Distinguished Delegates,  

We welcome the factual report from the Secretariat, as requested by COP14, on the implementation of Resolution XIV.20. We invite the Standing Committee to take note of the progress detailed in this update and commend the Secretariat for its comprehensive efforts to assess the environmental damage to Ukraine’s Wetlands of International Importance caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression.  

The actions undertaken by the Secretariat in collaboration with other stakeholders demonstrate the Convention’s capacity to provide meaningful responses to environmental emergencies. The successful field mission conducted between May and June 2024, along with structured interviews, workshops, and Earth observation techniques, underscores the effectiveness of the multi-faceted approach to documenting and assessing the impacts on Wetlands of International Importance in Ukraine. The voluntary contributions from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America have been invaluable in enabling this important work.  

We reaffirm the significance of the Convention on Wetlands as an essential international framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. The continuation of the Russian Federation’s aggression exacerbates ecological challenges, creating ongoing and severe consequences for the environment of the region, including extensive harm to wetlands, which further underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action.  

We call upon the Contracting Parties and international organizations to maintain solidarity with Ukraine and continue to support Resolution XIV.20, including the independent assessment of environmental damage caused by the Russian Federation’s aggression and providing recommendations for the restoration of Wetlands of International Importance as part of broader reconstruction efforts.   

Reiterating our commitment to the objectives of the Convention on Wetlands, we once again demand that the Russian Federation cease its aggression and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. This will enable Ukraine to fully exercise its sovereign rights to protect, restore, and wisely use its Wetlands of International Importance.  

Finally, we urge the Standing Committee to ensure that the findings of the ongoing assessments are duly reflected in the report to COP15, along with recommendations for mitigation and restoration measures.   

The implementation of Resolution XIV.20 demonstrates the global importance of protecting wetlands as critical ecosystems and the value of international cooperation in assessing environmental damage and protecting and restoring these essential ecosystems.