Daily report for 27 July 2025

Under the able facilitation of COP15 Alternate President Tadeous Chifamba (Zimbabwe), delegates completed initial review of nearly all the remaining draft resolutions and adopted, without amendment, three consolidated resolutions on water management, inventories, and wetland values and services.

Plenary

During morning and afternoon plenary sessions, COP15 Alternate President Chifamba, asked for updates on the status of contact groups and the Finance Committee.

Consideration of Draft Resolutions

COP15 Alternate President Chifamba exhorted parties to be brief in their statements, requested approval to cap the list of requested speakers, and invited those not given the floor to provide written comments.

Achieving equitable governance and effective conservation of wetlands as protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs): The UK presented the document (COP15 Doc.23.18), noting it was developed in partnership with Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The draft resolution was broadly supported, with many highlighting alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly Target 3 (conserve 30% of land and sea areas by 2030), and the flexibility afforded by the OECM approach.

Denmark, on behalf of the EU, with the PHILIPPINES and others, emphasized defining OECMs under the Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). INDONESIA highlighted enhanced reporting efficiency, including through the World Database on Protected Areas and World Database on OECMs. BRAZIL said protected areas should be prioritized, in line with other CBD decisions. SOUTH AFRICA emphasized OECMs as complementary to, not a replacement for, protection of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites).

Zimbabwe, on behalf of AFRICA, said identification of additional protected areas should be adapted to national circumstances and priorities and, with UAE, THAILAND, BANGLADESH, and others, emphasized resource mobilization and access to finance. CHILE, CHINA, VENEZUELA, and others described national legislation examples and community engagement efforts and needs.

MOROCCO emphasized adaptive management tools and stakeholder engagement in national plans. VANUATU said OECMs are living systems under their country’s traditional governance system and the heart of environmental stewardship. The CBD emphasized a holistic approach to wetland conservation, effective management of OECMs, and inclusion of wetlands in national planning.

Strengthening national actions for the conservation and restoration of waterbird flyways: China presented the document (COP 15 Doc.23.16), which was supported by CAMBODIA, MALAWI, SRI LANKA, the DOMINCAN REPUBLIC, Hungary, on behalf of the EU, and many others. The EU urged the Secretariat to engage with existing flyway initiatives to identify gaps and opportunities, and recommended integrating flyway-related actions into the fifth Strategic Plan. SOUTH AFRICA and INDONESIA emphasized support for capacity- and resource-limited parties. The EAST ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN FLYWAY PARTNERSHIP called for continued emphasis on the context of flyway site networks and action. The CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES (CMS) highlighted national collaboration. BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL encouraged parties to engage with existing flyway work and capacity-building tools under other conventions.

Implementing the institutional strengthening of the Convention on Wetlands: Tshikonelo Stanley Tshitwamulomoni (South Africa), Co-Chair, Working Group on Institutional Strengthening, introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.9), noting the lack of a funding mechanism for the Convention. Countries were generally supportive but divided on establishing a new working group on resource mobilization, including a dedicated trust fund.

Zimbabwe, for AFRICA, along with MEXICO, INDONESIA, BRAZIL, VENEZUELA, IRAN, PAKISTAN, HONDURAS, and others supported a new working group. AFRICA requested adding terms of reference, including to produce a resource mobilization strategy. INDONESIA suggested identifying strategic action for Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs) in training and technical assistance, and ensuring inclusive engagements with Indigenous Peoples’ groups. BRAZIL noted that the Convention’s existing financial structure dates to 1971, which underlies its inherent limitations, and drew attention to the recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion reflecting on common but differentiated responsibilities. He said the new working group should consider an open-ended range of options and that establishment of a trust fund should go hand in hand with examining the Convention’s indirect relationship with the Global Environment Facility.

Denmark, on behalf of the EU, CANADA, and AUSTRALIA opposed a new working group, along with JAPAN and NEW ZEALAND, said resource mobilization should be handled by existing structures. SWITZERLAND and CANADA maintained that a new working group falls outside the scope of the draft resolution. CANADA suggested instead a new working group to consider options within the Convention’s mandate on resource mobilization from all sources and consider similar elements across other resolutions to enhance coordination.

A Friends of the Chair group was created.

Recognition of river dolphins as key species for conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in South America and Asia: Colombia presented the document (COP15 Doc.23.21), which was supported by CHINA, VENEZUELA, ECUADOR, NEPAL, ARGENTINA, and others. INDIA, FIJI, BRAZIL, and ZIMBABWE highlighted interlinkages and opportunities to cooperate with the CMS. The CMS welcomed increased synergies with the Convention on Wetlands.

FIJI and WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE, supported national reporting on management and conservation actions for river dolphins, noting the Global Declaration for River Dolphins was non-binding and lacked a reporting mechanism.

France, on behalf of the EU, questioned including taxonomic specificity, saying it could lead to a proliferation of resolutions if additional species were added later. BANGLADESH emphasized regional cooperation and local community involvement. The UK underscored the importance of ensuring financing from all sources.

Promoting sustainable lifestyles for the wise use of wetlands: India introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.20), emphasizing that voluntary behavioral changes towards sustainable lifestyles help ensure efficient harvest of wetland products and create and promote a harmonious relationship between people and wetlands. Indonesia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Nepal, Thailand, Colombia, Wetlands International, on behalf of the INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION PARTNERs (IOPs), and others, supported the draft resolution. The Philippines, Australia, Brazil, Iran, Fiji, and Honduras welcomed the recognition that the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) play a critical role in promoting sustainable lifestyles for the wise use of wetlands.

Youth empowerment and integration: driving engagement in and the longevity of the Convention on Wetlands: Australia introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.19), noting that 81% of youth tasks have progressed and/or been completed and 52 youth focal points have been established globally.

Fiji, on behalf of OCEANIA, CHINA, COSTA RICA, the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC, Namibia, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, UK, and others, supported the draft resolution. YOUTH ENGAGED IN WETLANDS highlighted the attendance of more than 30 youth delegates at COP15, but lamented funding and resource challenges faced by youth focal points.

Promoting incorporation of new technology and traditional knowledge in wetland conservation, restoration, management and wise use: China introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.17), which was supported by JAMAICA, BURUNDI, SEYCHELLES, TANZANIA, and others. PANAMA emphasized experience-sharing to support the inclusion of traditional knowledge in conservation strategies. THAILAND stressed that use of new technologies for wetland conservation must align with local laws and regulations. The UK, JAPAN, and GERMANY said technology sharing must be voluntary and mutually agreed. BRAZIL called for strengthening youth involvement in monitoring and research.

Education and participation as a basis for the management of urban and peri-urban wetlands: Colombia introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.22), highlighting links to GBF Target 12 (on green and blue spaces for urban areas). AFRICA, the EU, and many others supported the draft resolution. Zambia, for AFRICA, suggested including targeted funding mechanisms for education and capacity building. The PHILIPPINES preferred generalizing references to ecosystem services rather than listing specific ones. CANADA requested aligning language on rightsholders with text of the Ramsar Convention or the CBD. RWANDA proposed linking the resolution with the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme. CAMBODIA encouraged stronger collaboration with RRIs. International Water Management, on behalf of the IOPs, invited parties to consider recognizing the role of IOPs in the resolution.

Strengthening action on culture and wetlands: Uganda introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.14). AUSTRALIA, underscored that “cultural values are not peripheral, they are foundational.” The PHILIPPINES, THAILAND, SOUTH AFRICA, and INDONESIA advocated for revitalizing the Ramsar Culture Network, while CANADA, voicing concerns about its nature and structure, requested further information and expressed preference for an informal network. Poland, on behalf of the EU, proposed establishing a working group on how to formalize work on culture and wetlands. THAILAND proposed an annex on details of the network. SOUTH AFRICA encouraged exploring mechanisms to support the Ramsar Culture Network. INDONESIA shared strong support for using the term IPLCs. SRI LANKA called for mainstreaming the resolution into national plans, especially national biodiversity strategies and action plans. BURKINA FASO requested specifying language on ecological integrity, customary practices, and the long-standing relationship between people and wetlands that increases sustainability. A Friends of the Chair group was established.

Assessing pressures on and risks to wetlands: The Republic of Korea presented the document (COP15 Doc.23.23), which included an overview of the Wetland Vulnerability Assessment Tool (WETVAT). The PHILIPPINES, NAMIBIA, Denmark, on behalf of the EU, and others supported the draft resolution and voluntary use of WETVAT.

INDONESIA said WETVAT should complement, rather than complicate, reporting, to avoid undue burden on contracting parties. NEPAL requested support in technical capacity building in implementing the draft resolution. The FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGNIZATION OF THE UN supported the incorporation of technology into national assessments of pressures and risks to wetlands to enhance data accuracy.

Status of Sites in the List of Wetlands of International Importance: The Secretariat presented the document (COP15 Doc.23.7). ZIMBABWE emphasized periodical updating to accurately reflect the conservation status of Ramsar Sites. Sweden, on behalf of the EU, suggested distinguishing Ramsar Sites that lack essential data from those that lack updates. ALGERIA proposed adding other assessments to provide a clearer status of Ramsar Sites.

Communication, capacity building, education, participation and awareness (CEPA): The Secretariat introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.6). THAILAND, SEYCHELLES, UK, LAO PDR, ZIMBABWE, and others supported the draft resolution. The PHILIPPINES supported continued reporting and monitoring of the CEPA Programme by the CEPA Oversight panel at national and international levels, and advising the Standing Committee and Secretariat on work priorities. Germany, on behalf of EU, opposed, stating this places an excessive workload on the panel and preferred that reporting and monitoring focus on key priorities. AUSTRALIA noted the CEPA action plan in Annex 1 will enhance the Handbook on Wetland CEPA for practitioners. CANADA pointed out gaps in Annex 2, particularly on the lack of guidance for selection of panel members. BRAZIL urged inclusion of local community representatives in the panel alongside Indigenous Peoples.

RRIs 2025-2028: The Secretariat introduced the document (COP15 Doc.23.5). Türkiye highlighted  inclusion of the global budget for Mediterranean Wetlands Ramsar Regional Initiative (MedWet) in Annex 1. New Zealand requested the Secretariat explore proposals for developing an RRI in Oceania. Germany, on behalf of the EU, stressed that the budget consists only of voluntary contributions.

Consolidation of Existing Resolutions: The Secretariat outlined the process for review of the proposed consolidated resolutions. Contracting parties adopted without amendment the consolidated resolutions on:  water, water-related and water-management-related matters (COP15 Doc.22.2); inventories (COP15 Doc.22.3); and assessment of wetland values and services (COP15 Doc.22.1).

In the Corridors

“Fasten your seatbelts.” At the start of plenary, COP15 Alternate President Chifamba primed delegates for a busy workday. In the afternoon, he pleaded with delegates to keep comments succinct, saying, “We still have a mountain to climb.” His warning and light-hearted nudging, along with limits placed on interventions, did the trick. By day’s end, delegates had completed review of 13 resolutions and adopted the three consolidated draft resolutions. A few grumbles were heard in plenary and outside the hall, but most appreciated his approach.

One topic of discussion was the status of progress on the fifth Strategic Plan, and the limited amount of time scheduled for informal discussions. One participant observed, “Given the amount of text still in brackets, it’s possible the group could spend from now until the end of COP15 and still not reach consensus.” Another questioned whether a Plan B to simply keep the fourth Strategic Plan in place for now might be a better alternative. The results of contact groups working into the night would help shed light on how much strategic guidance COP15 will be able to provide for the next triennium.