Side event details

This high-level side event at COP15 brings together global leaders, technical experts, and city representatives to showcase the power of wetlands in transforming urban landscapes into resilient, livable, and sustainable spaces. The event will spotlight the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme, an initiative under the Ramsar Convention that recognizes cities making exceptional efforts to protect, sustainably manage, and integrate wetlands into urban planning. 

Featuring contributions from Japan, Korea, South Africa, and China, the session will highlight diverse experiences and success stories of cities and communities that have prioritized wetland conservation. It will also promote key tools like the Wetland City Network to build local capacity, foster international recognition, and attract investment for urban wetland management. 

Key highlights include: 

• Reflections from Nagoya City on its conservation efforts. 

• Insights into post-accreditation strategies from globally recognized Wetland Cities across Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

• A focus on communication, education, and the power of local leadership and civic engagement in wetland conservation. 

This dynamic session aims to educate, inspire, and mobilize cities around the world to join the Wetland City movement and protect wetlands for people and the planet. 

Agenda:

Opening Remarks & Welcome

Welcome address and framing of the session's relevance to COP15 and the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme

Keynote – The Value of the Wetland City Network (RRC-EA)

Overview of the Wetland City Network and its global role in scaling urban wetland protection and international cooperation

Accreditation of Nagoya City as a Ramsar Wetland City

Reflections from Nagoya City on its wetland conservation efforts

Global Success Stories: Wetland City Accreditation in Action

Short presentations from cities showcasing post-accreditation actions, civic engagement, and ecological restoration efforts.

Post-wetland City Era

Short presentation on Wetland Conservation and Management in the Post-Wetland City Era (Nanjing University)

Case study from China

Short presentation (Representative of National Innovation Alliance for Urban Wetland Protection and Development)

Closing remarks

Summary reflections and thank you from