31 New Wetland Cities Accredited by the Convention on Wetlands

Wetlands are among Earth’s most diverse and productive ecosystems, offering immense socioeconomic value. Often called the “kidneys of the Earth,” they play a vital role in purifying water by trapping sediment, filtering out nutrients, and removing contaminants.

Wetlands help reduce flooding, protect coastal areas from storm surges, and maintain water tables while releasing nitrogen into the atmosphere. Whether freshwater, saltwater, or a mix of both, wetlands provide crucial goods and services that support life, conserve biodiversity, and serve as a natural safety net against climate change and ecosystem degradation. Despite their significance, the many environmental and ecosystem services they provide are frequently underappreciated.

The global value of direct goods from wetlands and their associated ecosystem services has been estimated at US$14 trillion annually (Baral et al., 2016). However, up to 87% of the world’s wetlands have been lost over the past 300 years, making their preservation increasingly urgent. Studies consistently show that wetlands worldwide continue to decline in both area and quality, primarily due to development and pollution. This poses a significant threat to their ecological functions and protective services.

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty established to provide a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources. Adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and entering into force in 1975, the convention has since been joined by nearly 90% of UN member states from all global regions as “Contracting Parties.”

In recognition of the importance of cities and urban wetlands, the Ramsar Convention introduced the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme in 2015. This voluntary initiative offers cities the chance to receive international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts to preserve and protect both natural and man-made wetlands.

At the 64th meeting of the Standing Committee on January 24, 2025, 31 new wetland cities were welcomed into the Wetland City Accreditation Scheme.

• Argentina: Trelew
• Belgium: Mechelen
• Botswana: Kasane-Kazungula, Shakawe
• Chile: Valdivia
• China: Chongming, Dali, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Jiujiang, Lhasa, Suzhou, Wenzhou, Yueyang
• France: Abbeville, Arles, Hampigny
• India: Indore, Udaipur
• Iran (Islamic Republic of): Babol, Bandar Kiashar, Gandoman
• Japan: Nagoya City
• Morocco: Mehdya
• Philippines: Balanga City
• Poland: Poznan
• Republic of Korea: Gimhae, Mungyeong
• Serbia: Novi Sad

The list now includes 74 cities across 27 countries.

One of the new additions is Arles, home to the Marais de Beauchamp freshwater wetland in the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles. This wetland features reed beds, temporary pools, and a rich variety of fauna species, some of which are declining across much of France.

Another newly accredited “wetland city” is Balagna in the Philippines, home to the Balagna Wetland and Nature Park. This vast sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds and functions almost like a natural, open-air museum.

By 2050, 68% of the global population will live in cities. As urban areas expand, they often tend to encroach on and develop wetlands, which are frequently viewed as wastelands to be repurposed, even as dumping grounds. However, when protected and preserved, these natural spaces provide immense economic, social, health, and cultural benefits.

Cities play a crucial role in addressing the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, helping to build resilience against the adverse effects of urbanisation, pollution, and climate change.

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by safeguarding and preserving wetlands within or near urban areas. These natural spaces are vital for public health, liveability, and climate resilience.