Wetlands and agriculture: a vital partnership for our future

As global leaders gather in Zimbabwe for the 15th Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP15), there is a major opportunity to protect both food security and the environment.

Wetlands, which support global food production and provide many other benefits, are vanishing quickly.

Today’s food systems are under increasing pressure. To meet rising food demand, many wetlands are being drained and water is being overused. These actions may offer short-term solutions, but they damage long-term food productivity. Already, one-third of agricultural land is degraded, and wetlands continue to disappear.

To truly “Protect Wetlands for Our Common Future”—the official COP15 theme—three key actions are needed. First, clear targets should be set for wetland restoration, linked to climate and food security plans. Second, financial incentives should be created to reward farmers and communities for protecting wetlands. Third, wetland protection should be fully included in national policies on development and climate change.

The link between wetlands and agriculture is strong. Wetlands provide fish, support millions of livelihoods, supply irrigation water, recharge groundwater, and filter out pollutants. Over 95% of food production depends on healthy water and soil—both of which wetlands help protect.

Beyond farming, wetlands are vital for the climate. Peatlands, a type of wetland, hold more carbon per acre than any other ecosystem. Though they cover just 3% of the Earth's surface, they store 30% of all soil carbon. When looked after, they absorb carbon. When drained or burned, they release large amounts of CO₂ and methane.

Wetlands also help prevent disasters. They reduce flood risks, store water during dry periods, and provide 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater. But despite their huge value, the people who protect wetlands often receive nothing in return, while those who destroy them profit.

Currently, only 0.25% of global wealth goes to nature protection. Yet wetlands offer trillions in benefits. Restoring and protecting them would cost about US$275–550bn—just 0.5% of the world economy. With the right support, farmers could be paid for the services their wetlands provide, such as carbon storage and clean water.

These finance systems must work for countries at all stages of development. Local training and sharing of technology are key. It is also more cost-effective to protect healthy wetlands than to fix damaged ones.

The goal is to make wetland protection rewarding and achievable for farmers and communities. This needs systems to track progress, measure results, and share success stories.

We already know what works. In Asia, water-saving rice farming protects wetlands. In Europe, constructed wetlands clean farm water and support wildlife. Practices like reduced tilling and tree planting also help.

With climate change and food demands rising, wetlands must be part of the solution. The time to act is now.