A high level of engagement set the tone for productive discussions and decision-making on critical wetland issues at the 63rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on Wetlands (SC63).

After a week of dialogue at the Convention’s headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, SC63 concluded on 7 June 2024. The event saw a remarkable turnout with 126 delegates from the Contracting Parties and 23 representatives from Observer organizations. 

Located at the remote tip of the Australia’s Northern Territories, Cobourg Peninsula is commemorating a half-century as the inaugural Wetland of International Importance. For 50 years, Indigenous communities have worked hand-in-hand with governmental authorities to ensure the protection of the Peninsula, setting a high standard for conservation worldwide.

What if the world were a greener and more equitable place to live? Cécile Ndjebet is not just posing the question; she’s actively working to realize the answer. 

“Women are driving conservation efforts on the ground; they are restoring degraded ecosystems that bring back biodiversity. Unfortunately. this recognition is not followed by rewarding actions,” decries Ndjebet. 

In a firm display of mangrove advocacy, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands Dr Musonda Mumba delivered a keynote presentation in an event hosted by Saudi Arabia and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to mark this year’s International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

Barbados and Costa Rica have made important steps in environmental conservation with the conclusion of two projects funded by the Wetlands for the Future initiative. These projects reflect the region’s commitment to furthering the wise use of wetlands as Contracting Parties of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative (RRI) is the first European RRI focused exclusively on a river. Developed under the LIFE WILDisland project led by DANUBEPARKS and partners, this initiative supports efforts for international cooperation to safeguard the natural river islands along the Danube, one of the world's most significant and biodiverse rivers.

India has marked World Environment Day by designating Nagi Bird Sanctuary and Nakti Bird Sanctuary as its newest Wetlands of International Importance. These “Ramsar Sites” are both man-made reservoirs situated in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui District in Bihar, India. Their catchments feature dry deciduous forests surrounded by hills.

Indonesia has designated Menipo Nature Recreational Park as its newest Wetland of International Importance. This “Ramsar Site” (Site no. 2543), established in 2010 as a National Recreation Park, is located in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province. Its coastal wetlands include mangroves and intertidal mud, sand and salt flats.

The Republic of Korea has designated Pyeongdume Wetland as its newest Wetland of International Importance. This “Ramsar Site” (Site no. 2544), is situated within Mudeungsan National Park, a mountainous national park formed by volcanic activity.

India has marked its Independence Day by designating Tawa Reservoir, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary and Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary as Wetlands of International Importance (“Ramsar Sites”). The two bird sanctuaries are located in Tamil Nadu while Tawa Reservoir is in Madhya Pradesh.

IWMI’s new strategy shows the way forward for collective action on water security

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has launched a new strategy covering the period 2024–2030. It sets an ambitious agenda for research and innovation on water security, around three strategic focus areas: Mitigating water risks; Overcoming global inequalities; and Managing water sustainably. The strategy also emphasizes the power of collective action, which IWMI will harness to ensure that adaptive, robust solutions have lasting impacts.

Wetland Finance Support Officer

Yejin holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, along with Latin American Studies from Korea University. She is currently finishing her Master’s degree in Green Business and Policy from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

Junior Professional - Technical Support (Asia / Oceania)

Anusha holds an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management from the University of Oxford and BSc Honours in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of British Columbia. Her research on smooth-coated otter ecology in Singapore and human-wildlife interactions culminated in a publication in the Journal of Mammalogy and has influenced wildlife management strategies.