About the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium
The Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS) is a regional forum that provides opportunities to diverse target groups to share and learn knowledge, wisdom, and practical experience on the conservation, restoration, sustainable management, and wise use of wetlands in Asia. With the theme ‘Wetland-based Solutions, the 10th AWS aims to promote the mainstreaming of wetland conservation and wise use across all sectors of society as a contribution to the implementation of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2016-2024 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the action-oriented global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The first-ever Asian Wetland Symposium was held in October 1992 in the Japanese cities of Otsu and Kushiro. Across three decades, the AWS has been hosted by Malaysia, India, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and the Republic of Korea. In November 2017, the 8th AWS was once again hosted by Japan, marking the 25th anniversary of the symposium. The 9th AWS was hosted by the Republic of Korea in July 2021 and was conducted online due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Objectives
The overall objective of AWS 2024 is to provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge, skills, methods, and approaches, as well as good practices on the wise use and conservation of wetlands, and enhance regional and international cooperation on wetland conservation in the region.
AWS 2024 specifically aims to:
- Raise awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Nature-based Solutions, particularly those specific to wetlands;
- Share initiatives, strategies, and approaches related to Wetland-based Solutions;
- Expand networks among Ramsar Sites and wetland managers, wetland schools, Wetland Cities, and other wetland stakeholders in Asia;
- Enhance youth engagement in the conservation and wise use of wetlands; and
- Identify the major components of a Strategic Plan on Wetland-based Solutions in the Asian region.
Target Participants
The Symposium welcomes participation from all sectors of society engaged in wetland management and conservation including policymakers, regional, national, and local government authorities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, Indigenous and local communities, and the business sector.
Symposium structure
AWS 2024 is a four-day event consisting of keynote presentations, plenary sessions, parallel sessions, side events, poster sessions, and a field trip to the three wetland areas in the Philippines: the Candaba Wetlands; Pangil River Eco-Park in Laguna de Bay; and the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in Manila Bay.
A side event is being explored where government attendees can discuss positions on certain issues that may be presented at the Ramsar COP15.
Provisional themes for parallel sessions
The parallel sessions will revolve around the main theme ‘Wetland-based Solutions’ with subthemes that will elaborate on the:
- Wetland biodiversity
- Wetland restoration
- Wetland conservation and the SDGs
- Wetland CEPA
- Business and wetland conservation
- Engaging the youth in wetland conservation
Exhibition
The organizers have allocated space (exhibition booths) in the symposium venue for interested parties that may wish to showcase their initiatives or products.
Partnership/Sponsorships
Opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships will be announced in the second quarter of 2024.
The 10th Asian Wetland Symposium
