The newly established Danube WILDisland Ramsar Regional Initiative (RRI) recently took part in an online meeting with the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands and other Ramsar Regional Initiatives to prepare for the upcoming 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15).
The event will take place from 23 to 31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together governments, intergovernmental institutions, NGOs, and wetland conservation experts worldwide.
Held every three years, COP meetings provide a platform for the Contracting Parties to agree on work programs, budgetary arrangements, and guidance on key environmental challenges. These gatherings also feature technical sessions addressing both ongoing and emerging wetland conservation issues, ensuring that the Convention on Wetlands remains at the forefront of global wetland protection efforts.
The WILDisland team, led by Donau-Auen National Park and DANUBEPARKS, is planning to attend COP15 to formally present the Danube WILDisland RRI, one of the youngest Ramsar Regional Initiatives worldwide. Our goal is to bring together representatives from our 10 Member States to showcase our progress, outline our plans for 2025, and define strategic priorities for the future. Additionally, we are working alongside other Ramsar Regional Initiatives to organize a dedicated side event, highlighting the role of RRIs in supporting practical wetland conservation. The team will also share an information stand with the other RRIs, ensuring visibility and engagement with a broad international audience.
Our participation in COP15 is generously supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, which reflects the strong trust and commitment our initiative has gained among its Member States. ю
As preparations gain momentum, we will keep you updated on our journey to COP15. Stay tuned!
The Danube WILDisland Regional Ramsar Initiative is financially supported by BMUV and Тhe Convention on Wetlands Secretariat and hosted by ICPDR.