UN Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia

Currently in Cali, Colombia, is the UN Biodiversity Conference. The significance of wetlands in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) is highlighted by a recent study conducted by 35% Ltd on behalf of Wetlands International. Following COP15, countries were asked to update their biodiversity strategies in accordance with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

The representation of wetlands in NBSAPs and the role they play

• Wetlands are critical ecosystems that offer benefits such as water quality protection, wildlife habitat, floodwater storage and surface water flow maintenance.
• Wetlands are home to 40% of the worlds biodiversity, and disappear faster than any other ecosystem.

Assessing Wetlands in NBSAPs

• Organisation: Wetlands International Title: Global analysis of NBSAPs and wetlands A report prepared for the Ramsar Secretariat, 196 countries assessed
• Countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania sent us most of their entries.

Key Findings

• 83% of NBSAPs directly refer to wetlands, inland waters or freshwater.
• Each of these terms appeared in 100% of submissions from Africa and Oceania.
• Wetlands were mentioned by >90% of European countries.

Wetlands in Key Targets

• 72% of plans detail actions to restore habitat and 50% protect wetlands.

Specific Wetland Types

• Of the 16 NBSAPs, specific references were made including Mangroves, Rivers, Lakes — Peatlands.

Need for Improvement

• Countries to Include Wetlands in National Biodiversity Targets
• Action on priority wetlands will also positively contribute to regional and global ecosystem health