Side event details

Nature-based Solutions: a fruitful strategy for wetland conservation and sustainable development in national and transboundary basins
Room
Matetsi
Day and time
28.07.2025 18:30
Lead organization
o International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO). o Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought (UNCCD). o Fundación Kennedy para la conservación de Humedales
Partner organization(s)
o United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) o Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) o Sustainable Urban Development Center of Chile (CEDEUS) / Senate of Chile
Details

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that underpin water security, climate resilience, and biodiversity. Yet, they face mounting threats from climate change, overexploitation, and unsustainable development—especially in transboundary, dry, and semi-arid regions. This side-event will highlight Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as a strategic, no-regret approach to conserve and restore wetlands at the scale of the hydrographic basins of lakes, rivers and associated aquifers. Drawing from global best practices, this event will explore how coordinated basin-wide and cross-border strategies can enhance ecosystem services, mitigate climate impacts, and foster socio-economic benefits.

The session will showcase successful policy frameworks, community-driven projects, and innovative restoration efforts, with a focus on basins. It will also spotlight the importance of integrating NbS into territorial planning and water governance, in line with global agendas such as the SDGs, the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, Land Degradation Neutrality and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Emphasis will be placed on mobilizing resources, strengthening policy alignment, and encouraging multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral partnerships—including governments, local communities, indigenous groups, and the private sector—to build resilient, sustainable wetland ecosystems.

Program

Introduction (5 min)

  • Ms. Cathrine Mutambirwa, Programme Coordinator, LDN and Land Restoration at Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought (UNCCD)

Moderation (5 min)

  • Mr. Edouard Boinet, Head of project for international cooperation, International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO)

Keynote speech (10 min)

  • Mr. Julien Favier, Associate Environmental Affairs Officer, UNECE Water Convention Secretariat

Panel (20 min)

  • Mr. Felix Ngamlagosi, Executive Secretary, Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM)
  • Ms Nalucha Nganga Ziba, Country Director, WWF Zambia
  • Ms. Paulina Stowhas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chile

Questions & answers (15 min)

Conclusion (5 min)

  • Mr. Arturo Brandt, Member of the board, Fundación Kennedy, Chile