The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the (Ramsar) Convention on Wetlands have entered into a new cooperation agreement designed to improve the use of climate, hydrological and Earth observation information in wetland protection and management.
The partnership was confirmed on 19 January, when WMO Secretary-General Dr Celeste Saulo and Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, Dr Musonda Mumba, signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement reflects a shared effort to respond to increasing climate-related pressures on wetlands, which are essential for regulating water resources, supporting biodiversity and reducing the impacts of floods and droughts on communities.
The agreement reflects a shared effort to respond to increasing climate-related pressures on wetlands, which are essential for regulating water resources
Recent advances in satellite monitoring, mapping technologies and weather and climate services are making it possible to identify changes in wetlands earlier and with greater accuracy. Through this collaboration, the two organizations aim to ensure that these scientific tools are better aligned with policy processes, helping countries turn data into informed planning, investment and conservation actions.
WMO will contribute its strengths in Earth system observation, data exchange, scientific research and operational services to support improved wetland datasets and reporting. At the same time, the Convention on Wetlands will draw on its policy and technical expertise to help shape climate and hydrological information so it is relevant and usable for decision-makers and practitioners at national and local levels.
“Environmental protection benefits substantially from our services, starting by better understanding the interconnections between water, climate and ecosystems: our collaboration will help enhance this critical development,” said WMO Secretary-General Dr Celeste Saulo.
According to Dr Musonda Mumba, stronger evidence is key to effective wetland action. “Protecting wetlands depends on making the right decisions at the right time, and that starts with strong data. Our partnership will help connect Earth observation, weather and climate information to practical action on the ground, so countries can plan better and protect these ecosystems more effectively. It is exactly what this year’s World Meteorological Day theme, ‘Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow’, calls for.”
The Memorandum of Understanding sets out several areas of joint work, including:
- Improving understanding of climate–water–wetland linkages, with a focus on how changes in the hydrological cycle affect wetland health.
- Expanding the use of Earth observation and new technologies to strengthen wetland inventories, indicators and reporting systems.
- Reinforcing coherence across international agendas, bringing together work on sustainable development, climate action and disaster risk reduction, including cooperation through initiatives such as Early Warnings for All.
