Global Wetland Outlook: Special Edition 2021

The Global Wetland Outlook: Special Edition 2021 has been launched to mark the Ramsar Convention’s 50th anniversary.

Drawing on more than 30 major global and regional assessments and other recent scientific findings, the Global Wetland Outlook’s (GWO) headlines are that:

• Wetlands are being lost at alarming rates.
• Healthy wetlands are critical to meeting sustainable development goals.
• Wetlands are our most effective land-based ecosystem for addressing the climate crisis.

The GWO describes the pandemic and its implications; trends in wetlands since 2018; lessons for wetland use and protection; and how the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands can be leveraged to address challenges facing wetlands.

The purpose of the GWO is to increase understanding of the value of wetlands and provide recommendations to ensure that wetlands are conserved, wisely used and their benefits recognized and valued by all.

The full report and executive summary can be downloaded in English, French and Spanish here.