Wetland conservation in Sri Lanka : proceedings of the National symposium on wetland conservation and management

The Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon (FEDEC) implemented a project titled ‘Mangrove Regeneration and Mobilization of Local Communities, Particularly Women and Indigenous Groups, in Ecosystem Conservation in the Lokoundjé District (Fifinda),’ funded by GEF Small Grant from the United Nations Development Program. This initiative aimed to restore 4 hectares of degraded mangrove areas through the replanting of 6,000 mangrove seedlings and fostered community engagement, particularly among the Bakola/Bagyeli indigenous communities, in agroforestry activities. The project also introduced improved fish smoking ovens, reducing deforestation and enhancing local economies. Community education efforts, including the distribution of educational materials and radio broadcasts, raised awareness of mangrove conservation. The combined efforts have not only regenerated vital ecosystems but also empowered local populations with sustainable livelihoods and conservation techniques.

The international community aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, recognizing the importance of “blue carbon” in marine ecosystems like seagrass beds. The Korea National Park Service is dedicated to enhancing carbon absorption through the restoration of eelgrass in Hallyeohaesang National Park.

Since 2018, restoration efforts faced challenges with initial transplantation methods showing variable success rates. In 2021, an eco-friendly planting frame using paper egg cartons was developed, but it was inefficient. The following year, biodegradable bioplastic frames were introduced, yet they were too light and restricted eelgrass growth.

In 2023, a new planting frame was created from biodegradable bioplastic with greater density, providing adequate space for eelgrass expansion. This frame was successfully used to restore seagrass beds along the Daegopo coast.

Los humedales urbanos contribuyen de modo importante a que las ciudades sean más agradables para vivir. Reducen las inundaciones, suministran agua potable, filtran desechos, proporcionan zonas verdes urbanas para la recreación, sin embargo, están sometidos a una presión constante y son vulnerables a los efectos del cambio climático. El proyecto Humedales Urbanos Costeros de BIOCITIS (GIZ) trabajo con entes públicos, privados y la sociedad civil para buscar soluciones mancomunadas para atender los desafíos en la gestion de los humedales urbanos, basado en 6 pasos claves:  Diagnostico participativo e interinstitucional del estado de humedales urbanos costeros; Planificación participativo e interinstitucional de soluciones; Fortalecimiento de capacidades de la gestion de humedales Gestión participativa de jornadas de cuidado comunitaria de humedales; Concientización sobre la importancia de humedales y la Integración de humedales urbanos costeros en procesos de políticas públicas.

NACOFA gathers community feedback on Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) and Natural Resource Management (NRM) challenges, such as degradation. It analyzes existing laws and policies to identify gaps and inconsistencies that hinder effective solutions. To empower its CFA members, NACOFA builds their capacity in policy advocacy, teaching them to influence policymakers, secure inclusion in consultative forums, and impact policy planning and implementation. Collaboration with government bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Kenya Forest Service, and County NRM departments addresses these gaps through policy reviews, amendments, and new regulations. NACOFA also formed coalitions with stakeholders to tackle policy issues. When governments are slow or resistant to change, NACOFA engages in horizontal advocacy by working within government oversight structures, such as Technical Working Groups and Forest Conservation Committees, to influence policy from within.

Propagation and regeneration of native plant species, such as the Red Pod Terminalia (Terminalia brownii Fresen), pose significant challenges, especially in developing countries where research is limited. Native to the semi-arid regions of East, Central, and West Africa, this drought-tolerant tree offers numerous benefits, including medicinal properties, timber, fuel, and materials for handicrafts. Despite its potential, the population of T. brownii in Kenyan drylands is rapidly declining due to deforestation, ecosystem fragmentation, and overexploitation. The lack of proper seed handling and germination guidelines has hindered the domestication and large-scale planting of this valuable species, affecting livelihoods and the sustainable development of drylands.

Wondong Wetland in Yangsan, Korea, is a rare habitat for Korea’s endangered plants, such as the Viola raddeana Regel and Pterygopleurum neurophyllum (Maxim.) Kitag.. In particular, it is known as the only habitat in Korea for Pterygopleurum neurophyllum (Maxim.) Kitag. Wondong Wetland is a wetland behind the Nakdong River that was once used as agricultural land and was restored to its natural state. However, as plants such as silver grass expanded, the population of endangered plants decreased due to competition. To expand the population of the two endangered plants, an event was held in February 2023 (winter season) with citizens to cut down grass, including silver grass, a competing species. As a result, the germination rate of the two plant species increased, and their habitat range expanded. Grass cutting was also carried out in February 2024, and it is planned to be carried out in the future before the germination period in February every year.