At a time when the world faces escalating climate threats, accelerating nature loss, and mounting development pressures, healthy wetlands are one of our most powerful, yet underappreciated, allies. These vibrant ecosystems are vital to tackling the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and unsustainable development. They store carbon, regulate water, support livelihoods and shelter extraordinary biodiversity. 

But despite their immense value, wetlands are among the most rapidly disappearing ecosystems on our planet. 

For too long, wetlands have been overlooked and undervalued by decision makers. Their long-term contributions to people, nature and climate have been sacrificed for short-term economic gains. The result? We continue to lose these vital ecosystems at an alarming rate — and with them, the essential services they provide. 

This has come at a steep cost. 2024 was the warmest year on record and forecasts show further rise in temperatures expected in the next 5 years.  Frequent and intense floods and droughts continue to leave communities more vulnerable. In 2024, water-related disasters caused over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and inflicted more than US$550 billion in damages. Freshwater species populations have crashed 85% on average since 1970. And wetlands, ecosystems that can alleviate all these symptoms, continue to be lost at alarming rates.  

We urgently need to shift course. Protecting, restoring and sustainably managing wetlands must become a national and global priority to secure a resilient future.  

The upcoming Convention on Wetlands COP15 is a critical moment to accelerate action for wetlands. Wetlands International is stepping up to ensure this moment counts, working alongside partners to secure outcomes that can turn ambition into action. 

Firstly, we are calling for Contracting Parties to adopt an ambitious new Strategic Plan that includes clear goals and targets to accelerate wetland conservation, restoration and wise use, while directly addressing the root causes of wetland loss. 

Secondly, we call on the adoption of several Draft Resolutions of importance. Specifically those on the establishment of the Waterbird Estimates Partnership and delivery of the 2027 edition of Waterbird Population Estimates; restoration of degraded freshwater ecosystems to support ecological character biodiversity and ecosystem services, achieving the equitable governance and effective conservation of wetlands as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs); strengthening national actions for the conservation and restoration of waterbird flyways; and enhancing the Convention’s visibility and synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements and other international institutions.  

Thirdly, we are pushing for a strong call-to-action spotlighting the role of wetlands in climate mitigation and adaptation ahead of Climate COP30 in Brazil in November. 

Fourthly, we’re pushing for mobilization of significant funds — including innovative financial mechanisms — to support wetland protection and the Convention’s implementation.  

And finally, we are encouraging the support of various voluntary global movements like the Freshwater Challenge and the Mangrove and Peatland Breakthroughs.  

It’s time we recognize wetlands as central pillars of a sustainable and secure future. Wetlands International stands ready to work with governments, partners and communities to secure meaningful outcomes, not just at COP15, but far beyond. Together, we can restore the balance and ensure wetlands thrive for generations to come.