This slide show presents Wetlands International's position on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and wetlands. Wetlands will play a role in achieving at least 7 of the 17 SDGs and are an indispensible link connecting the ecosystems the SDGs seek to protect and restore.

1. Could the SDGs help save wetlands?
Can wetlands help achieve the SDGs?
By Jane Madgwick, Chief Executive Officer, Wetlands International

2. Wetlands are the water systems in our
landscapes

3. They are vital to reverse land degradation,
desertification, floods and droughts

4. They help to bring resilience and equity in
fisheries and farming...

5. They can reduce impacts of water-related
disasters as well as help make cities &
settlements safe & resilient

6. The SDGs are maybe the best chance to
mainstream wetlands in development

7. Wetlands in good condition are vital to
achieve the Water Goal (SDG Goal 6)
Target 6.6:
By 2020, protect
and restore water-
related ecosystems,
including wetlands, rivers,
aquifers and lakes.
Let’s look into the Goals and Targets...

8. And will make a crucial difference for the
following SDG goals
Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably
manage and protect marine and coastal
ecosystems to avoid significant adverse
impacts
Target 15.2: By 2020, ensure the
conservation, restoration and sustainable
use of terrestrial and inland freshwater
ecosystems, in particular wetlands.
Target 15.3: By 2020, combat
desertification…

9. Indirectly wetlands contribute to the following
SDG goals, although wetlands are not explicitly
mentioned
Target 2.4: Percentage of agricultural area under
sustainable agricultural practices.
Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number
of deaths and the number of people affected and
decrease the economic losses relative to gross domestic
product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters.
Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable
management and efficient use of natural resources.
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity
to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all
countries.

10. Wetlands act as water sources,
sinks and purifiers.
Are a source for plentiful food & fish.
They support abundant
and unique nature.
Are the engines for the
local economy
They protect
our shores.
And they are Earth’s greatest
natural carbon stores.
6 reasons why wetlands matter

11. But… since 1900 more than
64%of wetlands have been
lost through
drainage and conversion,
and much of the rest
have been degraded.
It’s time to acknowledge
their importanceSource: Nick C. Davidson, 2014

12. Wetlands are vital ecosystems which connect the
SDGs – linking and regulating water
throughout the landscape,
from mountains to sea
We need landscape scale and system approaches
that take full account of water wetlands
interactions and the full range of benefits these
provide to society and nature.
Conservation, rehabilitation and restoration of
wetlands is needed to achieve the SDGs.
In summary...

13. Wetlands are
the indispensable link
Don’t let it break...

14. Support us and work with us to
sustain & restore wetlands for
nature and people. It’s urgent!
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Contact: jane.madgwick@wetlands.org