Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from the 19th to the 23rd of May 2013. Under the headline “Resilient People – Resilient Planet”, delegates will discuss progress to date and future needs for disaster risk reduction efforts. Wetlands International will highlight the role of ecosystems in mitigating the impact of natural hazards and extreme weather events.

Climate-proof disaster risk reduction for Indigenous communities in Guatemala

The Partners for Resilience work to reduce the risks of droughts and landslides in vulnerable communities in 5 departments in Guatemala. In addition to securing the communities´ livelihoods, improve their natural resources management and protect them from natural disasters, we also build their capacity to influence decisions that affect them, and involve them in platforms to exchange experiences. Furthermore, by working with different levels of government, we connect national policies with local experiences and influence municipal budget allocation.

World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated around the world on 11-12 May 2013 in order to raise awareness and interest in migratory birds and their conservation. These events offer opportunities for local awareness-raising to celebrate the beauty of birds and the wonder of their migrations. Activities to mark the occasion include bird-watching events, educational programmes, lectures and art exhibitions. 

European River Restoration Conference

The 5th European River Restoration Conference will be held from 11-13 September 2013 in Vienna, Austria. Join Wetlands International and our partners in European river restoration us as we showcase inspiring examples of river restoration and bring together key policy makers and restoration practitioners to share and learn about the successes, challenges and opportunities for river restoration in Europe.

Sustainable development and land planning in the Parana Delta

The Parana Delta wetlands in Argentina are under pressure from the extraction of natural resources, infrastructure development, large-scale livestock farming and agriculture. This is threatening the wetlands ecosystem and traditional livelihoods that rely on artisanal farming and fishing in the delta. To overcome these challenges, we are working with strategic regional partners to develop sustainable solutions that rely on a scientific knowledge base and best management practices.

Bio-rights for Disaster Risk Reduction of K'iche' communities in Sololá, Guatemala

With our partner CARE we have started a Bio-rights initiative in Sololá, Guatemala to reduce the vulnerability to landslides, mudslides and heavy weather of four K’iche’ communities. Each rainy season they suffer these landslides and mudslides, which are caused by deforestation, as forest has been cleared for maxán leafs, pacaina and coffee monocultures.  

Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Birds and Avian Influenza

Improving our understanding of the role of wild birds in avian influenza, particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been a priority for Wetlands International. To support regional cooperation, the Asia-Pacific Working Group on Migratory Birds and Avian Influenza beings together representatives from government agencies in the Asia-Pacific region, international NGOs, convention secretariats and international organisations and independent experts. It serves as a Working Group of the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership and is jointly convened by Wetlands International and FAO.

A Biodiversity Action Plan for the footprint of Shell in Brunei

The rarely visited country of Brunei Darussalam is a green gem on the rapidly deforesting island of Borneo. Much of Brunei is still covered in peat swamp or mangrove forest, which is in stark contrast to the situation in other countries within the region. These forests are rich with species of plants and animals, but face threats due to development, peat drainage and fires. To conserve and restore Brunei’s green heritage Wetlands International Malaysia is partnering with Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) and Brunei Liquified Natural Gas (BLNG) (together referred to as Brunei Shell Joint Venture - BSJV) to improve the sustainability of their ongoing oil and gas activities. A Biodiversity Action Plan is being developed and implemented for the onshore footprint of BSJV.

Conserving and restoring wetlands in the Niger Delta

The Niger Delta in Nigeria is the largest wetland in Africa and the third largest mangrove forest in the world. The region is known for its richness in biodiversity as well as its oil and gas resources. Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in the delta. At the same time they are being degraded by unsustainable practices and a legacy of pollution and oil spills. In the delta we are bringing new perspectives to the fields of biodiversity conversation and sustainable development, putting the conservation and restoration of wetlands at the centre of achieving both livelihood and biodiversity improvements.

While this work happens under our partnership with Shell, we are not directly involved in the cleanup of oil pollution, but include the oil industry as an important stakeholder for our new ways of planning development, and improving the condition of wetlands and water resources to benefit both biodiversity and human well-being.

Building Community Resilience to Natural Disasters in Kenya

Downstream communities in the Ewaso Nyiro River of north eastern Kenya are extremely vulnerable to droughts and floods. We are working to help communities reduce their vulnerability and improve their livelihoods through an innovative approach combining sustainable ecosystem management, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.