“The launch of the IBRRI Strategic Plan 2025–2030 marks a pivotal moment for wetland cooperation in our region,” said Ms. Praon Udomprasert, Director of the Wetland Convention (Ramsar) Subdivision at Thailand’s Department of Water Resources and current Chair of IBRRI.
“At a time when Indo-Burma’s wetlands face mounting pressures from climate change, development, and biodiversity loss, this Plan offers a clear, coordinated path forward. It builds on the foundation laid by our Contracting Parties and partners, while putting wetlands at the centre of our region’s climate resilience strategies. Through this renewed vision, we reaffirm our shared commitment to the wise use, restoration, and sustainable governance of wetlands—essential lifelines for over 250 million people.”
The side event, facilitated by IUCN which serves as the IBRRI Secretariat, gathered representatives from IBRRI member countries and long-standing partners, such as the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), and the Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA).
A coordinated response to regional wetland loss
The Indo-Burma region is home to globally significant wetlands that provide critical ecosystem services, food security, and climate resilience to millions of people. However, these ecosystems are under increasing threat, including the loss of forest and expansion of urban areas into wetlands. The loss of coastal wetlands across four of the five Indo-Burma countries also accounts for one fifth of the total loss of coastal wetlands globally.
According to the Indo-Burma Wetland Outlook, wetland ecosystems and their dependent species are deteriorating due to development pressures and the growing impacts of climate change. Without coordinated regional action, the well-being of almost 250 million people remains at risk.
Strategic priorities for 2025–2030
The IBRRI Strategic Plan was developed through a consultative process involving Ramsar Contracting Parties and regional partners. It aims to enhance the wise use and protection of wetlands by supporting conservation, restoration, and improved policy integration.
The Plan focuses on five Operational objectives:
- Enhancing wetlands’ ecosystem services and biodiversity through effective management, restoration, and connectivity of priority sites
- Mainstreaming wetlands-based adaptation into national and regional policies and sectoral plans
- Strengthening communication, capacity building, education, participation, and awareness (CEPA) on wetland values and management
- Mobilising sustainable finance to support wetlands as nature-based solutions (NbS)
- Ensuring sound and inclusive governance of IBRRI and its contribution to Ramsar Convention implementation
Funding the IBRRI Strategic Plan
IUCN, as the IBRRI Secretariat, is continuing to work with Member States to secure funding to implement the Strategic Plan at the regional level. IUCN and AFD have developed a concept note and funding proposal for the Green Climate Fund for a 10-year programme titled “Wetlands-based Adaptation in South and Southeast Asia.” The programme aims to support the conservation, management and restoration of wetlands and integrate their values into policies and private sector investments to enhance climate resilience for wetlands communities.
