Wetlands International

Wetlands International is a global organisation that works to sustain and restore wetlands and their resources for people and biodiversity. We are an independent, not-for-profit, global organisation, supported by government and NGO membership from around the world.

Based mostly in the developing world, we have 20 regional, national or project offices in all continents and a head office in Ede, the Netherlands.

Tackling problems
We work in over 100 countries and at several, very different scales to tackle the most pressing problems affecting wetlands. With the support of dozens of governmental, NGO and corporate donors and partners, we support over 100 projects.

Our work ranges from research and community-based field projects to advocacy and engagement with governments, corporate and international policy fora and conventions. Wetlands International works through partnerships and is supported by contributions from an extensive specialist expert network and tens of thousands of volunteers.

Scientific expertise
Wetlands International works in many thematic areas throughout the world, but is the leading scientific expert on peatlands & climate change, as well as wetlands & waterbird migration, based on extensive research as well as field projects.

We have been working on wetland protection since 1954. After a merge of three regional organisations in 1995, Wetlands International was born.

In 1954 we were called the International Wildfowl Inquiry and we were focused on the protection of waterbirds. Later, our name became International Waterfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB). Our scope became wider; besides waterbirds, we were also working on the protection of wetland areas.

Then, organisations with similar objectives emerged in Asia and the Americas: the Asian Wetland Bureau (AWB) (initiated as INTERWADER in 1983) and Wetlands for the Americas (WA - initiated in 1989). In the year 1991 the three organisations started to work closely together.

In 1995 the working relation developed into the global organisation Wetlands International.

Wetlands International’s mission is “to sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity”.

Our strategy
In order to fullfil our mission, we have adopted the following four long-term strategic global goals:

• Global Goal 1: Stakeholders and decision makers are well-informed about the status and trends of wetlands, their biodiversity and priorities for action
• Global Goal 2: The functions and values of wetlands are recognised and integrated into sustainable development
• Global Goal 3: Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands is achieved through integrated water resource management and coastal zone management
• Global Goal 4: Large scale, strategic initiatives result in improved conservation status of species, habitats and ecological networks

How we work
Wetlands International is a science-based organisation. We provide ' tools' and information to assist governments in the protection and restoration of wetlands. We try to influence policies, conventions and treaties relevant to wetlands, such as the UNFCCC and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Wetlands International is a source of best-informed opinion on key issues affecting wetlands and priority actions for their conservation and wise use, drawing on scientific analyses and its own experience in global and national conservation programmes.

Scientific expertise
Wetlands International works in many thematic areas throughout the world, but is the leading scientific expert on peatlands & climate change, as well as wetlands & waterbird migration, based on extensive research as well as field projects.

Field projects
We conduct field projects to protect and restore specific wetlands, but also to use these as demonstration projects. In this way we show to governments and local people the importance of these areas and how they should be managed.

Some guidelines for our work. In carrying out our work through all our offices and with partners, Wetlands International maintains the following core values:

1. Its work is globally relevant
2. Its work is based on sound science
3. It works through partnerships and with a wide range sectors
4. It respects traditional values and knowledge
5. It works in a transparent and accountable way