Wetlands are being lost and degraded at scale, with alarming consequences. Since 1970, all natural wetland types have declined, with an average annual loss of 0.52%. Over 400 million hectares have disappeared. The degradation of remaining wetlands continues globally, threatening biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience.
The costs of wetland loss are profound and growing. The global value of wetlands lost in the last 50 years exceeds $5.1 trillion Int or USD. Degraded wetlands provide fewer ecosystem services, thereby increasing disaster risk, reducing water quality and accelerating emissions.
Healthy wetlands are essential for water, climate and food security. They regulate water flows, reduce the risk of floods and droughts, store carbon and support fisheries and agriculture. They are vital to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
While restoration is urgent, prevention is more cost-effective. The cost of restoration ranges from $1,000 to over $70,000 per hectare per year. Conserving existing wetlands is far cheaper and more effective. Nevertheless, the restoration of at least 123 million hectares is required to meet current global targets.
Underinvestment is the biggest barrier to action. Current biodiversity funding accounts for just 0.25% of global GDP. Bridging the wetland finance gap requires bold policies, public–private partnerships, and innovative tools such as green bonds, biodiversity credits and debt-for-nature swaps.
Wetlands are undervalued in decision-making processes. Despite generating ecosystem services worth up to $39 trillion Int or USD per year, they are not adequately accounted for in national planning or economic systems. It is critical to embed natural capital accounting and ecosystem valuation.
Nature-positive solutions for wetlands already exist and they work. Success stories from around the world, from mangrove finance breakthroughs to peatland restoration partnerships, show that, with the right ambition and investment, we can protect and restore wetlands on a large scale.
Pathways to progress
Valuing wetlands can lead to better decision-making and stronger policies. Integrating the full range of wetland values — economic, cultural and intrinsic — into planning leads to better outcomes for nature and people. New tools and data make it easier than ever to conserve and sustainably manage wetlands through wetland-smart policies and decision-making.
Recognising wetlands are integral to the global water cycle creates new opportunities. From mountain peatlands to coastal mangroves, wetlands support water security at all scales. Countries that incorporate wetlands into national water, climate and development strategies are building resilience while reducing risk.
Innovative finance is driving a wetland investment revolution. Breakthroughs such as blue bonds, carbon markets and biodiversity credits are scaling up action. The Mangrove Breakthrough and other initiatives demonstrate how the combination of science and finance can mobilise billions for restoration and protection.
Blending public and private finance for wetlands is proving successful. New partnerships are emerging to invest in wetlands as nature-based solutions. Governments, companies and communities are joining forces — and pooling their capital — to protect vital ecosystems while providing additional benefits in terms of employment, adaptation and biodiversity.
A thriving future depends on wetlands and collective action. Wetlands are vital for planetary health and the prosperity of humanity. Immediate global, national and local action is required to conserve what remains, restore what has been lost and mobilise sustainable finance for the future.