Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) holds it COP17 in October 2026. Here is a briefing paper from the International Organization Partner conservation groups recognised in the Convention on Wetlands, laying out wetland priorities for CBD COP to consider.
Read the nine-page briefing.
- 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.
For more information, contact one of
Wetlands International: Laura MacKenzie
BirdLife International: Megan Eldred
WWF: Christine Colvin
IUCN: Isabel Wallnoefer