How We Work
Wetlands are as vital to the planet as rainforests. That is why we are dedicated to their conservation and restoration. We do this by understanding and tackling the underlying causes of wetland loss and damage. Our knowledge-base and advocacy enables action to safeguard and restore wetlands, and to use them in sustainable ways.
Wetlands in the landscape
Our approach to wetland conservation and wise use reflects the dynamic nature of wetlands and their connection to the wider landscape and communities – wetlands have a long history of human use and strong cultural connections that continue to shape this use. Taking these connections into account is a key dimension to sustaining and restoring wetlands.
Knowledge, Policy and Practice
We connect technical knowledge, policy dialogue and practical projects in the field. Using scientific knowledge makes us a well-trusted source of information, while powerful demonstration projects inspire people to act. We engage in advocacy on topics for which we have developed knowledge and experience. We use this to stimulate governments and companies to develop and implement effective policies at all scales, from local to global.
Empowering local communities
Our experience proves that policies and investments can be strongly influenced through a bottom-up process. By working with local partners and building the capacity of local communities whose lives closely connect to wetlands, we empower civil society with knowledge and skills to more effectively engage with governments and the private sector, influencing decisions which affect them but which are made nationally and even internationally.
Strategic partnerships
To leverage significant change, we need governments, the private sector and civil society to act individually and jointly. We work in a critical and constructive manner with the corporate sector to improve their sustainability performance, particularly in relation to wetlands and water. We also engage in partnerships as a means to enable both the public and private sector to safeguard and restore wetlands.
Connecting the local to the global
By connecting our work across offices and through partner networks, we combine local experiences and successes and increase our impact on national, regional and global policies, practices and investments.
Working for the long-term
We have learnt that while we can demonstrate small scale successes in just a few years, bringing about positive change for people and nature in large wetland systems takes time, often decades. Therefore we believe in working for the long-term in major wetlands areas.