Side event details

This side event will celebrate and pay homage to the intergenerational knowledge and leadership of Indigenous Peoples in wetlands conservation, resilience building, and climate justice internationally. It will also highlight how traditional African knowledge and practices can complement modern
conservation sciences to restore and protect wetlands. It will begin with an
opening remark by Dayana Blanco Quiroga. Thereafter, a case study on how
Indigenous ecological practices are shaping wetland restoration in Africa
delivered by Bismark Oppong.
A dynamic panel discussion will bring together five speakers representing
government, youth, community, and policy perspectives, facilitating
cross-regional dialogue. The session will include a live Q&A to deepen
engagement and collective learning. To conclude, attendees will be invited to
participate in a Call to Action wall to share personal or institutional pledges
to centre Indigenous knowledge and communities in wetland protection
efforts.
Envisaged Outcomes:
● Strengthened global recognition of Indigenous Peoples as knowledge
holders and rights-holders in wetland governance.
● Policy and practice recommendations for integrating Indigenous
knowledge into wetland strategies.
● Intergenerational and cross-cultural solidarity among youth,
communities, and institutions.
● Collection of tangible pledges through the Call to Action Wall,
supporting Indigenous-led conservation.
Relevance to COP15 Discussions:
The event supports COP15’s focus on inclusive wetland restoration and
community-centred governance by showcasing how Indigenous knowledge
advances Ramsar’s Strategic Plan and the Global Biodiversity Framework. It
also responds to calls for Indigenous Peoples’ full and effective participation
and the integration of their rights and knowledge systems into environmental
policy, whilst celebrating their contributions.