Participants at the Asian Wetland Symposium Sabah 2011 discussed issues related to biodiversity conservation in forest and wetland ecosystems, shared knowledge and experiences on the conservation of forest and wetland ecosystems, and determined actions for integrating biodiversity conservation in forest and wetland ecosystems in Asia.
20 July 2011: The Asian Wetland Symposium Sabah 2011, which was organized around the theme “Integrated biodiversity conservation: Linking forests and wetlands,” aimed to enhance synergy in the delivery of the targets and goals of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and UN Forum on Forests (UNFF).
The event brought together over 300 participants from more than 20 countries to: discuss issues related to biodiversity conservation in forest and wetland ecosystems; promote understanding and awareness of the importance of forest and wetland ecosystems for human wellbeing; share knowledge and experiences on practical, integrated approaches for the conservation of forest and wetland ecosystems; and determine a set of practical actions for integrating biodiversity conservation in forest and wetland ecosystems in Asia.
The Symposium, which took place from 18-20 July 2011, in Sabah, Malaysia, concluded with the adoption of the Sabah Call for Action, which will be posted on the Symposium website. [Symposium Website] [IISD RS Sources]