Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative

The Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) is a significant collaborative effort aimed at conserving and restoring wetlands across the Indo-Burma region. The initiative recently gained attention with its side event at the Ramsar COP15.

About Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI)

The IBRRI is a joint initiative developed by the Ramsar National Focal Points (NFPs) of the following countries:

• Cambodia

• Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic)

• Myanmar

• Thailand

• Vietnam

Additionally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), through its Asia Regional Office, has been instrumental in supporting this initiative, specifically through the BRIDGE (Building River Dialogue and Governance) project.

Objectives

The IBRRI aims to:

1. Support coordinated implementation of the Ramsar Convention's Strategic Plan.

2. Conserve and restore wetlands across the Indo-Burma region, which is home to some of the world's most important wetland ecosystems.

3. Strengthen governance and transparency in the management of wetlands in these regions.

The IBRRI Strategic Plan 2025–2030 was officially launched at COP15 of the Ramsar Convention, highlighting the region's commitment to addressing wetland loss and degradation.

Governance Structure

To ensure efficient management, IBRRI has set up a well-structured governance system:

• Steering Committee: Comprising representatives from the Ramsar Administrative Authorities of the five member countries. This committee oversees the overall implementation of the initiative.

• Secretariat: Hosted by the IUCN Asia Regional Office in Bangkok, this body ensures coordination and strategic direction.

• Stakeholder Committee: A key body that provides technical and strategic guidance, as well as serves as a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement, ensuring inclusivity and transparency in the implementation of IBRRI activities.

Strategic Plan 2025–2030

The Strategic Plan aims to establish a collaborative and transboundary framework for wetland conservation. Some of its key goals include:

• Halting and reversing wetland loss across the Indo-Burma region.

• Promoting sustainable management practices in wetland ecosystems.

• Strengthening regional cooperation to address shared challenges, such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

• Enhancing public awareness and support for wetland conservation through education and community involvement.

Significance of Wetlands in the Indo-Burma Region

• The Indo-Burma region contains some of the most biodiverse wetlands globally, providing critical habitat for numerous species, including migratory birds, fish, and other aquatic life.

• These wetlands play vital roles in supporting local livelihoods, including fishing, agriculture, and water supply. They also contribute to climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks.