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outlining Sample 1 Presentation by Dr. Walter Reid at the 5th International Conference on Wetlands Protection, February 2, 2005

salutation and expressing thanks has an increasingly devastating effect on our climate. Extreme weather events like storms and floods occur more often. Certain regions become drier, destroying the agricultural base. Even the sea-level may rise, causing floods in most populated areas in the world (such as China and Europe). Wetlands are able to mitigate2 these weather events.

Coastal wetlands appear to be a buffer for the waves of storms. Inland wetlands such as marshes and peat lands absorb the water after extreme rainfall. In the dry period they release a constant flow of water. Hence, these wetlands not only prevent floods, but also provide millions with enough water.

Destruction of wetland enables all this. A good example is the Himalayan3 area. Peat lands there can hold huge quantities of fresh water. This water is being released slowly during both dry and wet seasons, thus preventing floods and providing sufficient water. The Himalaya-glaciers determine the water supply of 40% of mankind. Their disappearance will leave millions without water in dry season and floods during the wet. Especially now global warming is causing the glaciers to disappear, it is very important that rainwater is stored by peat lands in the mountains, that rivers have floodplains which are able to store the water during floods.

The second part is related to our views on wetlands and livelihoods4. Wetlands are not only home to many plants and animals but also to a lot of human communities. Millions of people depend for their livelihoods on intact and functioning wetlands. Since wetlands provide them with the main resource base for their existence, like water, food and materials. In addition they act as transport corridors and provide protection against floods, drought and saltwater intrusion. Sustainable development therefore means recognizing and integrating these environmental values and services into development plans and activities.

Unfortunately the development and aid sector are not always aware of the values and services that wetlands deliver. Similarly, the environment and conservation sector seldom address the socio-economic development issues fundamental to sustain people’s livelihood. the third part

Therefore, Wetland International conducts projects everywhere in the world. We have done much work at the global level. For instance, influencing the agenda of

decision makers during international governmental conventions in order to protect wetlands and its values. Our work at the Convention on Migratory Species(CMS)5 is a good example.

We also work on regional projects. For instance to create networks of wetlands to help the migratory waterbirds. A good example is our work to bring together governments to protect flyways of waterbirds. Another example of regional project is the Green Coast Project, restoration of Asian coastal nature, in order to provide a better coastal protection and livelihood for the people along the coast.

To conclude, Mr. Chairman, Fellow Colleagues, Friends, the importance of conserving and restoring wetlands for fighting climate change should be acknowledged by everyone. It needs our joint endeavor to achieve the conservation and wise use of it, to benefit biodiversity and human well-being.

Thank you for your attention. conclusion