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Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI): Great progress in Marrakech !

NatureXpairs, as coordinator of the support programme for the Southern Africa Ramsar Regional Initiative (SARRI) had the honor of organizing the 2nd SARRI workshop in Morocco, Marrakech, on January 6-7, 2025. Held in conjunction with the Africa pre-SC64 Regional meeting, the workshop gathered representatives from 12 countries across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Supported by the French Biodiversity Agency, and benefiting from MedWet’s expertise, this second workshop enabled the initiative to reach key milestones towards Ramsar COP15.

The Ramsar Regional Initiatives (RRIs) operate under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands to enhance the implementation of the Convention’s objectives and strategic plans. Recognizing the critical importance of wetlands in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, a proposal to establish the SARRI was submitted and adopted at the Ramsar COP14 in November 2022. Following COP14, SARRI member states formed a task force comprising Lesotho, Zambia, Madagascar, Botswana and South Africa to operationalize SARRI. Workplans for 2023 and 2024 were developed to define essential activities such as workshops to establish the initiative’s governance and engage stakeholders in developing a strategic plan. The partnerships sought with the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), NatureXpairs, MedWet and the IUCN ESARO enable the structuring and operationalization of SARRI.

Reflecting on 2024: Building a Strong Foundation

Last year was pivotal for SARRI. 2024 laid the groundwork for effective governance and defining clear objectives. Thanks to collective efforts catalyzed during SARRI’s first workshop organized in La Réunion, May 17-18, 2024, terms of reference (TORs) were drafted and allowed to establish governance principles. The discussions led to the drafting of the “La Réunion Declaration”, which solidified the initiative’s commitment to wetland conservation, identified the IUCN ESARO as the host organization, and outlined SARRI’s operational framework and objectives.

2025, a pivotal year for SARRI

This year’s workshop had ambitious objectives and great achievements were made in Marrakech, around 3 main topics :

Governance and functionning
✔️ Adopted Terms of Reference (TORs) for SARRI
✔️ Renewed leadership with Zambia as Chair and South Africa as Co-Chair
✔️ Newly established Steering Committee : Zambia, South Africa, Lesotho, Madagascar, Seychelles

Operationalization
✔️ Annual workplan developed
✔️ Draft strategic plan ready for implementation
✔️ Identifying potential concrete projects to operationalize the Initiative

Stakeholder engagement and visibility
✔️ A visual identity and a website are currently in the works
✔️ Clear steps and actions being taken to ensure Ramsar COP15 is a success for SARRI

Strengthening Connections and Inspiring Action

The outcomes of the workshop in Marrakech demonstrate the capacity of the SARRI as it connects countries and participants in a shared mission. This strengthened collaboration will undoubtedly lead to impactful initiatives, both leading up to and following Ramsar COP15. With a clear vision, engaged stakeholders, and concrete steps underway, SARRI is set to make a lasting difference for wetlands and communities across the region.

NatureXpairs, the French Hub for Protected Areas & People
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