Question to our Members
Ms. Tomoko Ichikawa Ministry of the Environment Japan
Mr. Jan-Petter Hubert-Hansen Norwegian Environment Agency - Norway
Wetlands International has led the Asian Waterbird Census and the Waterbird Population Estimates that are indispensable for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats, providing crucial scientific data that can prove the importance of many wetlands that meet Ramsar criteria. We trust that Wetlands International continues to take the lead in wetland conservation by involving more stakeholders in many countries.
I’ve always seen Wetlands International as a kind of supplement to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, but with a less formal and more flexible approach, making it easier to realise certain projects on the ground. More countries need to become members of Wetlands International, which could make it easier to cooperate regionally on selected wetland topics under a Wetlands International umbrella, while also meeting the obligations of the Ramsar Convention. Norway therefore strongly urges other countries to become Wetlands International members!
Through the years, Wetlands International has done an admirable job putting crucial wetland issues on the agenda. In light of the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and climate change, Wetlands International’s efforts need to be increased and strengthened. For the coming years, I believe that a very good basis for more fruitful, efficient and strengthened collaboration with the Parties of the Ramsar Convention and the Members of Wetland International is in place already, namely the Wetlands International’s Strategic Intent 2020-2030, Scaling up the Power of Wetlands.
In 2021, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands celebrates its 50th anniversary. What is the key role Wetlands International has played in the past 50 year of the Ramsar Convention and how can we collaborate more effectively with the parties over the next 50 years?
Black-faced spoonbills wading in the coastal wetlands of Japan.
Norway has a wide variety of wetland types, and designated Ramsar sites such as the inland delta of Nordre Øyeren.
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Wetlands International Annual Review 2020
Wetlands International Annual Review 2020
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