The conservation and rational use of wetlands are essential for the livelihood of populations. Because of the very broad range of ecosystem services they provide, wetlands play a crucial role in sustainable development. However, policy makers often underestimate the value of the benefits they offer to both humanity and nature.

Better understanding these values and the state of wetlands is fundamental to ensure their conservation and rational use. This Global Wetland Outlook reports on the extent, evolution, drivers of change, and actions to be taken to maintain or restore the ecological characteristics of these natural environments.