Wetlands International (WI)

Wetlands International (WI) is a vital global organisation that plays a crucial role in safeguarding wetlands worldwide. Its wide-ranging works have made significant contributions to the conservation of wetlands as well as biodiversity. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Wetlands International (WI), its objectives, functions, key areas of work and other related aspects.

About Wetlands International (WI)

• Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to restore and sustain wetlands and their resources for biodiversity and people.
• It is an independent, non-profit, global organisation supported by Government and NGO members from around the world.
• Primarily based in the developing world, it has 20 regional, national or project offices in all continents.
• Its head office is located in Ede, the Netherlands.

Evolution & Establishment of Wetlands International

• It was founded in 1937 as the International Wildfowl Inquiry, which was focused on the protection of waterbirds.
• Later, the name became the International Waterfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB), and its scope also became wider to include the protection of wetlands along with the protection of waterbirds.
• Later, organisations with similar objectives emerged in the Americas and Asia, such as:
  • Asian Wetland Bureau (AWB) (initiated as INTERWADER in 1983), and
  • Wetlands for the Americas (WA) (initiated in 1989).
• In 1991, the three organisations started working closely together.
• In 1995, the working relation developed into a global organisation, which came to be known as the Wetlands International.

Objectives & Functions of Wetlands International

• It works in many thematic areas throughout the world, including the links between peatlands and climate change, as well as wetlands and waterbird migration, based on extensive research as well as field projects.
• It coordinates the International Waterbird Census, a large-scale citizen science project with decades of data.
• The NGO works in over 100 countries and at different scales to tackle problems affecting wetlands.
• With the support of dozens of Governmental, NGO and corporate donors and partners, it supports about 80 projects.
• Its work ranges from research and community-based field projects to advocacy and engagement with Governments, corporate and international policy fora and conventions.
• It works through partnerships and is supported by contributions from an extensive specialist expert network and thousands of volunteers.

What are Wetlands? – Wetlands refers to an area where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. – They occur in the areas where the water table is at or near the surface of the land or where the land is submerged under water. – Once treated as seral stages in succession or transitional habitats from open water to land, they are now recognised as distinct ecosystems with unique and specific ecological characteristics, functions and values. Read our detailed article on Wetlands.

Wetlands International’s Key Areas of Work

Wetlands International’s areas of work are designed to address the multifaceted challenges facing wetland ecosystems. Some of its key areas of work include the following:

Wetlands

• Wetlands International undertakes projects to restore degraded wetlands.
• This includes rewetting drained peatlands, removing invasive species, and rehabilitating natural water flows.
  • Restoration aims to revive the ecological functions of wetlands, enhance biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services.
• The organisation’s wetlands work also includes protecting and conserving coastal wetlands such as mangrove forests and coral reefs.

Biodiversity Conservation

• The organisation focuses on protecting wetland biodiversity, including endangered species and migratory birds.
• Efforts in this area include habitat protection, species monitoring, and implementing conservation strategies to ensure the survival of key wetland-dependent species.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

• It addresses the impact of climate change on wetlands.
• This involves promoting the role of wetlands as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change and developing strategies to help wetlands adapt to changing climatic conditions.
• This work includes protecting and restoring mangroves, peatlands, and other crucial wetland types that contribute to climate regulation.

Water Management

• Effective water management is essential for wetland conservation.
• Accordingly, it works to improve water governance and management practices to ensure sustainable water flow and quality.
• This includes advocating for integrated water resource management and promoting practices that balance human needs with ecological health.

Policy and Advocacy

• The organisation engages in advocacy to influence wetland-related policies at local, national, and international levels.
• This includes participating in global forums such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and working with governments and institutions to integrate wetland conservation into broader environmental and development policies.

Research and Monitoring

• Wetlands International conducts research to understand wetland ecosystems, their biodiversity, and the services they provide.
• This includes collecting and analysing data on wetland health, species populations, and ecological processes.
• Research findings are used to inform conservation strategies and policy recommendations.

Community Engagement and Education

• The organisation works with local communities to promote the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands.
• This involves raising awareness about the importance of wetlands, building local capacity for conservation, and involving communities in restoration and management efforts.

Capacity Building

• Wetlands International supports the development of skills and knowledge among partners and stakeholders involved in wetland conservation.
• This includes training programs, workshops, and the dissemination of best practices for wetland management and restoration.

Global Campaigns

• The organisation conducts global campaigns to highlight the importance of wetlands and drive international action.
• These campaigns often focus on critical issues such as wetland loss, climate change, and the need for effective conservation measures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wetlands International (WI) is a global leader in wetland conservation and restoration. Its work is essential for safeguarding these vital ecosystems and ensuring their continued benefits for people and nature.