Wetland action to accelerate implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework
Briefing paper for CBD COP17 from the six International Organization Partners of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands – Birdlife International, IMWI, IUCN, Wetlands International, WWF and WWT.
The Global Review of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) highlights the need to accelerate action and scale up investment in biodiversity. This is most urgently needed for inland waters and coastal ecosystems (wetlands), which are shown to be lagging behind in both ambition and action.
This briefing paper proposes seven actions that Contracting Parties can take during and after CBD COP17 to harness the role of inland waters and coastal ecosystems in meeting the goals and targets of the KMGBF and enhancing synergies with the UNCCD and UNFCCC, and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements, particularly the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
- Prioritise wetlands as vital natural infrastructure for biodiversity, climate and people. Champion wetlands in high-level dialogues, COP decisions, and national actions to enhance delivery of the KMGBF. Recognise wetlands as critical watery interconnectors of all three Rio Conventions and the UN Water Conference.
- Increase ambition and action on wetland restoration and conservation to deliver Targets 1, 2 and 3. Improve the incorporation of Wetlands of International Importance and other wetlands into 30×30 and the Protected Areas Programme of Work. Engage with multistakeholder implementation initiatives such as the Freshwater Challenge, Mangrove Breakthrough, and Peatland Breakthrough.
- Invest in wetlands as ultimate nature-based solutions for climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience, and as critical nodes in the global hydrological cycle. Include an explicit focus on water and water-related ecosystems as part of efforts to align biodiversity and climate action. Mainstream wetland protection, restoration and wise use at national level, in climate finance, and in the multilevel roadmap.
- Accelerate resource mobilization for inland water and coastal wetland restoration and conservation, and redirect harmful subsidies. Integrate wetlands into national biodiversity finance plans; use GEF, GCF, MDB and bilateral finance to build investment pipelines; and mobilise private and blended finance with environmental and social safeguards.
- Enhance practical cooperation with the Convention on Wetlands to strengthen KMGBF implementation and MEA synergies. Make the most of wetland data, technical guidance on integrating wetlands into NBSAPs and other topics. Strengthen collaboration between National Focal Points; and improve cooperation between Ramsar Regional Initiatives and CBD Technical Support Centres.
- Incorporate wetlands into subnational implementation of the KMGBF and strengthen connections with the Wetland City Accreditation scheme.Support the fuller integration of wetlands into urban development frameworks and spatial zonation; and prioritise wetlands as natural infrastructure in urban planning.
- Address the direct and indirect drivers of wetland biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Transform agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and water-related infrastructure sectors. Explore the benefits of ecocentric approaches such as Rights of Wetlands and Rights of Rivers.
