Side event details

This side event will focus on the critical relationship between dolphin conservation and the health of wetland ecosystems. Dolphins, as indicator species, provide vital information about the ecological status of marine, freshwater, and estuarine environments. The event will highlight the importance of protecting these key species as a means to preserve the health and biodiversity of wetland ecosystems, which in turn offer essential ecosystem services such as water purification, climate regulation, and habitat for diverse species. 

The event will address the challenges and opportunities for dolphin conservation in different wetland ecosystems, ranging from freshwater dolphins like the Yangtze River finless porpoise to estuarine species like the Chinese white dolphin and dolphins in Latin America. Additionally, it will explore how dolphin protection efforts can complement wetland restoration, contributing to global biodiversity and sustainable development goals, the rôle of Ramsar sites in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and how the work with dolphins has allowed the formulation and implementation of management actions and a health assessment approach, remarking its importance in defining the health status of Ramsar sites 

The event will also explore the role of new technologies and traditional knowledge in strengthening conservation efforts. By combining advanced tools such as satellite tracking and environmental DNA with indigenous knowledge, we can improve the management and protection of both dolphins and their wetland habitats, through fishing agreements within local communities, sustainable ecotourism, and the restoration of flood forests. The health assessment of these cetaceans in several countries will also be discussed, along with their importance in defining the health status of wetlands 

Expected Outcomes: 

• Increased awareness of the interdependence between dolphin conservation and wetland ecosystem health, and the critical role dolphins play in signaling the health of these ecosystems. 

• A deeper understanding of the challenges facing dolphin populations in different regions and the opportunities for cross-border and regional collaboration. 

• A discussion on innovative ways new technologies and traditional knowledge can be integrated to improve conservation outcomes. 

• Policy recommendations and calls for action to protect dolphins and their habitats under international agreements such as the Ramsar Convention. 

• Presentation of case studies showing how Ramsar sites have played a crucial role in the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. 

Relevance to COP15 Discussions: 

This side event aligns with the core objectives of COP15, particularly in discussions on the protection and sustainable use of wetlands, biodiversity conservation, and the role of ecosystem-based approaches in addressing environmental challenges. By focusing on dolphin conservation within wetland ecosystems, we are directly contributing to discussions on enhancing the implementation of the Ramsar Convention, promoting cross-border cooperation, and advancing the integration of traditional knowledge into global conservation efforts. 

Additionally, this event supports the progress of SC64 Doc.29.10 Rev.1, the proposed draft resolution on the recognition of river dolphins as key species for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in South America and Asia. By highlighting the critical role of river dolphins in wetland health and conservation, the event strengthens the case for their inclusion in future global conservation frameworks and the need for dedicated actions under the Ramsar Convention. 

Agenda: 

Introduction and Context (5 minutes): 

• Brief presentation on the importance of dolphin and wetland conservation. 

• Presentation of the proposed resolution and its relevance to COP15. 

Case Study 1: South America (15 minutes): 

• Presentation on the role of Ramsar sites in the conservation of river dolphins in South America. 

• Topics to address: 

• Examples of successful actions such as fishing agreements with local communities, sustainable ecotourism, and floodplain forest restoration. 

• Presentation of the importance of Ramsar sites for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity in large river basins such as the Amazon and Orinoco, which host significant human populations and diverse endangered dolphin species. 

• Assessment of river dolphin health and its relevance in determining the ecological health of rivers in these regions. 

Case Study 2: Asia (15 minutes): 

• Presentation on river dolphin conservation efforts in Asia, specifically in large river basins such as the Yangtze, Ganges, and Mekong. 

• Topics to address: 

• Conservation of endangered river dolphin species, such as the Yangtze finless porpoise and other dolphins in Asia, within Ramsar sites. 

• Integration of new technologies, such as satellite tracking and environmental DNA, with traditional knowledge to enhance conservation management. 

• How dolphin protection can complement wetland restoration efforts, contributing to Global Biodiversity Goals and Sustainable Development. 

• The role of cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange in the conservation of river dolphins and their habitats in Asia. 

Discussion with the Audience (20 minutes): 

• Space for questions and answers on strategies for the conservation and monitoring of aquatic biodiversity in Ramsar sites. 

• Exchange of ideas on how to strengthen cross-border cooperation and the integration of traditional knowledge in conservation. 

Conclusion (5 minutes): 

• Summary of the key points addressed during the event. 

• Call to action and policy recommendations for the protection of dolphins and their habitats.