As we celebrate World Wetlands Day 2025, (Sunday, February 2) under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”, we recognize wetlands' critical role in sustaining biodiversity, human well-being, and climate resilience. In the Caribbean, these ecosystems provide essential services such as water purification, flood regulation, carbon sequestration, and coastal protection while supporting many communities' livelihoods through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture.
Yet, despite their immense value, wetlands continue to face severe threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, and climate change. Globally, it is estimated that over 35% of wetlands have been lost since 1970, and in the Caribbean, many wetland areas are rapidly deteriorating due to coastal development, rising sea levels, and increasing human pressures. This underscores the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts and enhanced collaboration at all levels.
Effective wetland conservation requires coordination at global, regional, and national levels. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands provides a crucial framework for global wetland conservation and wise use. At the regional level, the Cartagena Convention and its SPAW Protocol (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife) complement these efforts by fostering regional cooperation, establishing protected areas, and promoting the sustainable management of wetlands.
However, ensuring the long-term protection of these ecosystems in the Caribbean also requires stronger synergies with other Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), a key priority promoted by the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) advances ecosystem-based conservation strategies, the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) protects migratory species that depend on wetlands, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) helps regulate trade in wetland-dependent species to prevent overexploitation. By enhancing collaboration across these agreements, we can achieve a more coordinated and effective approach to wetland conservation in the Caribbean
The Importance of Wetlands for Caribbean Biodiversity
Caribbean wetlands provide habitat for numerous species, many of which are listed under SPAW, CITES, and other international conservation agreements. Some notable examples include:
The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) – Listed under both the SPAW Protocol Annex II and CITES Appendix I, this gentle marine mammal relies on mangroves and seagrass beds found in Caribbean wetlands for feeding and shelter. Its populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, boat collisions, and entanglement in fishing gear.
The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) – Protected under CITES Appendix I and SPAW Annex II, this species depends on coastal wetlands, mangroves, and brackish lagoons for nesting and feeding. Habitat destruction and illegal hunting remain major threats to its survival.
The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) – A flagship species of Caribbean wetlands, this bird depends on saline lagoons and mudflats for feeding. It is listed under CMS and SPAW (Annex III) and protected in several Ramsar sites across the region.
The Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – Found in seagrass beds and coastal wetlands, this critically endangered species is listed under CITES Appendix I and the SPAW Protocol Annex II. Habitat degradation and illegal trade continue to threaten its populations.
The Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) – A keystone species in Caribbean wetlands, providing critical habitat for marine life, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration. It is listed under the SPAW Protocol (Annex III) due to its ecological importance and ongoing deforestation and coastal development threats.
These examples emphasize the crucial role of Caribbean wetlands in sustaining regional biodiversity and the interconnectedness of conservation efforts under different MEAs.
Strengthening Commitment to Wetland Protection
On World Wetlands Day 2025, the UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat calls on Caribbean countries, organizations, and communities to strengthen their commitment to wetland protection. A key step toward this goal is ensuring full regional participation in the SPAW Protocol, which now has 19 contracting parties, following the recent ratification by Saint Kitts and Nevis. However, nine countries have yet to join. Achieving universal ratification is essential to establishing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to wetland conservation in the Caribbean. We urge policymakers in non-signatory countries to prioritize the adoption of the SPAW Protocol, reinforcing regional efforts to protect and sustainably manage these critical ecosystems.
