Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity.
Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity.
We are an independent, not-for-profit, global organization, supported by government and NGO membership from around the world.
Wetlands International’s mission is “to sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity for future generations”.
What this mission means in our daily work.
This mission is the ‘umbrella’ for our activities. To give a brief example what this mission means for us:
We explore all kind activities to conserve wetland species with a focus on waterbirds and fish. Thousands of volunteers monitor millions of waterbirds annually. We collate and analyse this information to provide overviews of population trends and guidance for site designation to governments and wetland managers
.We work on the conservation of networks of sites that support migratory waterbirds (flyways), by checking their condition through regular monitoring programmes, raising awareness among the people living around these wetlands about their values and by enabling stakeholders and governments to conserve and manage them.
We also help people to conserve and restore wetlands for the services they provide – such as drinking water, fish, reeds for building material etc. We advise local organisations how to use their wetlands in a sustainable way and enable them to take action themselves. We inform their governments about the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and people and about ways to ensure their wise use.
We carry out research to elucidate and quantify the role of wetlands in water management. For example wetlands can play a role in water purification and in mitigating floods and droughts. We advise governments on how to integrate wetland management into water resource management programmes at the catchment or basin scale.
Our strategy
Wetlands International has adopted the following four long-term strategic global goals to provide direction to its future work:
Global Goal 1: Stakeholders and decision makers are well-informed about the status and trends of wetlands, their biodiversity and priorities for action
Global Goal 2: The functions and values of wetlands are recognised and integrated into sustainable development
Global Goal 3: Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands is achieved through integrated water resource management and coastal zone management
Global Goal 4: Large scale, strategic initiatives result in improved conservation status of species, habitats and ecological networks
How we work
Wetlands International is a science-based organisation. We provide ‘ tools’ and information to assist governments in the protection and restoration of wetlands. We try to influence relevant policies, conventions and treaties. Wetlands International is a source of best-informed opinion on key issues affecting wetlands and priority actions for their conservation and wise use, drawing on scientific analyses and its own experience in global and national conservation programmes.
Field projects
We conduct field projects to protect and restore specific wetlands, but also to use these as demonstration projects. In this way we show to governments and local people the importance of these areas and how they should be managed.
Some guidelines for our work
In carrying out our work through all our offices and with partners, Wetlands International maintains the following core values:
1. Its work is globally relevant
2. Its work is based on sound science
3. It works through partnerships and with a wide range sectors
4. It respects traditional values and knowledge
5. It works in a transparent and accountable way