Wetlands perform vital functions in the water cycle and play a role in flood management, groundwater re-charge, water quality improvement, CO2 balance, micro-climatic effects, biodiversity and global warming.

Learning objectives

Wetlands Management also sustain the livelihoods of many hundreds of millions of people. However, wetlands all over the world are under threat and are being destroyed at an alarming rate. This loss has raised the awareness of the need for their conservation and wise use. Sound policies, strategies and management plans for sustainable use of wetlands must be based on solid knowledge and understanding of their ecological and socio-economic functions and processes.

Target group

The course is designed for professionals actively involved in wetland management. They may be working as national park or reserve officers, environmental or water mangement officers in local, regional or national governments, as staff of NGO, as junior university lecturer, etc. and who do not have the time to undertake a course of study lasting several weeks abroad.

Additional information

To get further information on the course and/or on the starting dates, please contact: Edwin Hes (e.hes@unesco-ihe.org)