Topic: 2025-Conserving Wetlands
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Molly Brunt
I. Background
Wetlands are among the most vital ecosystems on the planet, providing essential services such as water filtration, flood control, carbon sequestration, and habitat preservation for countless species. These ecosystems serve as breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife while also playing a crucial role in maintaining freshwater supplies and mitigating the effects of climate change. Despite their immense ecological and economic value, wetlands have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Over the past century, nearly 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost due to urban expansion, agriculture, pollution, and rising global temperatures. The rapid degradation of wetlands has led to biodiversity loss, increased vulnerability to natural disasters, and disruptions in local and global water cycles.
Recognizing the urgent need for wetland conservation, the international community has taken significant steps to address this issue. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, adopted in 1971, established a global framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Today, 171 countries have joined the convention, designating over 2,400 Ramsar sites as Wetlands of International Importance. The United Nations has also acknowledged the critical role of wetlands through various resolutions and initiatives. In 2021, the UN General Assembly declared February 2nd as World Wetlands Day to raise global awareness and encourage conservation efforts. Additionally, the UN Environment Assembly has adopted multiple resolutions emphasizing the need for nature-based solutions and sustainable wetland management. Efforts to protect wetlands are also reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), which stress the importance of protecting and restoring these fragile ecosystems. However, despite these international efforts, wetlands continue to face severe threats, underscoring the need for stronger global cooperation and enforcement mechanisms.
II. Policy
Japan, as an island nation with diverse wetland ecosystems—including marshes, mangroves, peatlands, and tidal flats—has long recognized the ecological and cultural importance of these habitats. Wetlands play a crucial role in Japan’s biodiversity, supporting endemic species and serving as critical stopover sites for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Japan became a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention in 1980 and has since designated over 50 Ramsar sites, covering a total of more than 150,000 hectares. In addition to international commitments, Japan has implemented strong domestic policies to protect its wetlands. The government has enacted laws such as the Natural Parks Act and the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Act, which provide legal frameworks for wetland conservation.
Japan has also actively participated in international and regional wetland conservation efforts. Through bilateral agreements with countries such as the United States, Australia, China, and Russia, Japan has committed to protecting migratory birds and their habitats. Additionally, Japan plays a key role in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership, an initiative focused on conserving migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats. Given its longstanding commitment to environmental protection, Japan has consistently supported UN resolutions aimed at wetland conservation and has promoted initiatives that align wetland preservation with sustainable development and climate adaptation.
III. Proposal
Japan urges the United Nations to take a stronger, more coordinated approach to wetland conservation by enhancing international cooperation, integrating wetlands into global sustainability frameworks, and promoting public awareness and education. The UN should facilitate greater knowledge-sharing among member states by establishing collaborative research programs and capacity-building initiatives to assist countries in conserving and restoring wetlands, particularly those lacking the necessary resources. Japan also calls for the integration of wetland conservation into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change policies, recognizing that wetlands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, disaster resilience, and water security. Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms for wetland protection is also essential, as unregulated development and pollution continue to threaten these critical ecosystems. Additionally, Japan supports the expansion of funding mechanisms under the UN to assist countries in wetland restoration projects and the development of sustainable land-use practices. Public engagement and education must also be prioritized, as local communities play a key role in conservation efforts. The UN should support global campaigns and educational programs to raise awareness of wetlands’ ecological significance and encourage citizen participation in monitoring and protection initiatives. By adopting these measures, the UN can foster a comprehensive and sustainable approach to wetland conservation, ensuring the long-term protection of these invaluable ecosystems. Japan remains committed to collaborating with the international community to safeguard wetlands for future generations.
