World Wetlands Day

Wetlands and Water

This year’s theme shines a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore them and stop their loss.

We are facing a growing freshwater crisis that threatens people and our planet. We use more freshwater than nature can replenish, and we are destroying the ecosystem that water and all life depend on most – Wetlands.

The 2021 campaign highlights the contribution of wetlands to the quantity and quality of freshwater on our planet. Water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the health of our planet.

World Wetlands Day

The 2nd February each year is World Wetlands Day to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. This day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on the 2nd February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Wetlands

Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. Inland wetlands include marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, floodplains, and swamps. Coastal wetlands include saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons and even coral reefs. Fishponds, rice paddies, and saltpans are human-made wetlands.

How you can get involved  

• Organise a virtual event such as a webinar or zoom conference to raise awareness or invite a wetland expert to explain the role of wetlands for freshwater
• Hold a virtual exhibition to present and show case arts or photographs about wetlands
• Plan a wetland clean-up day Organise a photo or essay competition
• Raise public awareness
• Share the outreach materials on your website, social media, newsletters or bulletin boards etc.
• Write a blog or article in your local newspaper or social media
• Organise a classroom discussion on MS Teams
• Get students to think about how wetlands naturally help us cope with climate change.
• Hold a discussion on why wetlands continue to be degraded around the world and what actions are necessary to stop this loss.
• Organise a quiz about the different types of wetlands.
• Use the exercise to highlight the other multiple benefits of wetlands to people such as providing water, source of livelihoods.
• Organise a colouring competition for other students.