This is the Summary Report of the Fifth Edition of the Waterbird Population Estimates, whose main objective is to provide a global overview of the status and trends of world’s waterbird populations; one of the most remarkable components of global biodiversity. It accompanies the searchable online Waterbird Information Portal (http://www.wetlands.org), which provides unprecedented access to all the data and information from five editions, as part of Wetlands InternationaI’s continuing commitment to supporting the Ramsar Convention and all those concerned with wetland and waterbird conservation and wise use.