On World Wetlands Day, we reflect on the critical importance of wetlands and the urgent need to protect them.
Wetlands are vital ecosystems, storing more carbon than forests, supporting 40% of global biodiversity and providing livelihoods for over a billion people. Yet, they are disappearing at an alarming rate due to draining, pollution and conversion for agriculture, urbanization and industry, with climate change further intensifying pressures on their hydrological balance.
🚨The challenge: lack of data
Despite the importance wetlands remains ill defined, characterized and modeled. We are missing accurate, reliable and accessible data on wetland loss and degradation. Without this data, policymakers and practitioners cannot make informed decisions nor take urgent action to protect these ecosystems.
💡 The Global Wetland Watch initiative was created to close this data gap, recognizing that effective management begins with accurate measurement.
The Global Wetland Watch uses satellite images to provide high-resolution maps capturing the extent and changes across wetland ecosystems worldwide – down to a 10-metre resolution. This data empowers countries, local communities and stakeholders to act and supports them in their commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Biodiversity Framework and other multilateral environmental goals.
On World Wetlands Day, as we reflect on the theme ‘Protecting wetlands for our common future’, the Global Wetland Watch highlights the importance of reliable and timely information for preserving these valuable ecosystems.
The crucial role of wetlands in South Africa
The Global Wetland Watch was recently in South Africa, advancing global initiatives for wetland management and restoration.
World Wetlands Day 2025 – Protecting wetlands for our common future
On World Wetlands Day, we reflect on the critical importance of wetlands and the urgent need to protect them.
Towards a global high-resolution inventory of wetland typologies
The Global Wetland Watch (GWW) is aiming to fill a critical global data gap by developing and providing a new global-level inventory of wetlands with unprecedented spatial and thematic details.