The Global Wetland Outlook

Approximately 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970-2015 with annual rates of loss accelerating from 2000, according to the first-ever Global Wetland Outlook.

Wetlands are critical to human and planet life. More than one billion people depend on them for a living and 40 per cent of the world’s species live and breed in wetlands. They are a vital source for food, raw materials, genetic resources for medicines, and hydropower; they mitigate floods, protect coastlines and build community resilience to disasters, and they play an important role in transport, tourism and the cultural and spiritual well-being of people.

The Global Wetland Outlook, provides an overview of the status of wetlands, pressures, and trends around the world, and highlights the measures that Contracting Parties are taking to reverse the ongoing decline in the area and quality of wetlands.

Access the Global Wetland Outlook here.