<p>Wetlands are important ecological resources for conserving biodiversity, moderating the climate, and regulating water supplies. These wet ecosystems in developing countries are disproportionately affected by human activities, global change, and inadequate management. A notable example of this issue is the Zrebar Wetland in Iran, which has continued to decline despite ongoing conservation efforts. The Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) strategy, endorsed by the Ramsar Convention, provides a comprehensive plan of action for managing wetlands sustainably through stakeholder involvement. This research, which investigates the efficacy and existing use of CEPA-based strategies in conserving and restoring the Zrebar Wetland, has the potential to impact wetland conservation. It specifically delineates the discrepancies between the perceived significance and present efficacy of CEPA components to guide future intervention initiatives. A descriptive-survey approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire comprising 68 items distributed across four CEPA dimensions: awareness, education, participation, and communication. The sample consisted of 86 specialists from environmental and agricultural agencies in Marivan, Kurdistan, Iran, selected through stratified sampling. Marked disparities were noted between the perceived significance and execution of all 68 CEPA tools. The communication component (29.2%), along with the education and participation components (each 25%), demonstrated the highest percentage of tools requiring immediate attention. Critical shortcomings encompassed inadequate virtual interaction platforms, restricted instructional programs, and insufficient stakeholder involvement. The results highlight structural and operational barriers that impede CEPA's effectiveness in wetland conservation. Improving tool integration, localizing outreach techniques, and fostering stakeholder ownership are crucial for effective environmental governance in rural settings.</p>