WLI Bulletin March 2025
Category: 6-month newsletter, News
Last updated: March 24th, 2025
Welcome to the latest WLI World newsletter. How was World Wetlands Day for you? This issue looks at it in some of our newest members, including Wasit Wetland Centre in the UAE, and our long-standing members BEES in Benin. We also hear about contemporary art exhibitions and a proposal to connect and coordinate across the network, for further exhibitions and storytelling around World Wetlands Day in the future.
After World Wetlands Day, the next big event is World Migratory Bird Day, in May and October, and by the time you read this there should be plentiful official resources available online on the theme of ‘building bird-friendly cities and communities’.
Our Team Assistant María Elisa Sánchez finished her term with us this month, thank you María Elisa for your great work!
You may have read the welcome from the new Head of WLI, Ms. Tina Redshaw, in our review of 2024. Tina wants to get to know you! She will be in touch with WLI members to chat and get to know you – and then share an article or video of the chat so other WLI members can get to know you too! See the first write-up below and the video here
WLI World March 2025
The COP for the Convention on Wetlands, sometimes knows as Ramsar COP, will be held in Zimbabwe in late July. The Head of WLI, Tina Redshaw will be there, and inputting to the discussions relating to your work, the Communications, Education, Participation, Awareness (CEPA) Programme.
Our previous team assistant María Elisa Sánchez has made this great video explaining just what wetlands COP is and what happens there.
The WLI Small Grants 2024 are in their last month, with most projects being carried out as you read this newsletter. We had to turn down 18 applicants, purely because the top applications were so good. WLI is about sharing and improving, rather than competing, so we hope in the future we can establish a large enough fund to meet all the applications.
Not every awardee was able to accept the grant, so we offered partial grants to the next highest scoring applications. We were able to offer grants to these WLI members: Guandu Nature Park; Pheasant tailed Jacana Conservation Park; Fundación Montecito; National Wetland Trust of New Zealand; Nature Classroom; RIAS/ALDEIA; Friends of Santay; Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands; Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre; CIOMA Lobito.
The deadline for the projects is the end of this month, so we hope to start sharing reports of their work on the WLI website in the second half of the year.
The WLI Star Wetland Centre awards are progressing nicely. We are not quite ready to inform the winners, so if you applied, don’t worry that you haven’t heard back from us.
At the time of writing, we have identified at least as dozen winners! This month the panel will get to the final discussions to decide the most controversial awards. The diversity of opinion in the panel is one of its great strengths! Representation on the panel from different continents and cultures is the right insight into wetland education and visitor centres for our global network.
The panel is Connor Walsh, Eric Cyubahiro, Jaleen West, Kim Seongbo, Mandy Kern, Seung-oh Suh, Shufen Yang, and we will introduce them to you over the coming months.
We are already planning our award ceremony. Once again we are applying for an event at the Convention on Wetlands COP, aka Ramsar COP15. That will happen in late July at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. If you plan to be there, let us know! The Head of WLI, Ms. Tina Redshaw, and the Head of WLI Asia-Oceania, Mr Suh Seung-oh will both be there, to co-host the event.
We are hopeful that the Convention will approve our event application, and then we will publicise the exact day and time. We will run a livestream by Zoom so that you can attend virtually. Most people at COP15 will be government representatives, and we will invite those from winning WLI members’ countries to attend and accept the award on behalf of the winners.
One of the organisers of Wold Migratory Bird Day is presenting a series of webinars on the theme of building bird-friendly cities. Register for the 18.00 UTC webinars on:
20 March: Shade the Coffee, shelter the birds. Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
17 April: A Pane in the Glass, expert panel on bird collisions.
15 May: The Cat's Meow, author Jonathan Losos
Celebrating World Wetlands Day 2025 at Beddagana Wetland Park
Beddagana Wetland Park came alive with enthusiasm and curiosity as nearly 60 participants, including university students, conservationists, journalists and community members, gathered for a two-day celebration of World Wetlands Day 2025.
Under this year’s global theme, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,’ the event, titled ‘Dusk to Dawn: Exploring the Wetland Wonder’, offered a unique opportunity to explore the ecological significance of urban wetlands through interactive learning and immersive experiences.
Day 1: A Journey into the Nocturnal Realm
The celebration began with a hands-on camping demonstration, equipping participants with essential skills for setting up tents and preparing for an overnight experience in the heart of the wetlands. As dusk fell, the night transformed into a fascinating classroom with a series of engaging learning sessions. Narmadha Dangampola (Biodiversity Conservation Officer, Dilmah Conservation) and Rukmal Ratnayake (Conservation Biologist) introduced the captivating world of nocturnal animals, unraveling their unique behaviors and vocalizations.
Adding to the excitement, Anya Rathnayake, founder of the Urban Fishing Cat Conservation Project, shared insights into the secretive life of Fishing Cats through a live camera trapping demonstration. The evening continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Urban Wetlands for Sustainable Cities’, moderated by Narmadha Dangampola. Experts Prof. Devaka Weerakoon (Senior Professor in Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo), Dr. Nishanthi Perera (Environmental Scientist and Coordinator of 5th Operational Phase of GEF Small Grants Programme), and Mrs. Chandana Kalupahana (Director (Environment & Landscape) Urban Development Authority, Chartered Landscape Architect) explored the Ramsar status of Colombo’s wetlands and the critical steps needed to secure their future.
A guided night walk revealed the wonders of the wetland at night, where participants encountered resting birds, dragonflies, spiders, moths, amphibians, and geckos. The night culminated with a bat identification session by Dr. Tharaka Kusuminda, featuring a live mist-netting demonstration, offering a rare glimpse into the world of these elusive nocturnal flyers.
Day 2: Embracing the Dawn of Wetland Awareness
The second day welcomed participants to a guided wetland walk, focusing on ecology, birdwatching, and spotting wetland fauna. Children enthusiastically participated
in a scavenger hunt, fostering their curiosity and appreciation for nature.
This impactful event was organized in collaboration with the Urban Development Authority and Dilmah Conservation, demonstrating a successful public-private partnership that not only supports wetland conservation but also enhances awareness and community engagement. As Beddagana Wetland Park continues to thrive, events like these serve as a beacon of hope, ensuring these vital ecosystems are protected for generations to come.
Every year, we celebrate World Wetlands Day to pay tribute to our valuable DANAPURE, a true natural treasure that gives us the opportunity to explore and learn about life in all its forms. In this unique ecosystem, life surprises us at every turn.
From the butterflies that dance upon our arrival to the melodious song of the frogs, which we are investigating with the help of a biologist expert in amphibians. Our team has discovered native and endemic species in danger of extinction, and we are working hard to protect them.
Additionally, the great variety of pollinators in DANAPURE has allowed us to connect with the Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity in Mexico. We are working together to obtain certification as pollinators and promote the conservation of biodiversity in our region.
WLI members love exchanges. It may be sharing that way they’ve figured out how operate the visitor centre smoothly, or how they’re really connecting with school kids, or their passion for wetland education.
Over the years we have facilitated some exchanges, especially online. More recently, we have struggled to make in-person twinning programmes work, for two main reasons: the funding, and the challenges of getting visas.
Later this year, we are going to try a modest approach to exchanges, and we’re calling it WLI BOOTS. That’s an acronym, and a pun. The acronym is Building Online Opportunities for Training & Sharing, and the pun is that we pronounce WLI as ‘welly’, which in the UK refers to Wellington Boots, rain boots, rubber boots, or gumboots. Apologies to those of you reading this is French or Spanish!
WLI BOOTS is a fully online exchange programme, designed to work across timezones. We will try it in later 2025 and then refine the process based on feedback from participants and interested parties.
We will pair up two WLI members, and create a group for them on WhatsApp (or Signal or Telegram, as appropriate). And then over a month, they send each other short videos on their work. Using WhatsApp means the videos are short, focussed, informal, and the two parties don’t need to be online at the same time.
After a month, we will download all the videos and together with the two participants make an edit of the videos to share with all WLI members, so while you don’t make the same personal connection, you can learn from the exchange too.
We are not ready to make WLI BOOTS happen just yet, but we hope to launch it late this year. Your suggestions are welcome! wli@wwt.org.uk.
The Wasit Wetland Centre proudly hosted the World Wetland Day 2025 exhibition, themed ‘Protecting Wetland for Our Common Future.’ This engaging event welcomed school students and community members, offering an immersive exploration into the vital role of wetlands in our environment.
A highlight of the exhibition was the presentation of three unique bird species, each representing a distinct wetland habitat preserved at the centre. Some of these birds are endangered, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard the ecosystems.
The showcase also focused on the importance of native plants in maintaining wetland
health. Arundo donax, known for its water-filtering properties, was exhibited as a natural purifier of water. Vachellia xanthophloea (previously Acacia xanthophloea) demonstrated its appeal by attracting African birds, symbolizing nature’s interconnectedness. Additionally, Selvadora Persica was featured for its role in hosting butterfly breeding, illustrating the intricate relationships that sustain the wetland’s biodiversity.
Interactive displays allowed school students and visitors to examine insects available in Wasit under microscopes, giving the young audience an up-close look at these tiny yet essential creatures.
Presenters—scientific researchers and guides—discussed the differences between effective and ineffective wetland management. They mentioned, “Wetlands connect different environments to provide movement of biodiversity and wetlands support 40% of plant and animal species.” They further emphasized that, “we must preserve and manage wetlands sustainably and this requires knowledge, experience, and participation of all segments of society.”
The Wasit Wetland Centre’s exhibition was not only a tribute to nature but also a call to action for future stewards of our planet.
This year Benin Environment and Education Society (BEES ONG) commemorated World Wetlands Day in several ways. Firstly, 2 February marked the start of a week-long digital awareness campaign. The campaign provided information and raised public awareness of this year's theme, ‘Protecting wetlands for our common future’.
Then on 4 February, BEES co-organised an awareness and information workshop with the Direction Générale des Eaux, Forêts et Chasse (DGEFC), followed by the restoration of a hectare of red mangrove in Aguégués. The event was attended by several committed players and focused on the restoration of mangrove landscapes and the ecosystem services of wetlands. The day was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to nature and sustainable development, in the hope that the efforts made today will bear fruit for future generations. The pupils' involvement in this activity is helping to prepare an eco-citizen generation.
The event provided an opportunity to mobilise water and forestry officers, pupils and teachers, local authorities and the local community in the restoration of a hectare of red mangrove. Finally, Maximin DJONDO, Executive Director of BEES ONG, issued a call to action as part of the celebrations: “We are calling on everyone to act eco-responsibly to avoid polluting wetlands and protect the few that exist… Wherever there are wetlands, we have an obligation to protect them from pollution and abusive exploitation so that we can benefit from them for the future of generations to come.”
On 11 February 2024, the Cercle des Jeunes Ambassadeurs du Climat (CJAC), a member of WLI in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, organised an awareness-raising campaign for people living along the shores of Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi River. Under the theme of the 2024 edition: ‘Wetlands and human well-being’ it promoted protection and rational use of wetlands in the province of South Kivu.
The event was a great success, thanks to the active participation of target groups including fishermen, fish sellers and other sections of the population working around Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi river, which is home to many endangered hippopotamuses.
The key message was the importance of wetlands, the fight against water pollution caused by the proliferation of tonnes of waste dumped in the lake, with disastrous consequences for the population and for aquatic species, and raising people's awareness of their involvement in the fight against crime against protected aquatic species, in particular the hippopotamuses of the Ruzizi river.
The main results achieved are as follows:
- All target groups and other sections of the public were made aware of the need to adopt responsible behaviour.
- At least 1,200 people, including fishermen, fish sellers and other sections of the public, were made aware of the protection and rational use of wetlands;
- 150 people, including fishermen and fish sellers, renewed their commitment to the protection of Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi River, and to proper waste management.
On February 2, 2025, Coolart Wetlands & Homestead on Bunurong Country, (1.5 hour drive from Melbourne Austalia) hosted ‘Currents of Practice’, a multidisciplinary art exhibition and conversation series marking World Wetlands Day. This inaugural event brought together artists, conservationists, and the community to explore the vital role of wetlands through creative practice.
Curated by Rosa Mar Tato Ortega and supported by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Creative Grant, Currents of Practice ran in partnership with Parks Victoria, Friends of Coolart and Western Port Biosphere. Over three days, the event activated Coolart’s historic Homestead, Observatory, and surrounding wetlands with site-responsive artworks spanning sculpture, performance, drawing, poetry, and photography.
Public programs included a Q&A panel led by broadcaster Tracee Hutchison, a bug-dipping activity by Western Port Biosphere, and interactive sessions by BirdLife Mornington Peninsula, all fostering deeper engagement with wetland ecosystems. A highlight of the exhibition was Bird, a large-scale sculptural work by artist Liam McLachlan (2.2m high, 1.7m long, 3.5mwingspan), which was purchased and donated back to Friends of Coolart, now residing in the Ranger’s office for future visitors to experience.
This pilot event demonstrated how art can serve as a catalyst for ecological awareness, dialogue, and action. With strong community engagement and positive feedback, Currents of Practice is set to become an annual feature at Coolart Wetlands, running for an extended period in 2026.For updates & for information about the artists and this inaugural World Wetlands event, visit ‘currents.of.practice’ on Instagram. A limited print and e-book publication documenting the event will also be available soon.
For further information: Rosa Mar Tato Ortega +61412034401 rossatato@gmail.com
Rosa is interested in connecting with WLI members for site visits and coordinating contemporary art exhibitions and storytelling. If that interests you, get in touch!
Head of WLI Tina Redshaw will be getting to know WLI members together with you in interviews and visits. You can see a video of this visit!
WLI member Bangpu Nature Education Centre in Samut Prakhan, Thailand recently hosted a visit for participants of the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative IBRRI/IUCN 8th annual meeting. The wetland contains one of the last indigenous mangrove forests in the inner Gulf of Thailand, as well saltmarsh and mudflats covering a total of 102 hectares. Additionally there is an abandoned shrimp farm, that nature is gradually reclaiming and restoring. The area is visited by an estimated 8,000-15,000 birds annually, along with a resident population of the giant mudskipper, and many other aquatic inhabitants.
With staff of the Thailand Wetland Foundation (TWF) acting as our guides, we were also accompanied by two knowledgeable volunteers from the NGO FEED (Foundation for Environmental Education & Sustainable Development).
As we walked through the wetland, we heard and then saw kingfishers & other waterbirds, many of the mudskippers, crabs and by the time we left, the top bird spotter had recorded 40 species. It was hard to drag ourselves away from the two-storied hide (one of four in the park), as we kept our binoculars trained on the water birds on the lake, including herons, painted storks, stints, and cormorants. Time was too short to allow us to walk the entire nature trail, and we were envious of the
kindergarten class, who were setting out on their art and nature adventure as we returned to the centre. Bangpu also attracts thousands of gulls that alight on the bamboo stilts as if trained for photo sessions by the bird watchers on the jetty! A video and slide presentation provided us with more information about the education programmes at the centre tailored for different visitor groups. Already an EAAFP designated site, Bangpu has been completing the documentation for Ramsar site designation as explained by TCF’s Mr Wicha Narungsri and Mr Somchai Nimnuan who talked us through how the site meets not just one (the minimum required to apply), but 8 of the 9 criteria. We look forward to congratulating Bangpu once it receives Ramsar listing!
At the end of our visit, Mr Somchai Nimnuan spoke to me about his involvement at the Bangpu Nature Education Centre, look out for it on the WLI website.
More interviews from wetlands across the globe to follow…