Side event details

Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems worldwide, providing critical services such as water purification, biodiversity support, carbon sequestration, and flood control. However, they continue to be degraded and lost at an alarming rate due to urban expansion, agricultural conversion, and climate change. Recognizing the need for effective monitoring and management, the Ramsar Convention calls for Contracting Parties to develop and maintain National Wetland Inventories (NWIs). Data and information on wetland extent, condition, and changes over time is critical to inform the necessary actions by governments and other actors to protect, sustainably use and potentially restore wetlands. These benefits and services provided by wetlands are essential in achieving international goals and targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as well as the Paris Agreement. 

Objective  

The main objective of the side event is to create awareness on National Wetlands Inventories (NWIs) and their value for policy and management decisions. The event will offer a platform for all stakeholders to discuss and exchange information regarding the current status, benefits, uses, limitations as well as suitable methodological approaches of NWI development, implementation and updating in their respective countries and regions.  It will showcase challenges and opportunities in NWIs across the globe from four regions (Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe) and will involve three Ramsar Regional Initiatives (SARRI, RAMCEA and MedWet). Lastly, it will enhance the understanding of Earth Observation (EO) technologies for wetlands monitoring.  

Proposed Sessions of the event/ potential speakers 

• Welcoming remarks by Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands (3min) 

• Welcome/Introduction: Importance of NWI (5-7min) 

• Access to data: Digital Tools in Africa (5-7 min) 

• Lessons learned from countries: 

1. Africa (Uganda) (5-7min) 

2. Europe (France) (5-7 min) 

3. Asia (Haryana, India) (5-7 min) 

4. Americas or another case from Africa (South Africa) (5-7 min) 

•  Discussions with participants (15min) 

             Proposed Moderators: Zambia and Germany?  

              Closing remarks: German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation?  

Expected Impact and Follow-Up  

• Capacity Building: Increased awareness on the importance and possibilities of NWIs, how to develop, implement and update an NWI and which guidance documents to consult 

• Identification of possible synergies and opportunities for exchange and networking with regard to the development and updating of NWIs 

• Contribution to the implementation of the Strategic Plan and support of the national wetland inventories support mechanism