Topic: 2025-Conserving Wetlands
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Annabelle Peters
Committee: IUCN
Topic: Conserving Wetlands
Country: Türkiye
School: The Ellis School
The conservation of wetlands refers to the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of wetland ecosystems to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance. Wetlands are semi-aquatic environments, including marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens, where water saturation supports diverse plant and animal life. These ecosystems exist worldwide, from tropical mangroves to temperate freshwater marshes, and are essential for climate regulation, flood control, and water purification. Wetland conservation involves governments, NGOs, scientists, and local communities. Millions of people depend on wetlands for clean water, food, and livelihoods, particularly through fisheries and agriculture. Wetlands also act as natural flood buffers, absorbing excess water and reducing disaster risks. Additionally, they serve as carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of CO2 and mitigating climate change. However, wetlands face increasing threats from urbanization, pollution, and agricultural expansion. Since 1900, nearly 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost, leading to habitat destruction, water scarcity, and biodiversity decline. Without conservation efforts, the degradation of wetlands will worsen climate impacts, reduce food security, and increase flooding. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for environmental sustainability, economic stability, and public health.
Recognizing the global importance of wetlands, the international community had taken steps to address their conservation. The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, is the most significant treaty dedicated to wetland protection. The convention provides a framework for international cooperation in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, with over 170 countries as signatories. Other key initiatives include the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15, which emphasizes the protection and restoration of ecosystems including wetlands. UN officials have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need for wetland conservation. The Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention once stated, “investing in wetlands is investing in human wellbeing.” The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has also promoted wetland restoration projects, recognizing their role in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively work on wetland conservation. Organizations such as Wetlands International, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) collaborate with governments and local communities to implement sustainable wetland management strategies. These efforts include habitat restoration, policy, advocacy, and education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems.
Türkiye is home to 135 diverse wetlands, including lakes, deltas, and coastal marshes. These ecosystems support rich biodiversity and provide essential services such as water filtration, flood control, and carbon sequestration. However, Türkiye’s wetlands face significant threats due to urbanization, industrial pollution, excessive water extraction, and agricultural expansion. Since 1923, over 1.3 million hectares of wetlands have been drained or irreversibly damaged, leading to the loss of critical habitats and ecological services. In response, Türkiye has implemented several conservation measures. The country became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1994 and has designated 14 wetlands as Ramsar sites, granting them international protection. Additionally, Türkiye has established 66 Wetland Management Areas and developed national policies to regulate land use and prevent further degradation. However, challenges remain, particularly in enforcing regulations and balancing economic development with environmental conservation. Türkiye supports UN policies that integrate wetland conservation and sustainable development initiatives. The country advocates for increased financial and technical assistance for wetland restoration projects, particularly in regions where economic pressures threaten these ecosystems. Türkiye also emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that international agreements like the Ramsar Convention are effectively implemented at the national level.
To effectively address wetland degradation, Türkiye proposes several key initiatives at both the international and national levels. At the UN level, Türkiye calls for the creation of a Global Wetland Conservation Fund to provide financial support for wetland restoration and sustainable management projects. This fund assists developing countries in implementing conservation measures, investing in wastewater treatment facilities, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices that reduce pollution runoff into wetlands. Türkiye also urges the UN to strengthen international cooperation by facilitating knowledge-sharing between countries that have successfully implemented wetland conservation programs. Within Member States, Türkiye encourages the adoption of stricter national policies to regulate industrial and agricultural activities that negatively impact wetlands. Countries should implement stronger pollution controls, promote water-efficient irrigation methods, and enforce land-use regulations to prevent wetland encroachment. Additionally, Türkiye advocates for greater investment in wetland restoration projects, including reforestation of degraded wetland areas and the reintroduction of native plant species to strengthen ecosystems. These measures are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of wetlands while balancing economic and environmental needs. By enhancing international collaboration, enforcing conservation policies, and investing in wetland restoration, Türkiye remains committed to protecting its wetland ecosystems for future generations.
