Rapid population growth and ever-increasing industrial, agricultural, and urban activities and other human interventions has led to degradation of valuable ecosystems such as wetland and protected areas. Despite taking measures to mitigate their destructive impacts, pollution trend seem to continue at alarming scale. Various management measurements have been done to maintain sustainable level of these ecosystems among which wetlands counted as one of the most worthwhile ecosystems on the earth mainly because of its delicate environmental circumstances requires more attention in planning and protection. International Anzali wetland in the north part of Iran has been experiencing anthropogenic and natural disturbances. In this regard, optimum management of natural and human resources is essential to protect Anzali wetland. This study aimed at assessment of opportunities and weaknesses of this ecosystem using SWOT matrix method in 2012 to protect and support different ecosystem functions and services. In line with the study aim, a comprehensive evaluation of capabilities has been done to improve current management plan with regard to strengths points and opportunities of targeted environment. First, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities as well as threats of the study area have been recognized and then weighted by means of expert choice. Next, SWOT matrix has constituted to extract strategic measurements. According to the results, industrial waste, sediment entering, the indiscriminate use of pesticides for agricultural and industrial development as well as increasing rate of urbanization were the main obstacles to wetland protection. In contrary, high habitat diversity, species composition, migratory birds, international importance of wetland, attracting foreign investment, Highway alignment over immigration and the local communities with incentives to participate in conservation projects are counted as main strengths and opportunities, which can contribute to development of better strategic measurements for wetland protection.