Wetlands International

The International Mangrove Restoration Conference in Abu Dhabi is off to a powerful start, with experts from around the world sharing insights into the right way to restore mangroves. A few standout takeaways:   🗣 Jurgenne Primavera reminded us that context is everything. Planting in #mudflats or #seagrass beds is counterproductive, and the wrong species can spell disaster. Her example of 1 million propagules lost to a typhoon while naturally grown #mangroves survived speaks volumes. 🗣 Judith Okella emphasized that local ecological knowledge is key to understanding #mangrove degradation – sharing examples from Northern Kenya. 🗣 Camilo Trench from Jamaica's University of the West Indies shared an innovative, cost-effective method for reviving mangroves in deep #ponds. Using waste materials like #sargassum #seaweed, they created “dispersal centers” where propagules could thrive. 🗣 Apri Astra from Wetlands International Indonesia showcased success along North Java’s eroded coastlines. Instead of rigid seawalls, permeable structures restored sediment balance, allowing mangroves to regenerate naturally – all while collaborating closely with local communities and using Wetlands International's Biorights finance mechanism to support sustainable livelihoods, including mangrove-friendly aquaculture solutions. 🗣 Claudia Teutli-Hernandez from Yucatán, Mexico, shared a science-based approach built after $10 million worth of failed projects. The focus? Fix #hydrology and #topography first, then monitor closely. 🗣 Ken Kraus from the US underscored the importance of improving hydrology for mangrove regrowth in South Florida. 🌿 And finally, Stefano Cannicci highlighted an often-overlooked hero: mangrove #fauna. #Crabs, for instance, play a vital role in #carbon and nitrogen cycling, geomorphological processes and lots more.   These insights are a clear reminder: Effective mangrove restoration isn’t just about planting trees. It’s about understanding ecosystems, hydrology, and local knowledge – and always working with nature, not against it. 🌍💚 #MangroveRestoration #Conservation #Ecology #BestPractices #ClimateAction #NaturebasedSolutions #IMCRC Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Global Mangrove Alliance, Mangrove Action Project (MAP), The Nature Conservancy, IUCN, Emirates Nature-WWF, WWF, High-Level Climate Champions, UN Environment Programme

In 2024, we saw the importance of healthy #wetlands recognised across global agendas to address the urgent planetary crises of #climatechange, #biodiversityloss and #water scarcity. Here's looking back at our year. Thank you for you support thus far. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2025! WWF Convention on Wetlands Water, Peace & Security Global Mangrove Alliance WWT International Water Management Institute (IWMI) BirdLife International IUCN UN Biodiversity The Nature Conservancy Nature4Climate UN Environment Programme Landscape Finance Lab Climate Catalyst WaterLANDS Conservation International Commonland

“We are racing against the clock, with 50% of the world’s mangroves at risk of collapse by 2050 due to human-driven pressure. We cannot afford to lose these forests. They play a critical role in coastal resilience, food security, biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation.” Elena Roddom https://lnkd.in/ea-zWh4h

By supporting local stakeholders, the Water, Peace & Security partnership aims to prevent and reduce water-related conflict and turn the vicious cycle of #water challenges and instability into a virtuous one of sustainable water management and #peace. Watch how conflict over herd migration was resolved in Mopti, Mali: https://lnkd.in/eWiWfrXA

We're #hiring an Executive Assistant! 👉 Find out more about roles, responsibilities and how to #apply here: https://lnkd.in/empBFQhG

We're #hiring! As Programme Head Peatlands you will be overseeing and leading further development of our global portfolio of #peatland programmes to achieve our ambitious Strategic Intent targets. The role involves strategic leadership, program development and implementation. Find out more about the role and how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/eJwEWHuy Annelies Pijnenburg

Throwback to our session at #COP16Riyadh on the #FreshwaterChallenge! The Freshwater Challenge to accelerate restoration of rivers and wetlands by 2030 has attracted 50 countries, and raised high hopes that it can provide a strategic way to help countries meet national commitments across the three Rio Conventions. An extract from this session, expertly documented by International Institute for Sustainable Development - A delegate from Moldova asked how best to set targets for water-related ecosystems. Paula Martinelli explained that the technical working group associated with the Freshwater Challenge is addressing two main areas: how to prioritize the #rivers and #wetlands that deliver the most ecological benefits; and identifying which aspects of ecosystem health can be measured and reported. She noted that the Freshwater Challenge is not seeking to create any new reporting requirements, but rather to ensure that reporting actually leads to action on the ground. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBKAiFC8

By supporting local stakeholders, the Water, Peace & Security partnership aims to prevent and reduce water-related conflict and turn the vicious cycle of #water challenges and instability into a virtuous one of sustainable water management and #peace. Watch how conflict over a dam was resolved in Djenné, Mali: https://lnkd.in/er8tc7Nt

#Mangroves and humans share an inseparable bond, providing resilience to ecosystems and #communities alike. With a growing momentum towards the #conservation and #restoration of mangrove #ecosystems, we must understand that restoration goes beyond just planting—it is about working with nature to heal. 🌱 One of the largest #mangrove forests in the world, located in the country of Guinea-Bissau have a message for us. Watch here 👇 👉 Learn more about our mangrove conservation and restoration efforts in Guinea-Bissau here: https://lnkd.in/gQfzbpE9 #WeNeedWetlands #MangroveRestoration #NaturebasedSolutions #blueCarbon #ClimateAction

🌿 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬! 🌿 Are you a #wetland expert eager to share your knowledge and reflect on the effects of commodity production on these vital ecosystems? Join us for an online workshop on 18 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 2 𝐏𝐌 to explore: 🌍 The impact of commodity production on wetlands 📜 Whether the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) should be expanded to include wetlands This is a unique opportunity to contribute your expertise and insights to this important discussion. 👉 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://lnkd.in/evCrYSEy