World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day History

World Wetlands Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the crucial role that wetlands play in our ecosystems and human survival. These wetlands, comprising swamps, marshes, and mangroves, serve as natural sponges against flooding and maintain clean water, thereby safeguarding biodiversity. Significantly, wetlands also buffer the detrimental impacts of climate change by acting as carbon sinks - absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The inception of World Wetlands Day dates back to the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar on February 2, 1971. For India, the importance of this day cannot be overstated considering the country's extensive wetland system, which includes the Ramsar designated wetlands like Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan. These wetlands are vital for providing livelihoods for local communities, playing a pivotal role in agriculture, and serving as habitats for rare wildlife.

Marking World Wetlands Day in India typically involves various public interest activities. Educational events, seminars, discussions, poster exhibitions, and promotional campaigns are conducted across different parts of the country. These activities aim at creating a better understanding of the value wetlands hold for humanity and our natural world. Importantly, the Indian government also hosts various initiatives promoting wetland conservation and sustainable management. World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 each year, reiterating the country's commitment toward the conservation and wise use of its significant wetlands.

Facts about World Wetlands Day

• The theme for World Wetlands Day in 2024 was Wetlands and Human Wellbeing. The theme in 2023 was Wetland Restoration.
• The Pantanal which is located in South America, measures over 42 million acres and is the world’s largest tropical wetland.
• India has 42 wetlands recognized as Ramsar Sites, which are designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty.
• Wetlands play a vital role in supporting local communities in India by providing essential resources such as water for drinking, irrigation, and fishing. They also have cultural and religious significance.

In the News and Trending in India for World Wetlands Day

Top things to do in India for World Wetlands Day

• Go outdoors and participate in events and activities such as tree planting, bird watching.
• Spread awareness on social media by using hashtags such as #WorldWetlandsDay or #WetlandsMatter
• read a book to learn more about Wetlands:
  Wetlands and Lakes of the World - by Subrat Sharma and Shahid A. Abbasi
  Indian Wetlands: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation - by R.N. Chowdhury
• Visit Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan: Known as one of the world's most famous wetlands, this park is home to over 360 species of birds. It's an excellent place to learn about wetland ecosystems and watch wildlife on World Wetlands Day.