The Ramsar Convention, a global initiative to protect wetlands, has long called for systemic assessments of these vital ecosystems. However, research revealed that such assessments were largely lacking due to the absence of practical tools for rapid evaluation. To fill this gap, the Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES) approach was developed and adopted by a Ramsar Resolution in October 2018. Since then, RAWES has been widely used worldwide, applied to diverse environments such as the Himalayas, deserts, and urban areas. This approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding wetland functions and optimizing their benefits, thus advancing their role as effective nature-based solutions for environmental challenges.

In this webinar, Dr Jonathan Fisher will explore the impacts of integrated water management on the following main drivers of economic growth.