FROM OUR CEO
Jane Madgwick, Chief Executive Officer, Wetlands International
2022 was a significant year for the world’s wetlands and we are starting to see broad recognition and increased investments in wetland conservation and restoration, as a central part of efforts to address the climate and biodiversity crises. Guided by our Strategic Intent, we continued to leverage the benefits of our local presence, technical expertise and partnerships, and connected this with influencing global dialogues, policies, and investments to accelerate the transformation of major wetland landscapes for resilience.
Receiving global recognition through the UN for leading one of the first, best ecological restoration programmes – in the mangrove coast of Demak, Indonesia – is testament to the ability of Wetlands International to design and curate complex, science-based landscape transformations through equally complex local and global partnerships and finance streams. Such initiatives are increasingly becoming global models and sources of inspiration. This example proved that it is possible to turn around even the most severe wetland degradation in just a few years, provided that the plan is based on a sound understanding of the causes and that a systems approach to restoration is taken and driven by all local stakeholders. Throughout 2022, we brought evidence, proposed science- based targets and showcased proven pathways for upscaling action for wetlands to the global policy fora of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the UN Climate Convention and Convention on Biological Diversity - to bring to the fore the role of freshwater and coastal wetlands as the critical water systems linking land and sea. The evident increased emphasis on wetlands - especially peatlands and mangroves - in the dialogues and commitments on climate mitigation and adaptation, and the inclusion of wetlands in the eventual Global Biodiversity Framework for 2030, are together an absolute triumph. Equally, the “Mangrove Breakthrough” that was announced by the UN High Level Climate Champions in 2022 will drive massive investment and mobilisation of state and non-state actors, was inspired and based on data from the Global Mangrove Watch that Wetlands International convened, as well as our work as part of the powerful Global Mangrove Alliance.
Start of the Blue Nile, Ethiopia
This shows the value of bringing together systems of actors to address global challenges – Wetlands International has an excellent track record and platform from which to convene actors in this way. The participation and dialogues in these global fora also pointed to some new opportunities, including the rapidly growing demand to better connect actions for climate and nature. Wetlands can be an excellent entry point for countries, companies, cities and citizens committed to nature and climate positive transitions, by virtue of their central role as carbon sinks, in capturing, storing and regulating water and nutrients and in adaptation to climate change. The report on achievements in 2022, put in the context of our longer-term goals, highlight that progress is not always linear and programmes need to be highly adaptive. We are grateful to be working closely in partnership with major donors who provide a long-term financial commitment to our ambitious goals and give good space for us to innovate in driving towards our ambitions. In addition to our major donors, I am grateful to our members, partners and supporters working tirelessly to safeguard and restore wetlands for people and
nature. We also invested in new staff functions and capacity development across our office network, laying a strong foundation for the work yet to be done. As I write this piece, I recently started my new role as the first Executive Director of the Global Commons Alliance - a growing, science-based coalition that aims to engage and equip companies, countries, cities and citizens so that they become effective stewards of the interconnected systems (water, nature, land, air and ocean) on which life depends upon. There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to avoid dangerous tipping points and instead secure an environmentally safe and socially equitable future for our planet. I believe that Wetlands International and its extensive set of collaborators and supporters, have an important role to play in this urgent transition and I am proud to continue my involvement as a Counsellor of Honour.
Jane Madgwick, CEO, Wetlands International
Thank you for your continued interest and active support.
Wetlands International Annual Review 2022
Wetlands International Annual Review 2022
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