The 9 certified cities are Chongming in Shanghai, Dali in Yunnan, Fuzhou in Fujian, Hangzhou in Zhejiang, Jiujiang in Jiangxi, Lhasa in Xizang, Suzhou in Jiangsu, Wenzhou in Zhejiang and Yueyang in Hunan. According to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, being certified as an "International Wetland City" by the Wetland Convention is an important achievement in urban wetland ecological protection. Certified cities not only have abundant wetland resources and unique landscapes, but their wetland ecosystems and biodiversity are also well protected. Jay Aldous, Deputy Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention, stated at the award ceremony that unplanned urban expansion has led to wetland degradation, loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecological balance, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and worsening air and water pollution, which have become global concerns. Alders said that in response to these challenges, the Ramsar Convention has launched the "International Wetland City" certification mechanism to encourage cities to protect wetlands and incorporate them into sustainable development plans. Cities can fully leverage the role of wetlands in ecological, social, and economic aspects to enhance public welfare. The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental agreement dedicated to the protection and rational use of wetland ecosystems, with 172 contracting parties currently. The 15th Conference of the Parties, with the theme of "Protecting Wetlands, Building the Future Together", aims to further strengthen international cooperation and highlight the crucial role of wetlands in maintaining ecological health and biodiversity, as well as enhancing climate resilience. (New Society)