Side event details

The Convention on Wetlands plays a crucial role in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands globally. However, achieving its objectives requires substantial resources and innovative financing mechanisms. This high-level side event will explore how private sector investments and different types of financial mechanisms can contribute to wetland protection, restoration, and sustainable management, as well as how Parties can better leverage existing institutional opportunities, such as the GEF. By showcasing successful case studies and fostering dialogue between stakeholders, this event aims to catalyze action and partnerships for enhanced engagement of key actors such as development banks, financial institutions and private sector in wetland conservation.


Objective:
Use the findings of the Global Wetland Outlook and the foreseen adoption of the new Strategic Plan as a moment to raise ambition and drive access to a whole new level of funding for wetlands. Encourage Government focal points to consider opportunities to mobilise different types of finance to implement the Convention on Wetlands, through building awareness of different mechanisms and facilitating open discussion among actors on the opportunities and challenges. Outcomes will be compiled by IOPs and disseminated after COP15, including recommendations on how to access different types of finance for wetlands as well as highlighting opportunities for IOP support and other relevant materials.

Moderator: Martin Harper - CEO, BirdLife International

-  Opening remarks – what the Global Wetland Outlook tells us: Dr Evelyn Ndlovu - Zimbabwe Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife

- The Global Biodiversity Finance Gap: Astrid Schomaker - Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity

- Mobilizing Capital for Wetland Conservation through the GEF: Tasila Banda, Senior Biodiversity Specialist, Global Environment Facility

- Panel Discussion: Case study presentations and moderated discussion on the challenges and opportunities of mobilising different types of finance for wetlands 

• Creating blended finance instruments for wetlands to de-risk capital and unlock commercial capital: The Mangrove Breakthrough - Lorena Alvarado Quezada, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico
• Mainstreaming wetlands into national policy and legislative frameworks to secure long-term investments and access alternative public finance - Jean Herve Mve Beh, Directeur Général des Ecosystèmes Aquatiques, Gabon
• Designing investable wetland projects: how public-private partnerships can unlock investments in wetlands: The Regional Flyway Initiative - Duncan Lang, Senior Environment Specialist, Asian Development Bank
• Facilitating corporate wetland stewardship: how wetlands can provide a return on investment & how IOPs can support Parties in exploring innovative finance for delivering their Convention commitments - James Dalton, Director of the Global Water Programme, IUCN

- Moderated Q&A (10 mins)

- Closing Remarks and Call to Action: Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands