The IUCN is calling for decisive action to protect, restore and ensure the wise use of wetlands, as about a quarter of freshwater fauna species are threatened with extinction.
The call was made at day one of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), on Thursday, 24 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, said wetlands continue to be among the most imperilled ecosystems on Earth.
“Wetlands are no longer invisible in global agendas. There is growing recognition that they are essential to addressing today’s most urgent challenges – climate change, biodiversity loss, water insecurity and disaster risk. And more than that—they are our life support systems. By protecting the wetlands, we ensure the continuation of human development, regional peace and planetary stability.”
Representatives of the Ramsar Contracting Parties are expected to adopt the Convention on Wetlands 5th Strategic Plan, which will guide the Convention for the next decade.
There is already a report – the Global Wetland Outlook 2025, guiding discussions at the COP15.
The report presents the most comprehensive assessment of the state of wetlands worldwide, highlighting the widespread disappearance of millions of hectares of wetlands due to land-use changes since the 1970s.
In line with the ambitious financial targets adopted by the three United Nations Rio Conventions (on biodiversity, climate change and desertification), the report has recommended increased financial resources be mobilised for wetland conservation, restoration and their wise use.
Picture of Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, delivering her opening statement at the Ramsar COP15.