World Wetland Network

Ramsar is one of the largest international agreements in the world, signed up to by 190 governments.

Although some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like WWT are involved as advisers, no formal structure exists to support NGOs to engage in wetland conservation at international level, which is why the World Wetland Network (WWN) was formed in 2008.

WWN is a global network of over 500 wetland NGOs. The members help each other by sharing information and best practice and lobbying on specific wetland issues. 

It also helps smaller NGOs to participate at the major international conferences that deal with wetlands, such as Ramsar and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

WWN runs the International Wetland Globes, an awards scheme that recognises best practice and wetland restoration. NGOs and community group can vote for wetlands they know that are either being managed well – Blue globe – or poorly – Grey globe.