What is Wetlands COP?
WWT’s commitment to protecting wetlands and wetland wildlife extends beyond borders. Here we dive into the international conference set up to protect these superpowered habitats.
What is Wetlands COP?
You might recognise the term COP from news headlines talking about the annual United Nations Climate Change conference known as Climate COP. But, did you know that long before Climate COP, there was one COP that paved the way for them all?
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (or Wetlands COP) started in 1971, built on the recognition that water connects us all across the globe, despite borders and boundaries.
Wetlands COP is a moment for the world to come together, to agree on actions to protect and restore wetlands on a global scale. The Convention is made up of 172 countries (known as Contracting Parties) and every three years, representatives of these countries meet at the Conference of the Parties (COP).
Why is it important?
Wetlands are superpowered solutions to the challenges our world faces.
Supporting communities around the world, wetlands boost our mood and help in the fight against climate breakdown while reducing flooding, cleaning our water and providing a home to 40% of the world’s wildlife.
But, in the last 300 years, we’ve lost 87 % of wetlands across the world and they’re disappearing at an alarming rate, even faster than forests. Wetlands are much less known and valued than other habitats – they need a voice .
So, we need a strong Convention on wetlands now more than ever, as a driving force for wetland conservation and restoration.
What is WWT’s role?
Just like the migratory wildlife that call wetlands their home, WWT’s commitment to protecting and restoring wetlands extends well beyond borders.
We’re an international charity getting our hands and feet muddy both in the UK and across the world, including in our hotspots in Madagascar and Cambodia. And we’re a voice for wetlands on the international stage, as one of the six International Organisation Partners (IOPs). As an IOP, we offer expert guidance and advice on Resolutions at Ramsar COPs; work to turn these Resolutions into plans through a scientific panel; and produce guidance to help these plans turn into action.
WWT is a lead partner of the World Wetland Network, established at Ramsar COP10. This global network of more than 145 non-governmental organisations and members represents thousands of people from all regions of the world. The Network works together to support and build skills and resources for local people to conserve and protect wetlands where they live.
WWT has a strong and long-standing relationship with the Convention and WWT’s attendance at the meeting gives us an opportunity to come together with other likeminded organisations and charities, to put wetlands at the top of the agenda.
And as the UK has the most listed wetlands under the Ramsar Convention which are currently facing one of their biggest threats – it's critical that we ensure these wondrous ecosystems have a voice, before they’re gone.
The 15th meeting of Ramsar COP (COP15) is taking place from 23 to 31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This year’s theme is Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future, and WWT will be pushing for it to be a critical moment on the path to a brighter future for wetlands – and for people, nature and climate.
Follow our social media channels for updates from the Convention.
