Who we are
The Carpathian Wetland Initiative (CWI) is an official Ramsar Regional Initiative dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands in the Carpathian region and beyond. Our mission is to protect the unique wetland ecosystems of the Carpathians through local, national, regional, and international cooperation, ensuring their long-term sustainability and ecological value.
CWI supports and promotes the implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Carpathian Convention, based on the Memorandum of Cooperation signed on 13 December 2006 in Kyiv, Ukraine. By strengthening cooperation between Contracting Parties and key partners, we help enhance wetland conservation efforts across the region.
Participating countries in CWI
Seven countries of the Carpathian region are actively involved in CWI, protecting a significant number of Ramsar Sites — wetlands of international importance:
Czech Republic
14 Ramsar sites alltogether
Hungary
29 Ramsar sites alltogether
Poland
13 Ramsar sites alltogether
Romania
19 Ramsar sites alltogether
Serbia
10 Ramsar sites alltogether
Slovakia
14 Ramsar sites alltogether
Ukraine
33 Ramsar sites alltogether
What we do
CWI leads and supports activities that increase knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and protect wetland ecosystems. Our key priorities include:
- Implementing the goals of the Ramsar Convention and the Carpathian Convention in the Carpathian region
- Strengthening cross-sector cooperation, including environmental protection, nature conservation, and water management
- Developing and supporting wetland restoration projects across major Carpathian river catchments
- Building capacity in wetland management, especially at globally significant sites, and raising public awareness about the value of wetlands
- Creating and delivering education, training and outreach activities to improve understanding of wetland functions and ecosystem services
- Emphasizing the importance of transboundary wetlands, promoting shared management principles and coordinated protection
- Cooperating with international organizations, networks and conservation initiatives working in Europe and worldwide
Our Commitment to Wetland Conservation
Carpathian wetlands are home to unique biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services such as flood protection, clean water, carbon storage, and climate resilience. Through our work, CWI ensures that these crucial natural resources are responsibly managed and preserved for future generations.