Strategic Plan 2025–2030 Finalized

• At the 8th Annual IBRRI Meeting (19–21 Feb 2025, Bangkok), representatives from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, along with civil society, finalized the IBRRI Strategic Plan 2025–2030. It was developed collaboratively and will guide regional work over the next five years.
• A side event at the Ramsar Convention COP on 24 July 2025 officially launched this plan. The event was co-hosted by IBRRI partners including government representatives from Cambodia and Thailand, IUCN, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, and others.

Strategic Priorities (2025–2030)

1. Enhance wetlands ecosystem services and biodiversity
2. Mainstream wetlands‑based adaptation in policy and planning
3. Scale up wetlands communication, education, participation & awareness (CEPA)
4. Mobilize sustainable finance (e.g. via GCF/GEF as Nature‑based Solutions)
5. Strengthen governance of IBRRI aligned with the Ramsar Convention

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Key Initiatives & Events

World Wetlands Day 2025

IIBRRI-led celebrations across member countries focused on the theme “Protecting wetlands for our common future.” Highlights included:

1. Cambodia: event at Kampong Trolach High School with 500+ participants
2. Lao PDR: release of 115 Siamese Crocodiles near Xe Champhone via WCS collaboration
3. Myanmar: Environmental education at Pyu Lake, the country’s newest Ramsar Site
4. Thailand: Wetlands exhibitions and panel discussions in Bangkok
5. Vietnam: Launch of a 10‑year Sarus Crane restoration program at Tram Chim National Park
   Following these celebrations, the IBRRI Secretariat held the 8th Annual Meeting to adopt the new Strategic Plan and outline future direction

Renewal of MoU with EAAFP

OOn 17 January 2025, IUCN (as IBRRI Secretariat) renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the East Asian‑Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). This strengthens regional cooperation on migratory waterbird conservation, Ramsar site designation, capacity building, CEPA activities, and data sharing through to 2030

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Summary Table

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Outlook & Relevance for India

1. While India is not a formal member of IBRRI, the initiative involves neighbouring countries with shared environmental and geopolitical interests.
2. India's regional policies—such as Act East, SAGAR (maritime diplomacy), and blue economy strategies—overlap thematically with IBRRI objectives on climate adaptation and nature‑based solutions.
3. India could explore partnerships aligned with humanitarian and ecosystem resilience agendas, especially across Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Cambodia.

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In Summary

IBRRI has entered a new strategic phase with a refreshed 2025–2030 roadmap focused on climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, community engagement, sustainable financing, and stronger governance. Deliverables are already underway through World Wetlands Day activities and strengthened partnerships with EAAFP. This positions IBRRI to amplify its regional impact in coming years.