Gallery 0 Results Reset search Close Chair of the Standing Committee Jorge Rucks opened the 52nd meeting by saying "We are losing wetlands, this vital ecosystem, and we must redouble our efforts to ensure wise use of and conservation of wetlands. The Strategic Plan for 2016-24 is there to help us in guiding our work.” Katie Hammond More than 100 delegates from 44 countries gathered to listen to the opening statements. Katie Hammond "2015 stands out as a beacon of hope, when the international community came together and agreed on 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including two goals which specifically recognize the importance of wetlands in sustainable development – the goal on water, and the goal on biodiversity" said Acting Secretary General Ania Grobicki Katie Hammond Acting Secretary General Ania Grobicki and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust Chief Executive, Martin Spray, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 15 June 2016. (Photo credit: Katie Hammond) Katie Hammond