Side event details

The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) was established in 2006 to support the effective conservation and protection of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage of outstanding universal value. One of the strategic objectives of the AWHF is to improve the management and conservation of World Heritage properties. A critical element of this strategic objective focuses on the preservation of wetlands within these sites, which is essential for the successful implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. There is a growing realization that integrating the Ramsar Convention and the World Heritage Convention stems from their complementary strengths in protecting and managing wetlands of international importance. It is important to recognize that wetlands and WHS face significant challenges, including climate change, extreme weather events, invasive species, inadequate management, and a lack of collaborative conservation efforts. These issues have prompted the establishment of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, both of which aim to promote the conservation and protection of these vital natural areas through international agreements. Wetlands within World Heritage Sites illustrate the profound interconnectedness of nature and culture, highlighting the necessity of preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
The hosting of COP 15 presents an opportunity for the AWHF to showcase initiatives led by the fund through a site event. In alignment with the compelling conference theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” the AWHF aims to highlight the critical importance of preserving wetlands within World Heritage Sites. In this context, the AWHF will effectively showcase its vital support for the implementation of the 1971 World Heritage Convention across Africa, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to this cause.
Objectives
To use the COP15 side event as a platform to:
 To strengthen the synergy between the Ramsar Convention and the World Heritage Convention to improve wetland conservation and management across Africa.
 To facilitate knowledge exchange among scientists, policymakers, conservationists, & local communities to improve wetland conservation practices within World Heritage sites.
 To Enhance Cooperation Between the World Heritage and Ramsar Conventions for Global Wetland Protection
Outcomes
 Increased realization of the need to integrate Ramsar, and World Heritage towards the conservation of wetlands.
 Improved and increased knowledge on how to improve wetland conservation practices within World Heritage sites.
 To achieve dual recognition, and cooperation between World Heritage and Ramsar Conventions for Global Wetland Protection

Draft Programme

Welcome & Opening remarks
-Background, key objectives of the Site event, & expected outcomes
-Presentation 1:Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Cooperation Between the World Heritage and Ramsar Conventions for Global Wetland Protection- AWHF
Case studies (3)
-Exploration of wetlands benefits/challenges at Isimangaliso Wetland Park South Africa, Okavango delta (Botswana)-Focal points
-Q&A and discussions
Moderators (DFFE-focal point)