Wetlands, among Earth’s most biodiverse ecosystems, are disappearing faster than forests or coral reefs, according to the Global Wetland Outlook 2025. Released by the Ramsar Convention, the report warns that without immediate conservation measures, one-fifth of all remaining wetlands could vanish by 2050.
Wetlands support a wide array of migratory species. From waterbirds to fish, and even marine mammals, many depend on these habitats for survival. Seagrass meadows, mangroves, and inland marshes provide breeding grounds, stopover points, and feeding zones critical to migration cycles.
Mangrove forests like the Sundarbans in South Asia host millions of birds and fish. They are also home to marine mammals such as the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin. Similarly, rivers and streams act as ecological corridors for migratory fish and amphibians, maintaining connectivity between habitats.
GLOBAL WETLAND LOSS: A DEEPENING ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY
Since 1970, 411 million hectares of wetlands have been lost. This represents a decline of 22%. There is an alarming loss rate of 0.52% per year globally.
Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa face the most intense degradation, with the Pantanal wetland in Brazil under significant threat.
This comes as Brazil prepares to host CMS COP15. This event makes the Pantanal a case study in urgency and opportunity for wetland preservation.
DECLINING SPECIES HIGHLIGHT WETLAND IMPORTANCE
The State of the World’s Migratory Species 2024 report reveals nearly 50% of listed migratory species are declining. Additionally, 1 in 5 is at risk of extinction.
Wetland loss is a primary threat, affecting 75% of CMS-listed migratory species, linking habitat degradation directly to population declines.
CASE STUDIES REVEAL WETLAND POTENTIAL AND FRAGILITY
Despite covering just 6% of Earth’s surface, wetlands support 40% of all known plant and animal species. This proves their immense ecological value.
In Zambia, the Kafue Flats wetland sustains 30% of the global Wattled Crane population and 1.3 million people, including major energy producers. In East and Southeast Asia, the Regional Flyway Initiative has set an ambitious goal. It aims to restore over 140 wetlands. These wetlands support 50 million migratory waterbirds.
INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SUPPORTS WETLAND MONITORING
At New Zealand’s Whangamarino Wetland, Indigenous elders noticed eel migration delays weeks before scientific data confirmed hydrological changes.
This shows that traditional ecological knowledge is a powerful tool in early detection and responsive conservation strategies.
GWO 2025: FOUR PATHWAYS TO SAVE THE WORLD’S WETLANDS
The GWO 2025 outlines four main pathways to reverse wetland degradation and meet international biodiversity goals:
- Integrate wetland value into policy and planning
- Recognize wetlands as part of the global water cycle
- Embed wetlands into innovative finance models
- Mobilize funding for restoration and conservation
Achieving these goals requires restoring 123 million hectares of wetlands and conserving 428 million hectares by 2030.
LOOKING AHEAD TO RAMSAR COP15 AND CMS COP15
Upcoming global summits—Ramsar COP15 in July 2025 and CMS COP15 in March 2026—are critical opportunities to act on these findings.
These events can drive aligned international action to protect wetlands, biodiversity, and migratory species, shaping a more resilient planet.
Wetlands are more than ecosystems—they are natural infrastructure for climate resilience, food security, and species survival.
With strong policies, funding, and cooperation, we can protect the last remaining wetlands and restore those already degraded before it’s too late.