Context:

The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention recently hosted a side event for the Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI), during which the IBRRI Strategic Plan 2025–2030 was officially launched. This marks a renewed regional commitment to wetland conservation, restoration, and transboundary collaboration in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

What is IBRRI?

The Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI) is a regional wetland cooperation framework developed under the Ramsar Convention to address wetland degradation and promote conservation across Southeast Asia.

·        It is a joint initiative launched by Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia Regional Office.

·        Supported by the IUCN’s BRIDGE project (Building River Dialogue and Governance)

Objectives of IBRRI:

• To implement the Ramsar Convention's Strategic Plan in a coordinated and transboundary manner.
• To protect, restore, and sustain wetland ecosystems in the Indo-Burma region, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
• To promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, including both governmental and non-governmental entities.

About Strategic Plan 2025–2030:

The newly launched plan outlines:

·         A collaborative framework to halt and reverse wetland loss in the region.

·         Integration of science, traditional knowledge, and regional diplomacy.

·         Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Significance of IBRRI:

·        Focuses on the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, home to many threatened species.

·        Supports wetland ecosystem services: flood control, carbon sequestration, water purification, and livelihood generation.

·        Promotes regional environmental diplomacy and South-South cooperation.

·        Acts as a model for transboundary water governance and Ramsar site management.

·        Encourages knowledge sharing among Ramsar parties.

·        Builds capacity of wetland managers, researchers, and local communities.

About Ramsar Convention:

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975. The convention focuses on the "wise use" of wetlands, recognizing their ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational value. India became a party to the convention on February 1, 1982. 

As of June 2025, India has 91 Ramsar sites, which are wetlands designated as "Wetlands of International Importance" under the Ramsar Convention.

Conclusion:

The IBRRI is a significant initiative for wetland conservation in the Indo-Burma region. By working together, member countries can share knowledge, expertise, and resources to address common challenges and achieve shared goals.

Although, India is not a member of IBRRI group, but this initiative is important for regional environmental cooperation in India’s extended neighborhood and supports India’s Act East Policy.