Wetland loss is one of the fastest-occurring habitat changes globally, threatening the welfare and survival of migratory waterbirds that depend on intact wetland networks.
Wetland conservation is waterbird welfare at landscape scale. Migratory birds that cannot find food and shelter at traditional stopover sites arrive at destinations in poor condition, compromised breeding performance, and reduced survival probability. The stress of failed migration — exhausting long flights without adequate rest and feeding stops — represents welfare harm at population scale. Wetland restoration, protection of Ramsar sites, and sustainable agricultural water management in flyway landscapes directly improve the welfare of hundreds of millions of migratory birds annually.