Wetlands International is the only global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. We are dedicated to protecting and restoring wetlands for their environmental value as well as for the services they provide to people. We work through our network of offices, our partners, and experts to achieve our goals. Most of our work is financed on a project basis by governments and private donors. We are also supported by government and NGO membership.

What makes us, us?

Our Vision

A world where wetlands are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide.

Our Mission

To inspire and mobilise society to safeguard and restore wetlands for people and nature.

Our Core Values

• Our work is globally relevant
• Our work is based on sound science
• We work through partnerships and with a wide range of sectors
• We respect traditional values and knowledge
• We respect human rights and aim to contribute to gender equality
• We work in a transparent and accountable way

Annual Review

The Source: The Annual Review of Wetlands International is an engaging digital magazine that outlines our performance and achievements in 2023.

Our Strategy

The Strategic Intent (2020-2030) sets out how we work as an organisation and the targets we have set for ourselves for the coming years.

Our History

Wetlands International and its predecessors have worked to protect wetlands since 1937. Back then we were known as the International Wildfowl Inquiry. Our work began as part of the British Section of the International Committee of Bird Preservation, with a focus on protecting waterbirds.

In 1954, our name became International Waterfowl & Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB) and our scope expanded to include the protection of wetland areas. We were based at the Museum of Natural History in London, followed by the Tour du Valat in the Camargue (France) until 1968, and then the Wildfowl Trust in Slimbridge (UK) until 1995.

Organisations with similar objectives emerged in Asia and the Americas: the Asian Wetland Bureau (AWB) was initiated as INTERWADER in 1983, and Wetlands for the Americas (WA) formed in 1989. These three organisations started to work closely together in 1991.

This working relationship evolved into a single global organisation which adopted the name Wetlands International and established its headquarters in the Netherlands in 1996.

Contact us

Telephone number: +31 (0) 318 660 910
E-mail: [email protected]

P.O. Box 471
6700 AL Wageningen
The Netherlands

RSIN Number: 806703726
Reg. No: 09099028