Think Globally, Act Locally
Wetlands as a response to the twin crises of climate and biodiversity
LLBCP demonstrates that protecting wetlands is not only a local necessity but also a global solution contributing to the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. The project offers practical, large-scale solutions for conserving and restoring wetlands. Our goal is to share experiences and, together with our partners, promote transformative conservation for people and the planet.
How do we do this?
1
Supporting Wetlands on the Global Agenda
LLBCP, together with other international organisations, advances initiatives and proposals on the potential of wetlands to address the dual climate and biodiversity crisis. It strongly promotes motions, such as those recently approved at the IUCN Congress 2025, which call for prioritising the conservation and restoration of wetlands as an essential natural solution to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts and safeguard biodiversity.
2
To Showcase Transformative Conservation in Action
We bring evidence of 20+ innovative nature-based solutions reducing pressures from agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. LLBCP shows that lakes and wetlands serve as living laboratories for climate resilience and biodiversity protection.
3
Building Local Capacity for Conservation Impact
LLBCP provides training and capacity development for lake managers, fishing communities, and farmers to strengthen their knowledge of ecosystem services, sustainable resource use, and their role as active stewards of freshwater ecosystems.
4
To Amplify Voices of Communities and Future Leaders
LLBCP empowers women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to become stewards of wetlands, ensuring their knowledge, rights, and roles are central to conservation and restoration efforts—fully aligned with Motion 023.
5
Training the Next Generation of Wetland and Lake Guardians
Through the Living Lakes Academy, LLBCP invests in the next generation of wetland and lake managers by providing hands-on training, capacity building, and internationally recognised certification.
6
Linking Local Action to Global Policy
LLBCP demonstrates how field-level conservation can influence national, regional, and international policy frameworks, working with Ramsar focal points, governments, and NGOs to ensure wetlands are part of climate and biodiversity strategies.
7
To Strengthen Alliances and Knowledge Exchange
Through the Living Lakes Network, LLBCP shares lessons learned and builds alliances that extend beyond our 10 implementing countries.
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The IKI Living Lakes Biodiversity & Climate Project (LLBCP) is an international initiative that protects and restores lakes and wetlands in 10 countries. These ecosystems are among the most threatened worldwide, yet they are indispensable for climate stability, biodiversity conservation, water security, and livelihoods.
With 14 partners and the Living Lakes Network (130+ members in 60+ countries), LLBCP demonstrates how science, local action, and global cooperation can drive transformative conservation.
LLBCP at a Glance
Duration: 2022–2027
Budget: €8.9 million
Partners: 14 organizations in 10 countries
Network Reach: 130+ members across 60+ countries
FUNDED BY
SUPPORTED BY
IMPLEMENTED BY
