Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – Governments from around the world gathered at the 15th meeting of the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future.” Set against the majestic backdrop of Victoria Falls, the conference underscored the crucial role wetlands play in maintaining ecological integrity, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
COP15 has served as a pivotal moment for global dialogue on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It brought together policymakers, scientists, civil society, and indigenous leaders to strengthen international cooperation and drive forward wetland protection and restoration efforts.
While wetland ecosystems are increasingly being recognized as highly valuable natural assets that provide a wide range of benefits to urban communities, the services they provide are under immense pressure due to rapid urban expansion and human activity. With 35% loss globally since 1970, wetlands are our most threatened ecosystem, disappearing three times faster than forests.
For more information on some of the most significant aspects of urban life and municipal management that wetlands improve and contribute towards, as well as what cities can do to enhance these benefit, refer to this fact sheet and illustrated poster.
Figure 1: ICLEI delegation at Wetlands COP15
This COP also saw the largest gathering of mayors and local leaders yet at a Wetlands COP, celebrating the presentation of awards to the newly accredited Wetland Cities under the Conventions Wetland Accreditation Scheme. The Awards Ceremony took place on 24 July directly after the COP Opening Ceremony. Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention presented the accreditation certificates to the newly accredited Wetland Cities, which were introduced by Jay Aldous, Deputy Secretary General, Ingrid Coetzee, Director: Biodiversity, Nature and Health from ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center and Suh Seung Oh, Executive Director, Ramsar Regional Center East Asia.
ICLEI’s participation in this Awards Ceremony and attendance at COP15, is a proud milestone in our continued advocacy for stronger, more inclusive wetland governance. One of the most visible signs of progress was the expansion of the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) scheme, which saw a record 31 cities from 16 countries accredited this year, including the first ever from South America—Trelew (Argentina) and Valdivia (Chile). This unprecedented recognition reflects a growing global acknowledgment of the critical role that cities play in safeguarding wetlands. For ICLEI, which has been involved with the WCA since its conceptualization and serves on its Independent Advisory Committee, this is more than symbolic—it is a practical validation of the power of local action in achieving global goals.
Figure 2: Newly Accredited Wetland Cities Awards Ceremony
ICLEI has maintained a high profile and co-hosted several side events, including the cities’ featured high level side event showcasing cities’ bold leadership on 25 July with the Convention Secretariat and UNEP; one on connecting urban wetlands, flyways and people also on 25 July; and one to showcase Wetland City Accreditation on 26 July.
A major highlight of COP15 was the launch of the Special Edition of the Global Wetland Outlook 2025, the most comprehensive global assessment of wetlands to date. The report offers updated insights into wetland health, outlines conservation priorities, and issues actionable recommendations to guide sustainable management. The Outlook aims to raise awareness of wetlands’ immense value and ensure their protection and wise use for future generations. Read the report here.
From the negotiations, ICLEI welcomes the Draft Resolution on enhancing the Convention’s visibility and synergies with other multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), which received broad support from Parties and is expected to be adopted when COP 15 concludes on 31 July. This resolution acknowledges ICLEI and the CitiesWithNature reporting platform to ensure that the voices of local and subnational governments are represented in the Convention on Wetlands, affirming space for our constituency in the broader environmental governance landscape of wetlands.
Other resolutions that are important to our constituency include the draft resolution on Achieving Equitable Governance and Effective Conservation of Wetlands through Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). ICLEI recognizes the OECM approach as key to protecting wetlands that may fall outside formal protected areas but are still critical to biodiversity, cultural identity, and climate resilience. The resolution, led by the UK in collaboration with Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and the UAE, received wide support and aligns closely with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework—to conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030. Also, of interest is the draft resolution submitted by Colombia on education and participation as a basis for the management of urban and peri-urban wetlands. This draft resolution highlight links to GBF Target 12 on green and blue spaces for urban areas; and received wide support from many Parties, including proposals calling for the resolution to be linked with the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme.
As we move beyond COP15, ICLEI remains committed to amplifying the voices of local and subnational governments, and to ensuring that they are not just implementers of wetland-related commitments, but co-creators of the solutions. Wetlands are life-support systems for both cities and ecosystems—our future resilience depends on their protection, and that protection starts locally. Keep your eye out for our detailed COP15 Report, coming soon!
