COP16: Global coalition urges bold action to protect water, wetlands

October 25, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

More than 140 organisations and experts have jointly called on governments to prioritise water and wetlands in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework and decisions at the UN Biodiversity COP16.

The joint letter, initiated by Wetlands International, WWF, WWT, IUCN, BirdLife, and IWMI, urges governments to put water and wetlands at the heart of GBF implementation globally and nationally.

The letter outlines seven priorities for Governments to act on at COP16.

The letter emphasizes the critical role wetlands play in biodiversity, climate mitigation, and adaptation.

Wetlands cover 6% of the Earth’s surface but are home to 40% of all known plant and animal species.

The call to action comes on Forests and Water Day at COP16, stressing the need for bolder action to harness the power of wetlands to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Two years ago, the Global Biodiversity Framework elevated inland water ecosystems to the same level as land and oceans, and today’s letter seeks to build on this momentum.

Signatories are pushing for dedicated finance, bold national targets, and action plans for wetland restoration and protection, as well as addressing drivers of wetland loss and investing in urban wetlands.

They also seek to strengthen synergies with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and other UN agreements.