WETLANDS: NATURE’S SILENT GUARDIANS

Wetlands are vital guardians of life on Earth, storing carbon, fostering biodiversity and protecting coastlines. From bird-filled marshes to carbon-rich swamps, these ecosystems regulate water cycles, support climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Yet, they are disappearing rapidly due to urbanization, agriculture and climate change. In the past half-century, more than a third of wetlands have been lost threatening both nature and cultural heritage.

As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Zimbabwe will be a pivotal moment for wetland conservation.

The rapid degradation of wetlands demands stronger commitments and decisive action. At COP15, CIFOR-ICRAF will bring leading research and expertise to the table, highlighting the role of wetlands in climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Join our experts in Zimbabwe or online to hear the latest on wetlands at COP15.