Australia. Initial emphasis is on recognition and survey methods for migratory shorebirds and waterbird breeding colonies in tropical coastal wetlands.

Development of options for a Rolling Review of Ramsar Sites in Australia

The project required preparation of a comprehensive discussion paper (with datasheets) for consideration by national and State agencies, in regard to a proposed rolling review of the status of Ramsar Sites in Australia. The work is closely linked to current work in Australia on ecological character descriptions and requires consultation with site managers and relevant agencies.

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.

Meeting of the managers of Shorebird Network Sites in Australia & New Zealand

The project involves arranging and conducting a three day meeting of managers of Australian and New Zealand sites that had been included in the Shorebird Site Network of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway. It aimed to inform about recent developments in Flyway cooperation intitiatives and exchange information on site management and shorebird conservation, and was held in Brisbane in September 2007.