From 27–29 November 2025, the city of Tata, Hungary, with the support of the Ramsar Regional Centre – East Asia RRC-EA, welcomed delegations from around the world for the 4th Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors. Government leaders, Ramsar Convention representatives, wetland experts, and international partners came together to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and celebrate the ecological and cultural heritage of wetlands.

The programme began at the Güntner Arena with an official ceremony, after which delegates walked to Calvary Hill to witness the iconic arrival of wild geese at the Old Lake. The day concluded at Kossuth Square with the Advent Fair, showcasing cultural performances, local crafts, and regional cuisine.

The official ceremony at Güntner Arena of The 4th Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors, ©Sana Mezoughi, MedWet

The second day of the 4th Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors in Tata opened with a plenary session at the Güntner Arena. The keynote by Mr. Denis Landenbergue, member of the Independent Advisory Committee for Wetland City Accreditation, set the stage for discussions on wetland city history and global accreditation efforts.

Plenary presentations included insights on Hungary’s nature conservation system, innovative water management strategies, and the cultural significance of the Tata Wild Goose Festival. Of particular note, Mr. Bastien Coic, Director of the Ramsar France Association, presented on strengthening wetland management, conservation, and wise use in France, while Mr. Seung Oh Suh and Mr. Jay Aldous contributed perspectives on international Ramsar initiatives and regional cooperation.

In the afternoon, four parallel breakout sessions explored:

• Promotion and branding of Wetland Cities
• Wetland education and youth engagement
• Public–private partnerships for conservation
• Wetlands and climate change adaptation

MedWet and Ramsar France at the 4th Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors © Nora Lounes

The Mayors’ Roundtable

In the late afternoon, delegation leaders gathered at Tata’s Town Hall for the official Mayors’ Roundtable. The session provided a platform to review progress within the Wetland City Network, discuss new operational guidelines, and elect the incoming Chair.

The day concluded at Hotel Gottwald, where the Closing Programme and Gala Dinner brought together participants for a celebratory evening. Highlights included the formal passing of the ceremonial flag to Niigata, Japan, the next host of the Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors, along with closing messages and an international cultural performance.

A major highlight of the session was the announcement of the next three host cities for the upcoming Roundtables of Wetland City Mayors:

• 2026 – Niigata, Japan
• 2027 – Valdivia, Chile
• 2028 – Mechelen, Belgium

These selections reflect the growing geographic diversity and global momentum of the Wetland City Network.

The Roundtable of Mayors ©Sana Mezoughi, MedWet

On Saturday, at the vibrant 25th Tata Wild Goose Festival, Wetland Cities from around the world gathered to share inspiring experiences on urban wetland conservation as part of the 4th Mayors’ Roundtable.

MedWet’s Contribution to the 4th Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors

MedWet played an active role in the discussions at the 4th Roundtable of Wetland City Mayors in Tata. Chris Rostorn, MedWet Coordinator, participated in the meeting of the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC) for Wetland City Accreditation, acting as the Ramsar Regional representative and bringing Mediterranean perspectives to global discussions on wetland city governance.

The Independent Advisory Committee for Wetland City Accreditation. From left to right: Jay Aldous, Andras Schmidt, Denis Landenbergue, Ingrid Coetzee, Chris Rostron, Maria Mejia, Libuše Vlasáková, Suh Seung-oh, Amir Akhlaghi, Gert Michael Steiner, and Seo Joon-woo. ©Sana Mezoughi, MedWet

Sana Mezoughi, MedWet Advisor for Wetland City Accreditation, delivered a presentation on “Strengthening the Mediterranean Dynamic for Wetland City Accreditation,” supported by the Office Français pour la Biodiversité. The session highlighted the strong engagement of Mediterranean cities and partners, notably Ramsar France and the importance of boosting collaboration, visibility, and support for future candidate cities.

©Denis Landenbergue, IAC member

The 25th Tata Wild Goose Festival: A Model of CEPA in Action

The 25th Tata Wild Goose Festival stands as a powerful example of how CEPA principles can be brought to life to strengthen the connection between people and wetlands. Rooted in Tata’s long-standing tradition of celebrating the autumn arrival of approximately fifty thousand wild geese, the festival transforms a natural spectacle into a vibrant platform for communication, education, participation, and awareness-raising.

The Old Lake hosting the Wild Goose Festival ©Sana Mezoughi, MedWet

Each year, the event draws families, students, nature enthusiasts, and international visitors to the shores of the Old Lake. Through guided birdwatching, interactive presentations, cultural performances, and community-led activities, the festival communicates key messages about the ecological importance of wetlands and the need to protect migratory species. These experiences make scientific knowledge accessible and engaging, reinforcing the idea that conservation is not only a technical endeavour but also a shared cultural value.

the Wild Goose Festival, ©Sana Mezoughi, MedWet

Above all, the Wild Goose Festival raises awareness, both locally and globally. It showcases the cultural significance of migratory birds, highlights the value of wetlands as living systems, and increases public appreciation for the Ramsar Convention’s work. The presence of international delegations and Wetland City representatives during the 25th edition amplified this message, showing how cities can integrate biodiversity, culture, and community engagement.

The Wild Goose Festival raises awareness © Lander Wantens, Natuurpunt

Key Dates

• February 2026 – Opening of the call for city applications
• November 2026 – Roundtable of Mayors, Niigata, Japan
• February 2027 – Deadline for submitting applications for Wetland City Accreditation
• COP16, 2028 (Panama City, Chile) – Announcement of newly accredited Wetland Cities