Side event details

The G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI), hosted by UNCCD, promotes legislative action for sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration. The Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (GCAP), co-organized with the UN System Staff College (UNSSC), equips sitting MPs to advocate for sustainable land management and climate action.

Wetlands, essential for biodiversity, climate regulation, and water purification, face increasing threats from land degradation, pollution, and climate change. Strong legislative frameworks are needed to protect and restore these critical ecosystems. As the world gathers for Ramsar COP15, parliamentary leadership will be vital in translating global commitments into national legislation.

Proposed Side Event: Panel Discussion (60 minutes)

Title: Enhancing Wetland Governance Through Parliamentary Leadership

Description:This panel discussion will gather parliamentarians from the GCAP programme to discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes in wetland conservation. It will focus on legislative frameworks, case studies, and policy innovation to strengthen wetland governance. Parliamentarians will share strategies to address wetland degradation and promote sustainable management.

Envisaged Outcomes:

Awareness of best practices in wetland governance.

Identification of policy gaps and opportunities for innovation.

Recommendations for integrating wetland conservation into broader frameworks.

Relevance to COP15 Discussions

This side event addresses COP15 objectives by tackling legal barriers to wetland conservation, promoting sustainable land use, and enhancing biodiversity protection. It provides a platform for governance innovation and collaboration.

Panel Discussion Moderators & Speakers

Moderator: Apoorva Bose (UNSSC)

Panelists: 

Hon. Hamida Ali Kibwana (Kenya, GCAP 2023 Cohort)
Hon. Abdoulie Njai (Gambia, GCAP 2024 Cohort)
Hon. Roseby Gadama (Malawi, GCAP 2024 Cohort)

Programme Structure (60 minutes) 

Opening Remarks (5 minutes): Welcome and session framing.

Panel Discussion (40 minutes): Sharing insights, challenges, and recommendations.

Audience Q&A (15 minutes): Interactive engagement.