Side event details

The Convention on Wetlands plays a crucial role in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands globally. However, achieving its objectives requires substantial resources and innovative financing mechanisms. This high-level side event will explore how private sector investments and different types of financial mechanisms can contribute to wetland conservation, restoration, and sustainable management, as well as how Parties can better leverage existing institutional opportunities such as the GEF. By showcasing successful case studies and fostering dialogue between stakeholders, this event aims to catalyze action and partnerships for enhanced engagement of key actors such as development banks, financial institutions and private sector in wetland conservation.

• High-Level Representatives: Contracting Party Ministers, Ramsar Secretariat, UNEP Finance Initiative, Global Environment Facility (GEF), World Bank, African Development Bank, Development Bank of South Africa, Asian Development Bank.
• Private Sector Leaders: CEO Water Mandate, AWS, Danone, Other representatives from financial institutions, corporations, and multilateral development banks.
• IOPs: BirdLife International, IUCN, IMWI, Wetlands International, WWF, WWT
• Government Officials: Senior Officials from Ramsar Contracting Parties working on innovative finance (e.g. Chile, Japan, China, Brazil, South Korea, UK, France).

Suggested Running Order (60 Minutes)
1. Opening Remarks (5 min): Convention on Wetlands Secretary General & Zimbabwe Minister
2. Keynote Address (5 min): GEF on mobilizing capital for wetland conservation through the GEF, linked to the Global Wetland Outlook.
3. Global Wetland Outlook (5 min): Chair of STRP on identified pathways for mobilising finance for wetlands.
4. Panel Discussion (30 min): Case study presentations and moderated discussion on the challenges and opportunities of mobilising different types of finance for wetlands [Potential moderator: Bapon Fakhruddin, GCF]
• Creating blended finance instruments for wetlands to de-risk capital and unlock commercial capital [Potential speakers: Minister from a Mangrove Breakthrough Partner country]
• Mainstreaming wetlands into national policy and legislative frameworks to secure long-term investments and access alternative public finance [Possible speakers: Minister from government engaged in Nature Bonds]
• Designing investable wetland projects: how public-private partnerships can unlock investments in wetlands [Possible speakers: ADB on the Regional Flyway Initiative]
• Facilitating corporate wetland stewardship: how wetlands can provide a return on investment. [Possible speakers: Danone]
5. Closing Remarks (5 min): Summary of panels key reflections and messages, and call to action from UNEP Finance Initiative.

Objective:
Use the findings of the Global Wetland Outlook and the foreseen adoption of the new Strategic Plan as a moment to raise ambition and drive access to a whole new level of funding for wetlands. Encourage Government focal points to consider opportunities to mobilise different types of finance to meet the objectives of the Convention on Wetlands, through building awareness of different mechanisms and facilitating open discussion among actors on the opportunities and challenges. Outcomes could also include recommendations and guidance to Parties on available mechanisms and actions.