The Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS) was conceptualized and first held in 1992 as a regional platform for wetland stakeholders. Since then, the AWS has been held every three years, providing opportunities to diverse target groups such as decision and policy makers, academicians, researchers, wetland managers and practitioners, and youth and non-government organizations to share and learn from mutual knowledge and practical experience on the conservation, sustainable management, and wise use of wetlands in Asia.

Ramsar Resolution IX.19 (2005) further recognized the role of AWS in supporting regional cooperation and networking of wetland stakeholders, which include national and local governments, NGOs, experts, local communities, and the general public in Asia.

Over the last 25 years, the symposium stands as a platform for diverse wetland stakeholders to convene and share knowledge and experience on wetland conservation and wise use including scientific studies and CEPA activities.

On 25-28 November 2024, the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands Inc. (SCPW), Ramsar Regional Center – East Asia (RRC-EA), and Ramsar Center Japan (RCJ) are organizing the 10th Asian Wetland Symposium (AWS10) with theme “Wetland-based Solutions” in Manila, Philippines in collaboration with the Japan Wetland Society and Wetlands International – Japan.

AWS10 aims to mainstream wetland conservation and wise use across all sectors of the society as a contribution to the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and its strategic plan, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the action-oriented global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Specifically, the symposium shall:

• raise awareness, understanding and appreciation of Nature-based Solutions, particularly those specific to wetlands;
• share initiatives, strategies and approaches related to Wetland-based Solutions;
• expand networks among Ramsar Sites and wetland managers, wetland schools, Wetland Cities, and other wetland stakeholders in Asia;
• enhance youth engagement in the conservation and wise use of wetlands; and
• identify the major components of a Strategic Plan on Wetland-based Solutions in Asia.

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