The aim of the project is to increase the ability of the development sector to take into account the values of wetlands in their planning and activities, while also influencing the conservation and environment sector to consider the necessity of poverty reduction and socio-economic development into their planning and actions. Click here for the latest news about the project.
The project works on a global level (for instance by informing decisionmakers at international governmental conventions) and on a regional or national level within countries in five regions: West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The Wetlands and Poverty Reduction Project is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS) and is coordinated by Wetlands International. To download the project description (short version).
The project’s activities are concentrated in four main areas:
Policy development
On an international level, the project will make sure that policies, strategies and mechanisms aimed at structural poverty reduction recognise the importance of sustainable wetland management. Furthermore, national poverty reduction policies, sustainable development strategies and planning processes will also be influenced to enhance sustainable wetland management practices.
Partnerships and demonstration projects
Policy improvement is not enough. The Wetlands and Poverty Reduction project will feature five pilot projects in Africa and Asia, where local partnerships will demonstrate how poverty reduction can be achieved through the wise use of wetlands.
Part of our partnership development is a seed funding facility.
Training and capacity building
To make these partnerships and demonstration projects long lasting, and to provide fertile ground for sustainable policies, it is important that local technical capacity is created – not only awareness and understanding of wetlands functions, values and their socio-economic importance, but also skills in wetland management, planning and conservation and in wetland policy development.
Awareness and outreach
Awareness and outreach activities cross-cut all of the Project’s activities and are essential to promote a collaborative approach, stimulate discussion, share lessons learned, and stimulate new partnerships.
For more information
