<p>Introduced in the text of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands over five decades ago, the wetland wise use concept was a unique recognition of human-nature connectedness and a genuine precursor to sustainable development. Yet, the use of the term has been inconsistent within the Convention, and its application has been limited by a curtailed outlining of principles and the implementation framework. An overtly ecological framing of the wetland wise use concept, as was framed in the early days of the Convention, is insufficient to guide conservation practices in addressing the contemporary challenges facing these ecosystems, as decisions regarding wise use are not solely scientific or ecological. A fit-for-purpose interpretation of wise use would unshackle the concept from an overly instrumental framing to one conveying a deeper human-nature connectedness, built around the diverse values of nature, and fostering forms of human-nature connectedness that value sustainability and enhance supporting behaviors. Wetlands need to be considered as complex social-ecological systems, with ‘wetland character’ as the ‘system identity’. Wetland wise use, rather than an end in itself, is best considered as a ‘form of environmental management’ which ensures the goal of ‘maintaining wetland character’, within a safe operating space. A desirable wise use process is one that recognizes plural worldviews and values of nature, builds on diverse knowledge systems, and uses a coproduction process to engage diverse stakeholders and the public towards the goal of maintaining wetland character.</p>