World Wetland Day

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet. The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, an international treaty established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Observed globally, it highlights the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of wetlands and the urgent need to protect them from degradation and loss.

Background and History

The observance of World Wetlands Day originates from the Ramsar Convention, signed on 2 February 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. This convention was the first international treaty dedicated to a specific ecosystem type—wetlands. Its main objective is to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation.
The first official celebration of World Wetlands Day took place in 1997, when the Ramsar Secretariat encouraged governments, environmental organisations, and communities to organise awareness campaigns and activities highlighting the value of wetlands.
In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly formally recognised 2 February as World Wetlands Day, giving it international status and reinforcing its global importance.

What Are Wetlands?

Wetlands are ecosystems where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and associated life forms. They include areas where the soil is permanently or seasonally saturated with water—either freshwater, brackish, or saltwater.
Common types of wetlands include:

• Marshes and swamps
• Mangroves
• Floodplains
• Peatlands
• Lakes and ponds
• Estuaries and deltas
• Coral reefs and coastal lagoons

Wetlands exist in every climatic zone, from the Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests, and serve as one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth.

Ecological Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands perform multiple ecological and environmental functions that are crucial for the survival of life on Earth:

1. Water Purification: Wetlands act as natural filters by trapping sediments, pollutants, and excess nutrients, improving water quality.
2. Flood Control: They absorb and store excess rainwater, reducing the risk of floods and stabilising shorelines during storms.
3. Carbon Storage: Wetlands are powerful carbon sinks, sequestering more carbon than any other ecosystem, particularly peatlands and mangroves.
4. Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands provide habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, amphibians, fish, and endangered species.
5. Groundwater Recharge: They help replenish aquifers by allowing water to percolate into underground reserves.
6. Livelihood Support: Millions of people depend on wetlands for fishing, agriculture, tourism, and cultural practices.
7. Climate Regulation: By moderating temperatures and capturing greenhouse gases, wetlands play an important role in climate balance.

Global and Indian Context

Globally, wetlands cover around 6% of the Earth’s land surface, yet they are disappearing at a rate three times faster than forests due to urbanisation, pollution, and agricultural expansion. The Ramsar Convention now includes more than 2,400 Ramsar Sites—wetlands of international importance—spanning over 250 million hectares worldwide.
In India, wetlands are found across diverse geographical regions, from the high-altitude lakes of Ladakh to the mangroves of the Sundarbans. The country has been a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, and as of 2025, India hosts 80 Ramsar Sites, the largest number in South Asia, covering over 1.3 million hectares.
Notable Ramsar Sites in India include:

• Chilika Lake (Odisha) – Asia’s largest brackish lagoon.
• Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Loktak Lake (Manipur) – famous for its floating phumdis.
• Sundarbans (West Bengal) – the world’s largest mangrove forest.
• Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir) – one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes.

Themes of World Wetlands Day

Each year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated with a specific theme that focuses on different aspects of wetland conservation. Some recent themes include:

• 2021: “Wetlands and Water” – emphasising their role in water security.
• 2022: “Wetlands Action for People and Nature” – highlighting the link between wetlands and human well-being.
• 2023: “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration” – calling for large-scale wetland revival efforts.
• 2024: “Wetlands and Human Well-being” – focusing on how healthy wetlands enhance quality of life.

The themes aim to inspire governments, organisations, and individuals to take concrete actions toward protection, restoration, and sustainable management of wetland ecosystems.

Threats to Wetlands

Despite their importance, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world. The main threats include:

• Urbanisation and Land Reclamation: Conversion of wetlands for housing, industry, and agriculture.
• Pollution: Contamination from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and altered rainfall patterns degrade wetland habitats.
• Overexploitation: Excessive fishing, logging, and extraction of resources.
• Invasive Species: Non-native plants and animals disrupt local biodiversity.

It is estimated that nearly 35% of wetlands have been lost since 1970, highlighting the urgency of conservation action.

Conservation and Restoration Efforts

Efforts to protect and restore wetlands occur at multiple levels:

• International Level: Through the Ramsar Convention, global cooperation focuses on designating protected sites and implementing sustainable management practices.
• National and Regional Policies: Many countries have enacted wetland protection laws and national action plans for conservation.
• Community Participation: Local stewardship and indigenous knowledge play vital roles in wetland restoration.
• Scientific Research and Education: Monitoring of wetland health, biodiversity studies, and awareness campaigns support long-term conservation goals.

In India, the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) is a key government initiative to protect and manage wetlands. Various NGOs and research institutions are also actively engaged in restoration and awareness campaigns.

Activities and Celebrations

World Wetlands Day is observed through educational and community-based events across the globe. Common activities include:

• Nature walks, clean-up drives, and tree-planting in wetland areas.
• Awareness campaigns, school competitions, and public exhibitions.
• Workshops, seminars, and policy dialogues on wetland management.
• Bird-watching festivals and biodiversity surveys.