Notification
Diplomatic Note 2026/2: Wetland City Accreditation - Call for applications
Date: 23.03.2026
CONVENTION ON WETLANDS
CONVENTION SUR LES ZONES HUMIDES
CONVENCIÓN SOBRE LOS HUMEDALES
(Ramsar, Iran, 1971)
Diplomatic Note 2026/2
Wetland City Accreditation - Call for applications
The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands presents its compliments to the Permanent Missions and Administrative Authorities of the Contracting Parties to the Convention and has the honour to share the call for applications for Wetland City Accreditation for the 2026-2028 triennium.
The Wetland City Accreditation of the Convention was established at the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention (COP12), through Resolution XII.10[1], and updated at COP14 in November 2022 through Resolution XIV.10[2].
The accreditation encourages cities that are close to and dependent on wetlands, primarily Wetlands of International Importance but also other wetlands, to develop and strengthen a positive relationship with these valuable ecosystems, for example through increased participation and public awareness, as well as a careful consideration of wetlands in municipal planning and decision-making. It promotes the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.
For the first three editions (2016-2025) a total of 74 cities were accredited and recognized by the Contracting Parties at COP13, COP14 and COP15.
Call for new applications for Wetland City Accreditation
Cities meeting each of the accreditation criterion described within Resolution XIV.10 are invited to complete the nomination form found at Appendix 1 of the newly endorsed Guide to the Wetland City Accreditation[3], and to transmit it to the Head of the Administrative Authority or National Focal Point for the Convention on Wetlands in their country.
Heads of Administrative Authorities and National Focal Points are invited to sign applications they deem complete and satisfactory in accordance with the Guide to the Wetland City Accreditation and to forward these to the Convention Secretariat at secretariat@ramsar.org by the deadline of 31 December 2026.
Call for renewal of accreditation for Wetland Cities accredited at COP14[4]
The Accreditation status is valid for two COP cycles (six years in ordinary circumstances). Cities for which the accredited status will be ending in 2028 are invited to apply to renew their accreditation by completing the renewal form found at Appendix 5 of the Guide to the Wetland City Accreditation and submitting it to their Head of Administrative Authority or National Focal Point. The application for renewal will be checked by the Head of Administrative Authority or National Focal Point who, if it is complete and satisfactory in accordance with the Guide to the Wetland City Accreditation, will forward it to the Convention Secretariat by the deadline of 31 December 2026.
The Guide to the Wetland City Accreditation also includes guidance on how cities and other human settlements should complete the nomination form, especially regarding the level of detail required and the types of supporting evidence required; as well as guidance for Administrative Authorities and National Focal Points related to the call for applications, conditions and deadlines for submission.
Candidate cities applying for new or renewed accreditation will be assessed and recommended by the Independent Advisory Committee of the Wetland City Accreditation. Decisions on accreditation and renewal will be announced during the 69th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention.
The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands respectfully requests that the content of the present Note be conveyed to the competent national authorities and avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Permanent Missions and Administrative Authorities of the Contracting Parties to the Convention the assurance of its highest consideration.
Gland, 23 March 2026
[4] This call is specifically for the 25 cities that received accreditation during COP14 in 2022 from the following countries: Canada, China, France, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Morocco, Republic of Korea, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain and Thailand.
 |
Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands
28 rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland Tel: +41 22 999 0170 |