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  2. [2025] National Wetland Inventory Training Programme Module 2: Earth observation techniques and knowledge: best practices to support national wetland inventories

[2025] National Wetland Inventory Training Programme Module 2: Earth observation techniques and knowledge: best practices to support national wetland inventories

Monday, 08 September 2025 - 9:00am to Friday, 12 September 2025 - 5:00pm

Documents

Agenda (updated as of 3 September 2025)

 

Background

Protecting wetlands might begin with their identification but does not end there. Developing National Wetland Inventories sets the stage for global commitments such as Sustainable Development Goals, Targets 1-3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), land degradation neutrality targets under the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), as well as implementing climate measures to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

However, progress on NWIs development remains limited. In response, a three-year programme consisting of annual training courses and associated training materials in the three official languages of the Convention was developed. An inaugural training workshop on NWIs was held in Seocheon, Republic of Korea, from 9 to 13 September 2024. The training, co-organized by the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) and South Korea’s National Institute of Ecology in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, brought together participants from 10 countries to exchange knowledge and explore solutions for better wetland data management.

This training marked the first of a three-year program aimed at building the capacity of countries to establish scientifically robust and accessible methodologies for wetland inventories and was followed by a French-speaking session in February 2025 and a Hispanophone course in May 2025. From 8 to 12 September 2025, the second module of this training programme, “Earth observation techniques and knowledge: best practices to support national wetland inventories”, will be held in Incheon, Republic of Korea.

In Module 2 of the National Wetland Inventories training, country participants will be introduced to spatial wetland data. They will become familiar with key properties of relevant spatial datasets and explore available global data sources. Through hands-on activities and online presentations, participants will learn how to create a prototype database and map using open-access GIS tools, as well as how to analyse the strengths and limitations of different spatial products. They will also develop strategies to navigate and overcome technical challenges.

Additionally, two field visits—guided by the National Institute of Ecology, South Korea—will offer opportunities for expert and peer exchange, deepening participants’ understanding and highlighting the critical role of fieldwork in complementing data collection from earth observation

 

Organizers

This event will be organized by UNOSD and the National Institute of Ecology (NIE) of the Republic of Korea in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention of Wetlands.

 

Programme and Agenda

Day 1 (8 September)

Welcoming Remarks

  • Mr. Chun Kyoo Park, Head of UNOSD, UN DESA

Introduction to the Module 2 Learning Objectives

  • Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Adapting Global Wetland Data for NWIs

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

Overview of Spatial Data Basics and QGIS software

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

QGIS demonstration: Introduction to hands-on session & QGIS software

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

QGIS exercise

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

QGIS exercise (data extraction and analysis & preparing a basic visualization map

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

 

Day 2 (9 September)

Introduction to tasks of Day 2 & Global Wetland Datasets

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

Working Group Session

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

Mapping Water Extent and Water Surface Elevation using the Surface Water and Ocean Topography Satellite Mission and Comparison of available EO products

  • Ms. Angelica Gomez, National University of Colombia (Online)

Introduction to lightning talk exercise and deliverables for Day 5

  • Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

 

Continued exploration of global wetland datasets

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

Continued work on databases & starting the work to prepare lightning talk presentation based on extracted information

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova, University of California, Berkeley

Summary of the structured process guidance to consider and use during the EO analyses for the NWI

  • Mr. PJ Stephenson (Online)

Introduction to the importance on basic metadata and on proper backing/storage of spatial data

  • Ms. Anis Guelmami, Tour du Valat (Online)

Introduction to the GEO-Wetlands Initiative and its potential to support NWI processes & discussion

  • Lammert Hilarides, Wetlands International & Marc Paganini, European Space Agency & Ake Rosenkvist, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Online)

 

Day 3 (10 September)

Synthesis of the insights from database explorations

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova

Leveraging Earth Observation & Ancillary Date to fill gaps towards completing NWIs

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova

Examples of emerging tools for Tier-1 to Tier-3 NWI processes

Field trip to the mouth of Han River and Janghang

  • Dr. Su-Whan Kim, Senior Researcher, National Ecology Institute 
  • Dr. Dongwook Han, Chair of Eco Korea

Presentation on the Korean National Wetland Inventory Earth Observation Data management experience

  • Dr. Sanghun Lee, Team Lead of Wetland Research, National Ecology Institute

 

Day 4 (11 September)

Synthesis of the common gaps in wetland databases & country-specific issues

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova

Examples of emerging tools for Tier-1 to Tier-3 NWI processes

Working Group Session on Comparing notes among peers

  • Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Finalizing ligntning talk preparation and peer exchanges

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova

Field trip to Namdong Reservoir wetland (next to Songdo Tidal Falt Ramsar Site)

  • Dr. Jongmin Yoon, Team Lead, Avian Research, National Institute of Ecology
  • Dr. Inki Kwon, Director of Black-faced Spoonbill Eco Center

 

Day 5 (12 September)

Experts Comments on Lightning Talk Presentations

  • Mr. Max Finalyson, Charles Sturt University
  • Mr. Wooyeong Joo, National Institute of Ecology

Feedback from participants & group discussion of technical gaps & needs

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova

Group discussion of solutions to technical gaps for database development

  • Ms. Iryna Dronova

Next Steps - Presentation of Module 3 learning objectives and country assignments

  • Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
  • Mr. Robert Godoy Recasens, Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands

Feedback Survey

  • Mr. Robert Godoy Recasens, Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands

Concluding Remarks

  • Mr. Changsuk Lee, Director of National Institute of Ecology
  • Flore Lafaye de Micheaux, Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

 

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