During the 64th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on Wetlands in January 2025, the Co-Chairs of the Independent Advisory Committee on Wetland City Accreditation announced the addition of 31 new cities to the Wetland City Accreditation scheme.
These cities were recognized for their outstanding efforts in conserving and sustainably managing urban wetlands. The announcement reflects growing international momentum toward integrating wetlands into urban development strategies.
Newly accredited cities:
- Argentina: Trelew
- Belgium: Mechelen
- Botswana: Kasane-Kazungula; Shakawe
- Chile: Valdivia
- China: Chongming; Dali; Fuzhou; Hangzhou; Jiujiang; Lhasa; Suzhou; Wenzhou; Yueyang
- France: Abbeville; Arles; Hampigny
- India: Indore; Udaipur
- Iran: Babol; Bandar Kiashar; Gandoman
- Japan: Nagoya City
- Morocco: Mehdya
- Philippines: Balanga City
- Poland: Poznan
- Republic of Korea: Gimhae; Mungyeong
- Serbia: Novi Sad
- Switzerland: Geneva
- Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls
“Wetland City Accreditation demonstrates how cities worldwide are taking concrete steps in favor of their urban wetlands,” said Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands. “By protecting, restoring and wisely using their wetlands, these cities are enhancing their resilience to climate change and improving quality of life for their residents.”
Urban wetlands face increasing challenges due to population growth and development pressures that often lead to pollution and degradation. Yet, cities that preserve and manage their wetlands sustainably reap important benefits, including flood mitigation, water purification, enhanced biodiversity, and improved recreational spaces.
The Wetland City Accreditation scheme, introduced in 2015, encourages cities to recognize the importance of their wetlands, whether natural or human-made, and to commit to their protection. This year’s new accreditations include cities from a broad range of ecosystems and regions, such as Geneva, Switzerland, which incorporates wetland conservation into urban policy, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, a city celebrated for its iconic waterfall and innovative conservation strategies.
The accredited cities will be officially recognized at COP15 of the Convention on Wetlands, scheduled to take place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in July 2025. The upcoming COP will bring together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the globe to advance dialogue and action on wetland conservation and restoration.
In addition to these new accreditations, 18 cities have received renewed accreditation for their sustained wetlands efforts. These include Changde (China), Amiens (France), and Colombo (Sri Lanka), which have consistently demonstrated their commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable development.
With this latest round of accreditations, the Wetland City Accreditation scheme now includes 74 cities across 27 countries. This growing network shows the global importance of urban wetlands and the critical role they play in building sustainable and resilient communities.
