A dark blue duotone photograph of a misty wetland at dawn, reeds and still water stretching toward a pale horizon

Resolutions & Declaration

The resolutions and declaration adopted during the INTECOL wetlands virtual conference represent a collective commitment from the global wetlands community to strengthen the protection and sustainable management of these vital ecosystems. Participants from diverse regions, including scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, practitioners, and policymakers, came together to articulate shared principles and priorities. The resulting documents reflect a growing recognition that wetlands are not merely passive landscapes but dynamic systems that deliver essential services—from water purification and flood regulation to carbon storage and biodiversity support. These formal statements serve as a foundation for future collaboration and advocacy across borders and disciplines.

Central to the resolutions is an emphasis on the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary scientific approaches. The conference acknowledged the invaluable stewardship of Indigenous peoples and local communities who have maintained wetland health for generations. The declaration encourages researchers and managers to engage respectfully with these knowledge systems, fostering genuine partnerships rather than extractive relationships. This commitment to inclusive knowledge practices signals a meaningful shift toward more equitable and holistic wetland governance, one that honours cultural connections to these landscapes while addressing pressing environmental challenges through innovative, multi-disciplinary frameworks.

The declaration also calls for accelerated action on wetland restoration and conservation in the face of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. Participants recognised that healthy wetlands act as natural buffers against extreme weather events, sequester significant amounts of carbon, and provide critical habitat for countless species. The resolutions urge governments, organisations, and individuals to move beyond aspirational statements toward measurable, time-bound commitments. By emphasising the urgency of the present moment, the conference documents aim to inspire concrete policy changes, increased investment in restoration projects, and stronger enforcement of existing protections at national and international levels.

Another key theme woven throughout the resolutions is the importance of building capacity and fostering the next generation of wetland professionals. The conference highlighted the need for accessible education, training opportunities, and mentorship programmes that equip emerging scientists and practitioners with the skills required to address complex wetland challenges. The declaration encourages universities, research institutions, and professional bodies to expand collaborative networks and share resources openly. By investing in people and fostering a vibrant community of practice, the resolutions seek to ensure that wetland science and management continue to evolve, adapt, and thrive long after the conference has concluded.

Finally, the resolutions and declaration emphasise the power of sustained connection and communication among the global wetlands community. The virtual format of the conference demonstrated that meaningful dialogue and collaboration can flourish regardless of geographic distance. Participants are encouraged to maintain the relationships forged during the event, continuing discussions through professional networks, shared platforms, and future gatherings. The declaration closes with a renewed sense of purpose, reminding all stakeholders that the stewardship of wetlands is a shared responsibility requiring ongoing engagement, mutual respect, and collective resolve to secure a healthier future for these irreplaceable ecosystems and the people who depend on them.

Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands

The conference advanced the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands, a landmark statement articulating fundamental principles for the recognition and protection of wetland ecosystems worldwide. The declaration draws on both scientific understanding and traditional ecological knowledge to affirm the intrinsic value of wetlands and their essential role in sustaining biodiversity, water quality, and human communities.

Delegates at INTECOL 2021 engaged with the declaration through dedicated sessions that explored its implications for policy, research, and on-the-ground management. The document serves as a guiding framework for wetland conservation efforts across diverse cultural and ecological contexts.

Conference Resolutions

Formal resolutions emerging from the conference reflected the collective priorities of the international wetland research community. These resolutions addressed pressing challenges in wetland management and called for strengthened integration of traditional knowledge with innovative scientific approaches.

Key Themes

Recognition of wetlands as rights-bearing ecosystems deserving legal protection.
Integration of Indigenous and local knowledge systems into wetland governance.
Commitment to cross-sector collaboration for wetland restoration and resilience.
Support for ongoing research and monitoring to inform adaptive management.

Guidelines for Wetland Rights & Management

The declaration and accompanying resolutions provide practical guidelines for policymakers, researchers, and conservation practitioners. These guidelines emphasise a holistic approach that respects both ecological integrity and the cultural significance of wetland landscapes.

By framing wetlands not merely as resources but as entities with inherent rights, the declaration encourages a paradigm shift in how societies value and protect these critical ecosystems.