The Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the Convention on Wetlands has released a critical Technical Report that emphasizes the importance of wetlands in achieving the goals set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF). This report, a high priority task of the STRP work plan for 2023-2025, provides comprehensive guidance on integrating wetlands into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) to enhance biodiversity and halt the loss and degradation of these vital ecosystems.

Key highlights:

  1. The report outlines strategic actions for incorporating wetlands into NBSAPs, crucial for boosting biodiversity and achieving the KM-GBF goals.
  2. Wetlands are highlighted as essential for delivering multiple goals and targets of the KM-GBF due to their roles in carbon storage, water purification, and as buffers against natural disasters.
  3. The report includes detailed guidance for achieving each of the 23 targets of the KM-GBF by 2030, supported by case studies and strategic recommendations.
  4. Emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and stakeholder engagement in wetland conservation efforts.
  5. Wetlands cover only about 6% of the Earth’s surface but support 40% of all known plant and animal species. Despite their significance, over 3 million km² of wetland ecosystems have been lost since 1700. The report underscores the urgent need for targeted and effective conservation efforts to reverse this trend.

The Technical Report provides actionable steps for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to integrate wetlands into NBSAPs, including setting realistic and impactful conservation targets, improving data on wetlands, and addressing the drivers of wetland loss.

The STRP’s Technical Report is an essential resource for countries looking to enhance their biodiversity strategies and contribute to global conservation efforts. By prioritizing wetlands in NBSAPs, nations can significantly advance towards the KM-GBF’s vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.

For more detailed information and to access the full report, please visit Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.