{"id":18505,"date":"2026-06-20T13:06:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T13:06:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.iita.org\/news-item\/iita-designated-a-ramsar-wetland-of-international-importance\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T16:45:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T16:45:08","slug":"iita-designated-a-ramsar-wetland-of-international-importance","status":"publish","type":"news-item","link":"https:\/\/iita.org\/fr\/news-item\/iita-designated-a-ramsar-wetland-of-international-importance\/","title":{"rendered":"IITA designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance"},"content":{"rendered":"Ibadan, Nigeria \u2013 24 February 2026 <\/strong>\nThe International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has been officially designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention<\/strong><\/a>, recognizing the ecological significance of its campus landscape and its contribution to global biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience.\n\n\"\"\n\nThe Ramsar Convention is an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and wise use of wetlands. IITA\u2019s inclusion<\/a> in the Ramsar List places its campus among globally recognized sites that are critical for maintaining ecological balance and supporting sustainable development.\n\nLocated in Ibadan, Nigeria, the IITA campus encompasses a unique wetland ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal species, regulates water systems, and contributes to climate mitigation. The designation highlights the global environmental value of the site and reinforces IITA\u2019s long-standing commitment to responsible land stewardship.\n\nRamsar wetland sites are designated based on nine criteria regarding their international significance in ecology, botany, zoology, limnology, or hydrology. Sites must represent rare\/unique wetlands or support vulnerable species, critical life stages, or substantial waterbird\/fish populations. At least one criterion must be met to achieve designation. The Government of Nigeria designated IITA as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The designation underscores Nigeria\u2019s commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in line with global environmental standards.\n\n\u201cThis recognition reflects the ecological importance of our campus and strengthens our responsibility to manage it sustainably,\u201d said Dr Simeon Ehui, Director General of IITA and Regional Director for Africa of CGIAR. \u201cAs a leading agricultural research institution, we are proud to demonstrate that scientific innovation and environmental conservation can coexist. The Ramsar designation affirms our commitment to advancing food systems transformation while protecting vital ecosystems.\u201d\n\nFor almost six decades, IITA has conducted agricultural research aimed at improving food security, reducing poverty, and enhancing livelihoods across Africa. The Ramsar designation underscores the Institute\u2019s integrated approach\u2014where agricultural innovation operates within a protected natural landscape that supports biodiversity and climate resilience.\n\nAs a Ramsar site, IITA will continue to strengthen wetland management practices, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable land-use planning across its campus. The Institute also aims to expand partnerships with environmental organizations, research institutions, policymakers, and development partners to advance conservation and nature-based solutions.\n\nThe designation presents new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as:\n