World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February. It falls specifically on this day because it marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, on 2 February 1971. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997.
This
is an important day on every environmentalist’s calendar because it raise
public awareness of wetland values and benefits for humanity and the planet. It
is also important as it fervently promote the conservation and wise and
sustainable use of wetlands. Government agencies, non-government organisations,
and community groups have all participated in raising important environmental
awareness and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
Each
year, World Wetlands Day focuses on a different theme and putting the spotlight
on a vital function of wetlands. The theme for 2016 is Wetlands for our Future:
Sustainable Livelihoods. This was chosen based on the fact that wetlands play a
vital role for not only the current but also the future wellbeing of humanity.
It also emphasis the promotion of the wise use of all wetlands. Also it will
look specifically at their relevance towards achieving the new Sustainable
Development Goals. Furthermore, it is about drawing attention to urgently
acting towards slowing, stopping, and reversing wetland degradation. We can’t
achieve sustainable development without healthy wetlands.
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| Source: UN. |
Because
wetlands work for us, we need to work for wetlands!
