From 18-21 February 2025, representatives from the governments of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam met with civil society organisations (CSOs) and partners working on wetlands in the region to promote the wise use of wetlands. During the meeting, participants finalised the IBRRI Strategic Plan 2025-30, which will serve as a roadmap for promoting the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance at the national and regional levels.
The 8th Annual IBRRI Meeting – hosted by the Department of Water Resources, Government of Thailand, and IUCN – brought together over 45 representatives in Bangkok to share updates and develop a path forward for regional cooperation on wetlands. “This year is critical for wetlands at the international level, with the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties taking place in Zimbabwe – an opportunity for IBRRI to collectively advocate for stronger wetland protection policies and demonstrate how robust conservation efforts in the Indo-Burma Region can serve as Nature-based Solutions to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.” Ms Praon Udomprasert, IBRRI Chair and Director of the Wetland Convention Subdivision, Department of Water Resources Thailand, stated at the opening of the meeting.
Member states reflected on the successes of the last year, including assessing the effectiveness of Ramsar site management in Cambodia, implementing wetland species management plans in Lao PDR, the designation of Myanmar’s 7th Ramsar Site at Pyu Lake, the identification of potential Ramsar sites in Thailand and raising awareness of wetlands-related policy in Viet Nam.
Building on priorities set out by Member States at the last IBRRI Meeting, the meeting provided an opportunity to finalise the key objectives that will guide the new Strategic Plan. Over the next five years, IBRRI Member States will focus on strengthening wetlands biodiversity and ecosystems services; mainstreaming wetlands-based adaptation in policies at the national and regional levels; increasing communication and awareness of conservation efforts; leveraging private sector support; and ensuring work within the Indo-Burma region aligns with the priorities of the Ramsar Convention – a key international framework for the conservation and wise-use of wetlands. Having received comprehensive feedback and buy-in from each country, IUCN will work to finalise the Strategic Plan 2025-30 and continue providing support to Member States’ work to promote healthier wetlands across the Indo-Burma region.
IUCN, which serves as the IBRRI Secretariat, presented several new funding opportunities that can be leveraged to strengthen Member States’ ongoing wetlands conservation efforts, including wetlands focused proposals to the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility.
“IBRRI has made remarkable strides in advancing wetland conservation and sustainable management. This platform serves as an invaluable space to strengthen our collaboration, ensuring that wetlands continue to support both biodiversity and human well-being throughout the Indo-Burma region,” said Dr Dindo Campilan, Regional Director, IUCN Asia.
