Wetlands International is the only global NGO dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. We work globally, regionally and nationally to achieve the conservation and wise use of wetlands, to benefit diversity and human well-being.



Wetlands International is an independent, not-for-profit, global organisation, supported by Government membership from all continents of the world, extensive specialist networks and volunteers. It currently works through 15 country offices — in Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, South, east and North Asia, Oceania and South America; with its head office in Wageningen, the Netherlands.



Mission

Wetlands International’s mission is “to sustain and restore wetlands, their resources and biodiversity for future generations”.



What this mission means in our daily work

This missions is the 'umbrella' for our activities. To give a brief example what this mission means for us:

- We explore all kind activities to protect wetland species like waterbirds and fish. Thousands of volunteering birdwatchers monitor millions of waterbirds anually. We collect all this information to show governments how important some of their wetlands are for the survival for waterbirds. We work on the protection of networks of flyways, by monitoring them, raising awareness among the people living around these wetlands about the importance and by informing governments about ways to protect them,

- We also help people to protect or restore the wetlands they depend on for reasons like drinking water, fish, reed as building material, peat as fuel, etcetera. We advise local organisations how to use their wetlands in a better way. We inform their governments about the importance of wetlands for the people and about ways to protect the area.

- We do research to show how important wetlands are for our watermanagement, as wetland absorb water in wet periods and release it during drier times. No other area can prevent floods and droughts like wetlands. We advice governments how to restore and protect wetlands for this reason.



Our strategy

Wetlands International has adopted the following four long-term, strategic global goals to provide direction to its future work. These four goals structure the organisation of this website:



Global Goal 1: Stakeholders and decision makers are well informed about the status and trends of wetlands, their biodiversity and priorities for action



Global Goal 2: The functions and values of wetlands are recognised and integrated into sustainable development



Global Goal 3: Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands is achieved through integrated water resource management and coastal zone management



Global Goal 4: Large scale, strategic initiatives result in improved conservation status of species, habitats and ecological networks.