Community Wetlands Forum CLG ltd

Introduction
Since being founded in the early 2010s, the Community Wetlands Forum (CWF) has gone from strength to strength. We now have 58 member groups in 15 counties, together protecting 2,275 hectares of wetland. We have strategic partnerships with various bodies and are actively involved in exciting projects including Connecting Communities with Peatlands, FarmPEAT and WaterLANDS.

In 2023, we changed from being an externally hosted project to incorporation as an independent company limited by guarantee. We therefore needed a new strategy. We undertook an extensive member and stakeholder consultation process to inform thinking about our future. A working group of directors, staff and member representatives subsequently drew up this strategic plan, in line with our new Constitution, with the support of a not-for-profit sector consultant and brought it before the membership in early 2024.

Our purpose
Irish wetlands, of all types and in all locations 1 , are of immense value to nature and to people. But many are under threat, and it is essential that something be done about this. There is no single solution for conserving our wetlands. ‘Top-down’ approaches including public policy and technical advances are vital, but they are insufficient on their own. ‘Bottom-up’ approaches that involve engagement with, and leadership by, local communities are an essential piece of the puzzle.
The CWF has expertise in community-led wetlands stewardship. With the right mix and level of financial and human resources, our organisation undertakes a range of relevant activities, which:
 Raise awareness amongst everyone who needs to know about wetlands
 Promote understanding of wise wetland use
 Encourage collaborative action between many different players
 Catalyse the conservation and restoration of wetlands.
In so doing, we not only ensure the sustainability of our wetlands, we also build community.

Our Mission
To promote develop and support community led wetland conservation for the public benefit and provide a representative platform for community led conservation groups .

Our Vision
A society where wetlands are valued by local communities and community stewardship is valued as a means of protecting and managing wetlands for present and future generations.

Our Values 

• Participation 
• Empowerment 
• Inclusion
• Self -determination
• Resilience 

In April 2024 we published a  new  Strategic Plan 2024-2026 - Available here Strategic Plan