Celebrating wetlands in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Each year, on 2 February, the world celebrates World Wetlands Day, to recognise the vital role wetlands play for both nature and people. Wetlands support diverse biodiversity by offering a range of habitats for aquatic, terrestrial, and migratory species, including birds, amphibians, fish, insects and plants, each adapted to the unique conditions of these ecosystems. Wetlands also sustain local communities, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism, and offering crucial services such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood regulation.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia/Albania

Photo: Imre Sebestyén

Lake Baikal, Russia

Photo: Evgenia Gordienko

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

Photo: Chris Magin

Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, Georgia

Photo: UNESCO / Josephine Langley (IUCN)

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan

Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, Georgia

Ramsar and World Heritage in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Several wetlands in our region hold both Wetland of International Importance and UNESCO World Heritage Site status, highlighting their extraordinary ecological and cultural value.

Lake Ohrid (North Macedonia/Albania) – The oldest and one of the most biodiversity-rich lakes in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979 and a Ramsar site since 1977, supporting endemic species, fisheries, and cultural heritage. Home to numerous endemic and endangered species, including the Ohrid Trout and Ohrid Sponge, it features a high and unique diversity of freshwater snails.
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan) – Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and encompassing the Tengiz-Korgalzhyn Lake System, a crucial Ramsar site for migratory birds. These wetlands are critical habitats for migratory birds, including the Siberian crane and the Dalmatian pelican.
Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands (Georgia) – A unique combination of peat bogs, marshes, and rainforests, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and including Ramsar-listed wetlands such as Kolkheti National Park and Ispani Mire. It harbours numerous species of plants and animals adapted to extremely humid climate, including the Critically Endangered Colchic sturgeon, the vulnerable Caucasian salamander and the endemic Colchis ivy, to name a few.
Lake Baikal and Selenga River Delta (Russia) – Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the world's oldest and deepest freshwater lake, containing approximately 20% of the planet's unfrozen freshwater, and home to the Baikal seal, the only true freshwater seal. The largest river delta feeding into this lake is Selenga, a Ramsar-designated wetland crucial for large populations of migratory and breeding waterbirds, such as the Siberian crane and the white-tailed eagle.

How is IUCN supporting wetlands in Eastern Europe and Central Asia?

Wetlands are central to IUCN’s Nature 2030 Programme, which underscores the need for integrated conservation efforts to protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and sustain human well-being. As part of its global strategy, IUCN promotes Nature-based Solutions that leverage wetlands for water security, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring their protection benefits both ecosystems and societies. Mobilising IUCN Members, Commissions and Secretariat, we are taking you on a journey showcasing some of the recent Union’s efforts in our region.

Lake Skadar (Montenegro/Albania) – The Balkans' largest lake, home to over 280 bird species, including the Dalmatian pelican, vital for fishing communities and eco-tourism.

Photo: Ana Uskoković

Armash Wetlands (Armenia) - Located in the Ararat Plain, Armash is a critical stopover along the African-Eurasian Flyway, supporting both common and rare migratory birds.

Photo: Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC)

Lake Prespa (Albania/North Macedonia) – A transboundary lake that sustains agriculture, fishing, and birdwatching tourism, known for its ancient ecosystem and endemic species

Photo: Macedonian Ecological Society

Vjosa Wild River National Park (Albania) – One of Europe's last wild rivers, a lifeline for local communities, sustaining traditional fishing and offering flood mitigation benefits

Photo: Jutta Benzenberg

Hrazdan Gorge (Armenia) – Carved by the Hrazdan River, this ecological corridor in Yerevan is a vital recreational and cultural landmark, with efforts underway to secure its protected status

Photo: Municipality of Yerevan

The Buna River Velipoje Protected Landscape (Albania), is a vital wetland that supports threatened bird and plant species and acts as a crucial migration corridor between the Adriatic Sea and inland areas

Photo: IUCN

Pelican nesting season begins at Skadar Lake National Park in Montenegro

On the park’s natural islands, biologists from the National Parks of Montenegro have observed 49 pelicans preparing nests for a new generation of chicks. These majestic birds are not alone - grey herons and great cormorants have also settled in, sharing the breeding grounds. To ensure their safety, the Park Protection Service monitors the nesting sites and urges visitors, tourism operators, and fishermen to keep a respectful distance from these sensitive areas. Disturbance during the breeding season can significantly impact the birds’ ability to raise their young successfully.

The winter census of water birds, part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), has been completed at Skadar Lake National Park, providing valuable insights into waterbird populations and habitats to guide conservation efforts.

New bird species confirmed at Armenia’s Armash Wetlands

In an exciting breakthrough, the Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) has been documented for the first time in Armenia’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The discovery, made by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) monitoring team, marks a significant addition to the country’s avifauna and highlights the ecological richness of the Armash Wetlands, further underscoring its dynamic nature and role in sustaining diverse bird populations.

FPWC’s conservation work at Armash goes beyond monitoring - efforts include maintaining habitat health, promoting close-to-nature fish farming, and collaborating with conservationists to tackle challenges such as water shortages and habitat degradation. While agricultural expansion poses ongoing pressures, FPWC remains committed to community engagement, eco-tourism, and restoration initiatives to ensure Armash remains a biodiversity hotspot.

New board game engages Prespa’s pupils in wetland conservation

A new interactive board game is bringing transboundary water management and biodiversity conservation to life for pupils in Prespa. Designed to simulate real-world conservation challenges, the game encourages students to make decisions that impact wetland ecosystems, balancing resource use and protection.

Through gameplay, students must secure enough water and conservation resources to protect five key habitats, animal, or plant species - without exhausting their water supply. Each decision costs or provides resources, reinforcing the delicate balance required to sustain healthy wetlands. This initiative of the Macedonian Ecological Society not only raises awareness of wetland protection but also empowers the next generation to think critically about the future of transboundary ecosystems in a fun and interactive way.

Vjosa: Europe’s first Wild River National Park through the eyes of its people

Albania’s Vjosa River was designated as Europe’s first Wild River National Park in March 2023, a milestone for both biodiversity conservation and the local communities who have long depended on its waters. The Vjosa is more than a river - it is a lifeline, shaping the cultural traditions, livelihoods, and stories of the people living along its banks.

Generations of families have farmed its fertile lands, gathered herbs from its floodplains, and learned to swim in its waters. While the river has been a source of sustenance and connection, those living in rural areas also face hardships and uncertainty. Their stories highlight why protecting the Vjosa is about more than nature - it is about people, identity, and heritage. Photographer Jutta Benzenberg travelled through the region to document these voices in Vjosa Lifeblood, a compelling photo series that captures the human connection to Albania’s last wild river. Through her lens, we see the deep ties between nature and community, reminding us why this historic conservation effort matters.

Preserving urban wetlands: The future of Hrazdan Gorge

As cities expand, urban wetlands face mounting pressures from pollution, infrastructure development, and population growth. Yet, when managed sustainably, these ecosystems offer crucial benefits, including flood mitigation, water purification, biodiversity enhancement, and improved public spaces for recreation and well-being.

In Yerevan, the Hrazdan Gorge, carved by the Hrazdan River, serves as both a vital ecological corridor and a beloved recreational area. Recognizing its ecological and cultural importance, the Municipality of Yerevan has initiated efforts to grant the gorge environmental protection status, ensuring its preservation for future generations. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to sustainable urban planning, safeguarding nature while enhancing the quality of life for Yerevan’s residents.

Buna: A community-driven approach to conservation

The Buna River Velipoje Protected Landscape, a Ramsar-listed wetland, sustains 36,000 residents who rely on fishing, farming, and tourism. The recently finalised Living Buna project, empowered communities to take action. A Small Grants Scheme funded 23 local initiatives, investing €268,230 in sustainable tourism, water management, and agriculture. Training programs have strengthened community involvement in protected area management, ensuring conservation benefits both nature and livelihoods.

The formed Management Committee, bringing together local stakeholders, now plays a key role in governance. With community leadership, collaboration, and investment, the Buna River’s future depends on those who call it home.

Imre Sebestyen

Wetlands are not just ecological treasures; they are lifelines for communities.

Wetlands for Our Common Future

Wetlands are not just ecological treasures; they are lifelines for communities, providing clean water, food security, jobs, and climate resilience. Their conservation is a commitment to both biodiversity and human well-being, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from their invaluable ecosystem services.

The path forward must integrate science, policy, and local action. The 2024 report Designing and Managing Protected and Conserved Areas to Support Inland Water Ecosystems and Biodiversity highlights how protected areas and conservation measures can help reverse freshwater biodiversity loss, build climate resilience, and sustain critical ecosystem services. With one-quarter of freshwater species globally at risk of extinction, integrating inland waters into conservation planning has never been more urgent.

At the same time, the Freshwater Challenge, the world’s largest freshwater restoration initiative, aims to restore 300,000 km of rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands by 2030. Addressing the degradation of two-thirds of the world’s wetlands, this initiative calls for stronger commitments to restoring and protecting freshwater ecosystems as part of global climate and biodiversity goals.

As we mark World Wetlands Day 2025, we must reaffirm our dedication to protecting and restoring wetlands. By strengthening conservation efforts, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering regional and global cooperation, we can secure a future where wetlands flourish, communities thrive, and nature continues to sustain us all.