Worldwide Wetland Perspective for 2025

Concerning the Global Wetland Outlook for 2025

It provides the latest worldwide assessment of the state, trends, valuation, and policy actions related to wetlands.

Created by: The Review Panel on Scientific and Technical Matters (STRP) of the Wetlands Convention.

Eleven major wetland categories are assessed, including: Seagrass, Kelp Forests, Coral Reefs, Estuarine Waters, Salt Marshes, Mangroves, Tidal Flats, Lakes, Rivers and Streams, Inland Marshes and Swamps, and Peatlands (Mires).

Key Discoveries

Wetland loss persists: Since 1970, approximately 411 million hectares of wetlands have disappeared globally, indicating a 22% reduction in worldwide coverage.

The typical annual rate of wetland loss was -0.52% (varying from -1.80% to -0.01%, based on the type of wetland).

Wetland degradation is prevalent: Recently, significant reductions in wetlands are observed in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, but the level of degradation has also risen in Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Causes of Degradation: The primary factors contributing to wetland degradation and loss in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean are urbanization, industrial activities, and infrastructure expansion.

In Oceania and North America, invasive species presented a greater issue, while in Europe, drought was the primary factor.

High Value Resource: The 1,425 million ha of existing wetlands provide an estimated $7.98 trillion to $39.01 trillion in benefits to humans annually.

If all existing wetlands are properly managed until 2050, they will yield a net present value (NPV) exceeding $205.25 trillion during this timeframe.

Maintaining healthy and functioning wetlands is less expensive than restoring them: The average costs for wetland restoration can vary from $1,000 per hectare (annually, Int$) to upwards of $70,000 per hectare.

The worldwide funding shortfall for wetlands: Current figures indicate that funding for biodiversity conservation represents only 0.25% of global GDP, underscoring the considerable lack of investment in nature, particularly in wetlands.

Suggestions:

Financing: Wetlands need to be included in financing programs like the KM-GBF, which seeks to raise billions of dollars a year.

Unlock a combination of public and private funding sources to support wetlands as natural solutions.

The Global Wetland Outlook 2025 urges society, businesses, and policymakers to act now.

Strong public support, political will, and substantial resource mobilisation are all necessary to achieve this. Increased funding for nature is desperately needed.