RAMSAR COP 14 : Acting for wetlands is acting for humanity and nature

12 Jan 2023 by The Water Diplomat

"Acting for wetlands is acting for humanity and nature" was the theme of the Ramsar Convention COP 14 which took place in Geneva from 5 to 13 November 2022, with 146 Contracting Parties and 55 observer organisations present. As a result, 21 resolutions were adopted, which will be implemented over the next three years. Amongst others, a resolution was passed on the potential of wetlands as nature-based solutions, as well as in ecosystem-based approaches for climate change adaptation and mitigation.  Secondly, representatives adopted a resolution on integrating actions "for wetland conservation, restoration, sustainable management and wise use into sustainable development strategies. These include national biodiversity protection and restoration programmes under the Convention on Biological Diversity as well as Nationally Determined Contributions submitted under the UNFCCC to address climate change. Similarly, on the theme of integrated approaches, the caucus resolved to "strengthen cooperation with related multilateral organisations and agreements such as the UNFCCC, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Convention on Biological Diversity".

Furthermore, an important resolution was passed recognising the importance of mangroves and blue carbon ecosystems and the principle of establishing an International Mangrove Centre, and the Global Strategic Framework for Wetland Conservation 2025-2030 was adopted.

The Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Ms Musonda Mumba was pleased with the outcome, stating that "COP14 has shown that Parties and partners are deeply committed to the protection and restoration of wetlands, our most precious ecosystem to address this triple global crisis. With 21 resolutions adopted, the Convention has a strong mandate to improve the conservation, restoration and wise use of wetlands over the next triennium. This means extending its all-important work to youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, the scientific community and civil society, as well as linking the various global multilateral processes for climate, biodiversity and sustainable development for all.