Wetlands are the underrated superheroes of ecosystems. They are among the most vital ecosystems on our planet, serving as natural carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and protectors against climate change impacts. Yet, they remain some of the most threatened landscapes globally.
On this year’s World Wetlands Day 2025, we had the privilege to speak with Ana Di Pangracio, a fierce environmental advocate and the Deputy Executive Director of Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN) in Argentina. With extensive experience in environmental law and policy, Ana has been at the forefront of championing biodiversity conservation with a specific focus on gender issues when addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
In this interview, she shares her insights on the importance of wetlands, FARN’s initiatives, and the role of gender equality in conservation efforts, offering a powerful call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers.
1. What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in conservation?
Growing up in Buenos Aires, surrounded by both urban dynamics and Argentina’s rich natural heritage, I was always drawn to nature and the need to protect it, in particular through my initial interest in birdwatching. My academic path in law, complemented by environmental studies in environmental law, policy and management as well as gender, allowed me to bridge legal frameworks with conservation efforts. The more I delved into environmental issues, the clearer it became that effective conservation requires a human rights approach, strong legal tools and community participation to ensure successful long-term policies.
2. Can you recall the moment of inspiration that motivated you to approach environmental law through a gender lens? How has that experience shaped your perspective on conservation moving forward?
My experience in conservation highlighted that gender inequality often exacerbates environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss. While working on wetland and forest conservation projects, I saw how Indigenous and rural women play key roles as guardians of biodiversity yet remain marginalized in decision-making processes and direct access to funding. This insight, paired with gender-focused studies at the University of Buenos Aires and engagement in the CBD Women’s Caucus and other relevant alliances with a gender focus, solidified my belief that just conservation policies must integrate gender justice.
Gender inequality often exacerbates environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss.
Photo credit: FARN
3. Can you explain why it is important to involve Indigenous and Local Communities, especially women, in leading wetland conservation initiatives?
Indigenous and Local Communities possess invaluable knowledge about their ecosystems. Women, in particular, are pivotal as they often manage water and medicinal plants. Their leadership ensures that conservation efforts are inclusive and grounded in lived experiences. For example, FARN has worked with women in the Patagonia region, fostering their involvement in wetland restoration projects. We also analysed with women grassroots the long-due National Wetlands Law with a gender lens. This led to having concret input for a draft law at the National Parliament, developed in a participatory manner, that included a gender perspective. It also foresaw finance to support women carrying out wetlands´ conservation, sustainable use and restoration. This participatory approach not only protects biodiversity but also uplifts communities socially and economically.
4. Based on your experience, what has been the most significant challenge in formulating gender-responsive biodiversity policies and effectively implementing them at the grassroots level?
One major challenge is the lack of recognition of women’s roles in biodiversity conservation within policy frameworks. Gender biases persist, and there’s often limited funding for grassroots initiatives that prioritize women’s leadership. Sex disaggregated data is still limited. Additionally, patriarchal norms continue to hinder women’s participation at all levels, including peri-urban and urban areas and deny a connection between gender and environmental issues. Overcoming these barriers requires education, capacity-building, and advocacy at all levels.
5. How does wetland restoration contribute to biodiversity conservation, and how is FARN promoting sustainable restoration practices?
Wetland restoration revives ecosystems, ensuring habitat connectivity and resilience against climate change. These ecosystems are crucial for water purification, flood control, and biodiversity preservation. They are also home to incredible cultural heritage and livelihoods of entire communities. FARN has been working on wetlands for over 20 years. We promote their conservation, sustainable use and restoration by working hand in hand with Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples, advocating for stronger legal protections and their effective implementation, with strategic litigation, capacity building and conducting educational and communications campaigns to highlight the importance of protecting the ecological integrity of wetlands across the country.
6. What are the most significant threats to wetlands in Argentina today, and how is FARN working to address them?
The main threats include agricultural expansion, mining, urbanisation, and pollution. Climate change exacerbates these pressures. Wetlands are still seen as idle zones to be converted for other productive purposes. FARN tackles these issues, among others, through advocacy for wetland-specific legislation, such as the “Wetlands Law,” and by engaging communities in restoration projects and defence strategies. We also collaborate with scientists and policymakers to create integrated management plans for conservation and sustainable wetland use.
Indigenous and Local Communities possess invaluable knowledge about their ecosystems. Women, in particular, are pivotal as they often manage water and medicinal plants. Their leadership ensures that conservation efforts are inclusive and grounded in lived experiences.
7. Wetlands are often undervalued, but they are one of the earth’s amazing ” organs.” What are some ways individuals can protect wetlands at the local level?
Individuals can play a significant role by supporting local conservation efforts, joining diverse groups in urban, peri urban and rural areas defending these key ecosystems. One can also make responsible use of drinking water and educate others in that respect. Volunteering with NGOs or community groups working on wetland restoration is another impactful and rewarding way to contribute while connecting with nature.
8. Lastly, what message would you like to relay on today’s World Wetlands Day to inspire women and girls to take action for these vital and delicate ecosystems?
To all women and girls: your voices and actions matter immensely. Wetlands are life-giving ecosystems that need your energy and wisdom. Be bold in advocating for their protection, and know that your leadership is crucial for transformative change. Contribute to collective movements building, these are fundamental to ensure these vital ecosystems thrive for generations to come.
One major challenge is the lack of recognition of women’s roles in biodiversity conservation within policy frameworks. Gender biases persist, and there’s often limited funding for grassroots initiatives that prioritize women’s leadership. Sex disaggregated data is still limited.
About Ana Di Pangracio
Ana Di Pangracio is a lawyer specialising in environmental law and policy. She has over fifteen years of work experience on socio-environmental issues in civil society organisations. She is currently the Biodiversity Director and Deputy Director at Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN) in Argentina. She manages various projects on biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and restoration with a human rights-based approach. She has followed the CBD and UNCCD negotiations since 2010 and 2017. She is a member of the CBD Women’s Caucus and an elected IUCN Councillor (2021-2025).
