Wetlands and Climate Change Adaptation

This 6-page brochure demonstrates how wetlands in a healthy, intact condition can greatly contribute to attenuate the water related impacts of climate change. Due to their ability to store and slowly release water, these wetlands are a vital lifeline in periods of extreme droughtsWetlands International urges governments, development organisations and finance institutions to integrate wetlands into climate change adaptation strategies. .

The Annual Review 2008 charts the main achievements, as well as projects, finance and publications of Wetlands International during 2008. Furthermore, it highlights our work in relation to climate change adaptation and on incentive mechanisms for community-based wetland management. As you can read in the Achievements and projects sections of this review, Wetlands International was highly active in all regions during 2008. The outcomes that we achieved in 2008 are important in themselves, but most are just steps towards much longer-term goals to bring about lasting benefits to people and nature. 

Biorights in Theory and Practice

Bio-rights is an innovative financing mechanism for reconciling poverty alleviation and environmental conservation. By providing micro-credits for sustainable development, the approach enables local communities to refrain from unsustainable practices and be actively involved in environmental conservation and restoration. Micro-credits are converted into definitive payments upon successful delivery of conservation services at the end of a contracting period.

Integration of High Altitude Wetlands into River Basin Management in the Hindu Kush Himalayas

This is a policy review and capacity building needs assesment for integration of High Altitude Wetlands into River Basin Management in Bhutan, China, India and Nepal. The Hindu Kush Himalayas is replete with wetlands distributed throughout the region at different latitudes, longitudes and altitudes. Fed primarily by melting glaciers, these wetlands play an enormous role in ecological and economic security of the region through their wide range of ecosystem services, including supporting local livelihoods, regulation of hydrological regimes, carbon sequestration and support to biodiversity.

Asian Waterbird Census Newsletter 16

This is the 16th newsletter of the Asian Waterbird Census with the introduction of the newly appointed international coordinator of the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) and the update on the developments related to the AWC since June 2008.

Read the 16th Newsletter of the Asian Waterbird Census

Climate Change Adaptation - Jhelum Basin Experiences (video)

Suggestions pour la version préliminaire des Résolutions pour la COP 10 de la Convention Ramsar sur les zones humides

Dans ce document , nous soulignons nos recommendations pour les Résolutions de la Convention Ramsar COP 10 en République de Corée qui a lieu du 28 Octobre au 4 Novembre 2008.

Recommendations for Ramsar COP 10

Attached the recommendations on the draft resolutions of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands COP 10, 28 October till 4 November 2008 in Korea.

Best Practice Guidelines on Restoration of Mangroves in Tsunami Affected Areas

Mangroves as an ecosystem are capable of performing certain functions or environmental services.

Mangrove plants produce organic matter through photosynthesis and this produces the food for most of the fish and shellfish in the coastal waters.

Fish and shrimp catches increase with the increasing presence of mangroves in the inter-tidal zone.

Loktak

Fourth in series, the newsletter brings in an update on conservation and management of Loktak Lake, Manipur a Ramsar site and a large freshwater wetland in northeast India. The current issue focuses on water management. It summarizes the various issues related to current water management which is focused on human uses (particularly hydropower generation) ignoring other ecological requirements for wetland functioning.