The Convention on Wetlands

16/06/2026

She grew up in the forest. Now she’s transforming how it’s protected.

Cecile Ndjebet, a powerhouse for gender equality and forest conservation in Cameroon — Founder of Cameroon Ecology and Co Founder of the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests (REFACOF).
Meet

Cecile has seen firsthand the challenges women face in accessing land, resources, and decision making power. Instead of accepting the status quo, she built a movement.
Read her story: https://www.ramsar.org/our-work/activities/gender-wetlands/women-changemakers-world-wetlands-2024/cecile-ndjebet

15/06/2026

This week, we take a look back at some of the remarkable women driving change for wetlands. Today, we highlight Fernanda Samuel, a leading voice in Angola’s environmental movement.

As the force behind the NGO OTCHIVA, Fernanda became a trailblazer in mangrove protection and coastal conservation. Her work has earned recognition on national and international stages, reflecting her unwavering commitment to safeguarding Angola’s natural heritage.

Discover her story and impact: https://www.ramsar.org/our-work/activities/gender-wetlands/women-changemakers-world-wetlands-2024/fernanda-samuel

14/06/2026

🌿JUST 2 WEEKS LEFT — APPLY NOW! 🌏💧

The Nagao Wetland Fund (NWF) is still OPEN for 2026 applications — but time is running out! This is your chance to drive real, lasting impact across the Asia Oceania region.
Co-created by the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, the NWF supports bold action to protect and wisely use wetlands — some of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. 🌱🌎

Funding available: Up to USD 30,000 for high-impact projects advancing the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2025–2034.
Who can apply? Eligible countries across Asia and Oceania (see full list at the link below).

Don’t miss out — apply now:
👉 https://www.ramsar.org/our-work/resource-mobilization-grants/grant-programmes/nagao-wetland-fund
🌿

13/06/2026

Dozens of new species found in one of Africa’s last biodiversity blank spots

Dozens of new species have been discovered in Angola’s remote Lisima Plateau, spotlighting the Angolan Highlands as one of Africa’s last great biodiversity frontiers. From insects to vital water sources that sustain much of the region, this remarkable landscape is finally getting the attention it deserves.

As Rob Taylor, expedition leader and conservation ecologist puts it, “These headwaters are not only vital for biodiversity; they also provide water, ecological resilience and support livelihoods far downstream. A clear understanding of the biodiversity here is essential for the effective protection of the entire system.”

👉 Discover more in the full story by Don Pinnock in this article in the Daily Maverick that shows the significance of Wetlands in protecting biodiversity.

A major survey of Angola’s remote Lisima plateau has uncovered species unknown to science, including new dragonflies, grasshoppers, moths and butterflies, confirming the highlands as one of Africa’s m…

12/06/2026

The World Meteorological Organization reports that Latin America and the Caribbean are facing intensifying climate extremes.

From record heat and prolonged droughts to devastating cyclones and melting glaciers, the latest WMO report paints a stark picture of a region under pressure.
🌱 Protecting and restoring wetlands can help buffer floods, store water during droughts, and support climate resilience for communities across the region.

Read more about what this means for communities, economies, and water security.

BRASILIA, Brazil (WMO) - Record-breaking heat, persistent drought, extreme rainfall and devastating tropical cyclones impacted communities and economies throughout Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025, whilst melting glaciers led to an upsurge in short term hazards like floods and long-term water...

11/06/2026

A Historic Step for Ghana's Wetlands!

As we wind up our mission with our hosts Environmental Protection Authority, Ghana Dr Musonda Mumba Secretary General of the Convention, had the profound honour of paying a courtesy call on the esteemed traditional leaders of the Eastern and Western Nzema Traditional Councils in Beyin: His Royal Majesty Awulae Blay IX and Awulae Kwasi Amakyi III.

Following the exciting announcement by Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ag. Minister of Environment, regarding the potential designation of the Amanzule Wetland Area as Ghana’s 6th Wetland of International Importance, the Secretary General visited the breathtaking sites of Nzulezu and Azulenoano.

Accompanied by the EPA and the Forestry Commission, Dr. Mumba praised the paramount chiefs and elders for their exceptional leadership in keeping these vital ecosystems in an almost pristine state. She reaffirmed the Convention’s full technical support throughout this historic designation process.

When traditional stewardship meets global conservation, our ecosystems thrive!

10/06/2026

On this we look back to Iman Ebrahimi, a conservationist transforming wetlands in Iran through his NGO, Avaye Boom Bird Conservation Society.

We first engaged with Ebrahimi during the 2025 Ramsar Wetland Conservation Awards that sought to recognize some of the most impactful wetland conservation efforts and those driving this change.

His work spans three internationally important wetlands—Arjan, Shidvar, and Gavkhouni—where he has led six national initiatives and trained over 4,000 people in environmental stewardship.

His work earned him the 2025 Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for Young Wetland Champions, reaching and inspiring thousands along the way.

Find out more about his work here: https://avayeboom.com/en/
For more on the Awards check out our website: https://www.ramsar.org/our-work/activities/ramsar-wetland-conservation-awards

10/06/2026

Happy World Oceans Day 2026 from Ghana! 🇬🇭

The Secretary General of the Convention, Dr Musonda Mumba joined the vibrant celebrations at the beautiful Maaha Beach Resort in the Ellembelle District. It was a brilliant encounter to stand alongside local communities, paramount chiefs, and inspiring youth to champion this year's local theme: "Wetlands and the Oceans Together."

As Dr Mumba shared, our mangroves and estuaries serve as the Earth's kidneys. We simply cannot protect our deep blue seas without safeguarding lush coastal ecosystems like the Greater Amanzule and the incredible 400-year-old stilt settlement of Nzulezu!

A huge thank you to the Government of Ghana for their leadership. Special appreciation to Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the Environmental Protection Authority, Ghana EPA, for outlining clear strategies for our environmental challenges, and Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ag. Minister of Environment, for his vital presence support and his announcement of the potential designation of the Greater Amanzule wetland complex as a wetland of international importance.

Let’s empower our local stewards. Every wetland matters!

10/06/2026

Thank you Environmental Protection Authority, Ghana for the work you are doing in Wetlands conservation.

09/06/2026

That’s the century! India names its 100th Wetland of International Importance

India has designated Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary as its 100th site on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”). This “Ramsar Site” (Site no.2595) in the state of Uttar Pradesh is a freshwater wetland in the middle stretch of the Ganga (Ganges) River basin.

Congratulations India


Read for more : https://www.ramsar.org/news/thats-century-india-names-its-100th-wetland-international-importance