Organisers
Gillian Davies, BSC Group, Inc.
Matt Simpson, 35percent and Cobra Collective

Confirmed speakers

1. Gillian Davies, Senior Ecologist/Natural Climate Solutions Specialist, BSC Group & Visting Scholar, Tufts U. Global Development Institute
   “Navigating our future: Implementing Rights of Wetlands”
2. Matthew Simpson, PhD, Director, 35percent & Cobra Collective
   "Community experience in implementing Rights of Wetlands"
3. Ritesh Kumar, PhD, Director, Wetlands International South Asia with co-presenter C. Max Finlayson, Adjunct Professor, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
   "Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: the pathway from wetlands wise use to wetlands as rights-bearing entities"
4. Shona Myers, Environment Commissioner at the Environment Court of New Zealand, Te Kooti Taiao o Aotearoa
   “Rights of Wetlands: Wetland Policy and Legislation in Aotearoa New Zealand”
5. Marinus Otte, PhD, Wet Ecosystem Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University
   “The Rights of Wetlands for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (North Dakota, USA)”

Description

Rights of Wetlands is a transformative approach to improving wetland preservation, conservation, restoration, and our relationship with wetlands, and is one example of a broader Rights of Nature movement that is occurring around the world in response to the climate and biodiversity emergencies. Wetland scientists and policy specialists have been collaborating for several years to develop approaches to operationalizing Rights of Wetlands, based on the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands (see https://www.rightsofwetlands.org/). In this symposium, speakers will discuss case studies from around the world (e.g. Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Kenya, New Zealand, Sri Lanka) where Rights of Wetlands are being implemented/operationalized both within legal frameworks and as cultural practices. Discussion will address how a Rights of Wetlands approach and mindset can shift our relationship with wetlands and Nature more broadly, with benefits for wetlands and the living beings that inhabit them including humans.

Organisers
Gillian Davies, BSC Group, Inc. 
Jennifer Watts, Woodwell Climate Research Group

Confirmed speakers

1. Gillian Davies, Senior Ecologist & Visiting Scholar, BSC Group & Tufts U. Global Development Institute
   "Linking Wetland Carbon Science to Policy & Practice: Approaches, Challenges, and Practical Considerations"
2. Jenny Watts, Lead Scientist, Woodwell Climate Research Center
   "Monitoring greenhouse gas budgets across the Arctic-Boreal zone -- how community coordinated research is improving carbon flux detection and policy action"
3. Bas Gutwein, Chief Technologist, Regenerative Design Group
   "Mapping Wetland Probability Across Massachusetts with Machine Learning and Multiscale Predictors"
4. Yinru Lei, Associate Research Fellow, Institute for Wetland Research, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China; Co-presenters: Andy Herb, Founding Principal, AlpineEco, Denver, Colorado, USA; Max Finlayson, Adjunct Professor, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
   "Linking Restoration Approaches with Carbon Dynamics in Freshwater Wetlands"
5. Etienne Fluet-Chouinard, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Co-presenter: Max Finlayson, Adjunct Professor, Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia
   "Toward a rapid assessment of carbon stocks in global wetlands."
6. Kerrylee Roger, Professor & Director, Environmental Futures Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Australia; Co-presenter: Jeff Kelleway, Senior Research Fellow, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
   "Resilience of blue carbon is variable and has implications for blue carbon policy"
7. Dr. Annett Bartsch, Managing Director, b.geos
   "Challenges in quantifying wetland carbon stocks from satellite data in permafrost regions"
8. Siobhan Fennessy, Professor of Environmental Studies and of Biology, Kenyon College & Vice-Chair, Ramsar Scientific & Technical Review Committee
9. Matt von Wahlde, Principal, BSC Group/Geonetics

Description

Many policymakers at national and sub-national levels understand the well-documented value of wetlands for carbon storage and sequestration and are now beginning to grapple with converting this science into meaningful policies and regulations. This symposium will share insights into the specific data and technologies that are needed at the appropriate scale to support science-based policymaking that protects and restores existing wetland carbon stocks and fluxes and mitigates for impacts to wetland carbon. Discussion will include: wetland carbon flux and stock data needs; innovative wetland extent and carbon mapping approaches informed by machine learning; challenges and options for overcoming these challenges; community, stakeholder, and governance engagement; and development of software that allows tracking of wetland carbon losses and gains, as well as providing a user-friendly interface for stakeholders and the general public. The goal of this symposium is to provide participants with an understanding of how to develop science-based wetland carbon policy, including addressing scientific, technical, and stakeholder issues that arise so that successful outcomes are achieved.

Organisers
Kimberli J. Ponzio, M.Sc., Senior Professional Wetland Scientist
Dean R. Dobberfuhl, Ph.D.

Confirmed speakers

1. Lijuan Cui, Professor/Vice President, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China
   Director, State Key Laboratory of Wetland Conservation and Restoration, Beijing, China
   “The ‘Leverage Points’ Theory in Nature-based Wetland Restoration”

2. Gillian T. Davies, Senior Ecologist, BSC Group, Massachusetts, USA
   “Translocation of Intact Wetland Soil and Vegetation Can Enhance SOM and Ecological Function in Restored and Created Wetlands”

3. Dean Dobberfuhl, Bureau Chief, Environmental Sciences, St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL, USA
   “Back to the Past: Returning Agricultural Fields to Original Wetlands at Lake Apopka, Florida, USA”

4. Peter Gell, Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen, Australia
   Max Finlayson, Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water & Environment, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
   “Setting Targets for Wetland Restoration: Can We Identify an 'Appropriate Native Reference Character'?”

5. Andy Herb, Ecologist, AlpineEco and Applied EcoHydro, Colorado, USA
   “The FIT Principle: Guidance on the Practice of Wetland Restoration”

6. Kimberli J. Ponzio, Environmental Scientist, St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida, USA
   Steven J Miller, Supervising Environmental Scientist, St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida, USA
   “Three Decades of Wetland Restoration / Rehabilitation in the Upper St. Johns River Basin Floodplain – Getting the Water Right.”

7. Alanna Rebelo, Senior Researcher - Water Science, Agricultural Research Council - Natural Resources & Engineering, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
   “Restoration of High Energy Valley Bottom Wetlands: Lessons Learnt from South African Palmiet Wetlands”

8. Line Rochefort, Ecosystem Restoration Research Chair, Northern Research Center, Université Laval, Canada
   Eeva-Stiina Tuittila, University of Eastern Finland
   “Boreal Peatlands: How Back History of Peat Stratigraphy Leads to Future Success of Wetland Restoration”

9. Tracey Schafer, Research Scientist, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
   Joseph Prenger, United States Department of Agriculture, USA
   Todd Z. Osborne, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
   “An Assessment of Carbon Cycling in Restored Wetlands on Ranchland in South Florida, USA”

10. John White, Associate Dean of Research and Professor, Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, USA
    Jacob Cheng, Research Associate, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, USA
    Jacob Berkowitz, Research Soil Scientist, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Wetlands and Coastal Ecology Branch ERDC, Environmental Laboratory 3909 Halls Ferry Rd., Vicksburg, MS
    “Trajectory of Wetland Soil Biogeochemistry with Thin Layer Dredge Material Amendment”

Description

This symposium aims to bring together experts to discuss strategies and tools for wetland restoration and ecological rehabilitation. International experts from the USA, Canada, Finland, Australia, South Africa, and China will touch on common restoration challenges among systems and unique challenges within systems. Key topics include: restoration of former agricultural lands to wetlands with special emphasis on hydrology; establishing benchmarks for wetland restoration by defining "appropriate native reference characters"; practical wetland restoration techniques with case studies from diverse ecosystems, including the Rocky Mountains, temperate, boreal, and subtropical wetlands; challenges in restoring high-energy wetlands in steep terrains; carbon cycling in restored wetlands and assessing ecosystem services post-restoration; translocation of wetland soil and vegetation to kickstart self-organizational wetland restoration and creation; and use of thin-layer sediment placement as a wetland amendment in coastal regions. Target audiences include wetland scientists, ecologists, restoration practitioners, and emerging professionals who seek to expand their restoration toolchest with innovative tools applied in a variety of ecological contexts and demonstrated using a set of international case studies.

Organisers
Luca Marazzi
Matt Simpson
Rob McInnes

Confirmed speakers

1. Luca Marazzi (Thames21)
2. Matt Simpson (35 percent)
3. Rob McInnes (RM Wetlands & Environment Ltd)
4. John Conallin (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education)
5. Chris Rostron (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust)

Description

The overarching goal of this session is to demonstrate the role and importance of citizen science and stakeholder engagement in wetland conservation and restoration projects in Europe through a series of case studies. Citizen science can help collect data and engage volunteers in research and action. Stakeholder engagement can help practitioners learn from or empower local people, businesses, and policy makers on how to protect and sustainably manage wetland resources. Wetlands can be conserved and restored best through holistic approaches. Citizen science can improve knowledge, assist with data collection, and engage volunteers in research and action. Community-based activities can further enhance understanding and empower local people to protect and sustainably manage vital natural resources. Drawing on examples from Europe, this session will present and discuss a variety of citizen science and/or stakeholder engagement approaches that contribute to the sustainable use of wetlands. Traditional science conducted by academically and/or professionally qualified experts can be complemented by citizen science and traditional knowledge to generate a more holistic understanding of environmental problems and solutions and to inform decision making.

Organisers
Dr. Parvez Rana, Senior Remote Sensing Scientist, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

Description

Session Goals: This session aims to enhance the practical application of remote sensing in monitoring wetland ecosystems and evaluating restoration efforts. It will establish a structured framework for practitioners, focusing on identifying key indicators like vegetation cover, hydrological changes, carbon flux, and soil moisture, which can reliably signify restoration progress. Participants will explore data integration techniques, leveraging multi-scale remote sensing from UAVs to satellite data to support comprehensive, large-scale wetland monitoring. The session will also assess the current capabilities of remote sensing technologies, such as LiDAR, multispectral, and hyperspectral imaging, and address the technical and logistical challenges in applying these tools effectively.

Technical Issues in Focus: Key technical issues will include spectral and spatial resolution, focusing on the compatibility of different remote sensing technologies with wetland environments and ensuring data accuracy under diverse conditions. Challenges in determining optimal temporal and spatial resolutions will be addressed to ensure that small-scale wetland changes are detectable and measurable. Additionally, the session will cover establishing standardized metrics and thresholds that define restoration success in wetland ecosystems. Finally, participants will discuss strategies for scaling local observations to broader assessments and technological demands of remote sensing solutions.

Organisers
Boris Tupek, researcher at Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), DSc
Raisa Mäkipää, professor at LUKE, Research Professor, DSc
Tuula Larmola, senior researcher at LUKE, Adjunct Professor, PhD
Qian Li, postdoc researcher at LUKE, PhD
Martínez García Eduardo,postdoc researcher at LUKE, PhD

Description

Forested peatlands serve as substantial carbon sinks, yet they also act as sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs), releasing CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O. Understanding the drivers and processes behind these emissions is essential for predicting how climate and land-use changes will affect GHG balances and the role of forested peatlands in mitigating climate change. This session seeks to unite empirical and modeling studies focused on the mechanisms influencing GHG emissions from forested peatlands. We invite contributions that investigate the factors driving these emissions, including environmental drivers, disturbance effects, management methods, biogeochemical processes and microbial contributions.

Organisers
Siyuan Ye, Qingdao institute of marine geology, China Geological Survey, China
Nianzhi Jiao, Xiameng University, Xiameng, China
Hans Brix, Aarhus university, Denmark
Matthew E Andersen, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia, The U.S.

Confirmed speakers

1. Name: Nianzhi Jiao, Organization: Xiameng University, Xiameng, China, Qualification or title: Full Professor, Presentation title: Introduction to ocean negative carbon emissions: A new UN Decade programme.
2. Name: Faming Wang, Organization: South China National Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qualification or title: Senior Scientist, Presentation title: Spartina alterniflora invasion benefits blue carbon sequestration in China.
3. Name: Nuno Caiola, Organization: Department of Climate Change, Technology center of Catalonia- Eurecat, Spain, Qualification or title: Senior Researcher, Presentation title: Carbon sequestration potential of Mediterranean coastal wetlands under climate change.
4. Name: Carles Ibáñez, Organization: Department of Climate Change, Technology center of Catalonia- Eurecat, Spain, Qualification or title: Senior Researcher, Presentation title: Coastal wetland restoration as a tool for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
5. Name: Thomas J. Mozdzer, Organization: and Smithsonian enrionmental research center, Qualification or title: Full Professor, Presentation title: Integrating evolutionary processes into ecosystem carbon cycling in coastal salt marshes. 
6. Name: Chuanlun Zhang, Organization: Southern university of science and technology, Qualification or title: Full Professor, Presentation title: Developing a code of conduct for guiding ocean negative carbon emission approaches under global ONCE.
7. Name: Lei He, Organization: Qingdao institute of marine geology, Qingdao, China, Qualification or title: Geologist, Presentation title: Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions: A Case Study on Coastal Wetland Restoration and Carbon Sink Enhancement in the Liaohe Delta, Northeast China.
8. Name: Siyuan Ye, Organization: Qingdao institute of marine geology, Qingdao, China, Qualification or title: Senior Researcher, Presentation title: The role of vegetated coastal wetlands in carbon sequestration: novel technologies for ocean negative carbon emissions.
9. Name: Sam Chapman, Organization: Villanova University, the United States, Qualification or title: Professor, Presentation title: WETFEET project science overview since 2020 and future directions.
10. Name: Brian K. Sorrell, Organization: Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark, Qualification or title: Associate Professor, Presentation title: The Influence of Water Table Level and Grazing on Greenhouse-gas Exchange in Salt Marshes
11. Name: Matthew E Aandersen, Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia, The U.S., Qualification or title: Senior Scientist for Biology, Presentation title: Research progress on blue carbon sinks by the United States Geological Survey
12. Name: Hans Brix, Organization: Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark, Qualification or title: Full Professor, Presentation title: Surface elevation changes and accretion rates from the Spartina alterniflora dominated salt marshes and the Phragmites australis dominated salt marshes in the Danish Wadden Sea.
13. Name: Dan Yang, Organization: Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark, Qualification or title: Postdoc, Presentation title: Greenhouse gas emissions along a soil moisture-salinity gradient in coastal wetlands.
14. Name: Guangming Zhao, Organization: Qingdao institute of marine geology, China Geological Survey, China, Qualification or title: Senior Scientist, Presentation title: Sedimentary carbon burial evolution of coastal wetlands across various geological time scales.
15. Name: Shaofeng Pei, Organization: Qingdao institute of marine geology, China Geological Survey, China, Qualification or title: Senior Scientist for chemistry, Presentation title: What does the 14C method for estimating algal photosynthetic rates really measure?

Description

Proactive stimulation of carbon uptake by the ocean is considered to be a promising way to achieve the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 2.0°C or perhaps even 1.5°C compared with preindustrial levels by the end of this century. Increasing ocean carbon sequestration by anthropogenic processes has the potential to contribute to carbon neutrality if the mechanisms and processes involved are understood. Coastal wetlands are the ecosystems with the highest carbon density in the ocean. However, climate change and human activities have created many uncertainties in the function of carbon sequestration. This session will bring together researchers from multiple disciplines such as ecology, geology, geography, and biology to jointly explore the theoretical basis and corresponding carbon sink enhancement strategies that must be considered when evaluating carbon sink resource services in coastal wetlands. The session will focus on hot topics that affect the carbon sequestration function of wetlands, such as climate change, sea level rise, warming effects, nutrient loads, hydrological connections, sedimentations, plant invasions, and microbial communities. The aim is to enhance the basic theoretical and methodological research on the protection of carbon sink resources in coastal wetlands, promote the practice of ONCE based on coastal wetlands, and comprehensively improve the level of carbon sink resource protection and restoration in coastal wetlands. Furthermore, to build an academic exchange platform for scientists and managers engaged in theoretical research on carbon sequestration processes in coastal wetlands and practical work on ONCE (or CDR-Carbon dioxide removal), providing scientific support for the government and carbon trading management institutions.

Organisers
Wei-Ta Fang, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU)
Hsing-Juh Lin, Department of Life Sciences at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU)

Confirmed speakers

1. Distinguished Professor Wei-Ta Fang
2. Distinguished Professor Hsing-Juh Lin
3. Professor Lei Yang
4. Assistant Professor Wei-Jen Lin
5. Assistant Professor Chiao-Wen Lin
6. Associate Professor Meng-Yuan Huang
7. Assistant Professor Chuan-Wen Ho

Description

The session on Blue Carbon in Tropical Wetlands aims to highlight the critical role of coastal wetlands, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon. These ecosystems are often referred to as blue carbon ecosystems because they can store three to five times more carbon per unit than tropical forests.Goals:1. Climate Change Mitigation: Emphasize the importance of blue carbon ecosystems in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.2. Adaptation Benefits: Highlight how these ecosystems help communities adapt to climate change by providing storm surge and flood protection.3. Conservation and Restoration: Promote efforts to conserve and restore these vital ecosystems.4. Policy Development: Advocate for simplified policy frameworks and gender equality in the development and implementation of commitments.Technical Issues:1. Knowledge Gaps: Identify and address gaps in understanding the carbon sequestration potential of these ecosystems.2. Data Sharing: Clarify data sharing arrangements and institutional management of coastal wetlands.3. Public Engagement: Engage the public and involve local partners in the design and implementation of projects.4. Ecosystem Services: Measure and map carbon stocks and fluxes, and assess ecosystem services and livelihood opportunities.5. Policy Frameworks: Simplify policy frameworks to better protect and restore these ecosystems. This session will address these goals and technical issues to promote the conservation and sustainable management of tropical wetlands for their climate mitigation and adaptation value, and will bring together experts to discuss these goals and technical issues, aiming to enhance the ambition of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and promote sustainable management of coastal wetlands.