Global Wetlands Vanishing Rapidly Despite $39 Trillion Annual Economic Value
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📰 The quick summary: A major new global report reveals that wetlands are vanishing faster than any other natural ecosystem, but provides a clear roadmap for saving these valuable habitats that provide ecosystem services worth up to $39 trillion annually.
📈 One key stat: Wetlands deliver ecosystem services valued at more than 7.5% of global GDP — up to $39 trillion annually — despite covering just 6% of Earth’s surface.
💬 One key quote: “Wetlands are fundamental to the water cycle, to our global response to climate change, and to the wellbeing of billions,” said Hugh Robertson, chair of the Ramsar Convention’s Scientific and Technical Review Panel.
1️⃣ The big picture: A comprehensive global report on wetlands reveals these vital ecosystems are disappearing at an alarming rate, with 22% lost since 1970 and another fifth potentially at risk by mid-century without intervention. Despite their relatively small global footprint, wetlands provide enormous economic value through water purification, carbon storage, coastal protection, and support for food systems. The ‘Global Wetland Outlook 2025’ from the Ramsar Convention highlights both the crisis and opportunity, outlining four transformative pathways to reverse the decline. Critically, wetlands remain significantly underfunded, receiving less than 9% of climate finance designated for nature-based solutions.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Success stories demonstrate the power of targeted wetland investments for both nature and people. In Zambia, an initial $300,000 restoration initiative has grown into a $1 million annual program sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services for 1.3 million people. The Regional Flyway Initiative across Asia now represents a $3 billion partnership working to restore over 140 wetlands critical for migratory birds and nearly 200 million people. The report provides clear action pathways, from integrating wetlands into national planning to mobilizing blended finance models. With proper investment, the restoration of 5.5 million square kilometers of wetlands could significantly advance global biodiversity and climate goals.
3️⃣ What’s next: The upcoming Ramsar Convention’s COP15 summit in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 23-31) will build on the report’s findings. Conservation efforts must secure massive funding increases, far beyond current commitments which remain at just 0.25% of global GDP. Effective protection of 5.5 million square kilometers of wetlands—an area half the size of Canada—is essential to meet international climate and biodiversity goals.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – New global report urges urgent action to save wetlands
