Wetlands play an important role for people and the environment, and World Wetland Day celebrates this each year on February 2. In the Iranian city of Ramsar, the first proposal for a convention on wetlands was made on 2 February 1971.
A wetland is a part of the earth where water covers the soil. Both terrestrial and aquatic species are supported by them.
World Wetland Day: History and Significance
A group of environmentalists visited Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was signed. Since it is located in Ramsar, it is also called the Ramsar Convention. In this agreement, the first modern treaty to conserve natural resources was signed.
UN General Assembly Resolution 75/317, establishing February 2 as World Wetlands Day, was approved on August 30, 2021.
As part of the convention on wetlands, the secretariat distributed factsheets, documents, posters, and logos to educate the public about the importance of wetlands.
Wetlands make up a significant part of our ecosystem. A wide variety of aquatic flora and fauna can be found in these biodiversity hotspots. Numerous migratory birds and species also live there. The destruction of wetlands would have a significant impact on the ecosystem directly or indirectly.
World Wetland Day 2023: Theme
This year’s World Wetlands Day theme is ‘It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration,’ which emphasizes the urgent need to restore wetlands.
Some FAQs about World Wetland Day
- What are wetlands and why are they important?
Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, improving water quality, reducing the impacts of floods and droughts, and providing livelihoods for local communities.
- What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 that provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. It is the only global treaty focused solely on wetlands and has been signed by 170 countries.
- How many Types of Wetlands are there?
There are three main types of wetlands:
Freshwater Wetlands: These include marshes, swamps, and bogs that are found in areas with low-lying water and poor drainage.
Saltwater Wetlands: These include mangroves, salt marshes, and tidal flats that are found along coasts and estuaries where seawater mixes with freshwater.
Peatlands: These are wetlands that are characterized by the accumulation of dead plant material known as peat. They are found in areas with high rainfall and low temperatures.
Read More: 2 February in Indian and World History