Introduction

World Wetlands Day is an event, recognised internationally, that highlights the importance of wetlands and why we need to protect them. It encourages people and organizations around the world to learn and act for wetland conservation.

Date	2 February
Durtation	One day
Observance	Global
Celebrated in	Worldwide
Observing Communities	Environmental communities and organizations
Type of Event	International awareness event
Purpose of Event	Raising awareness about the importance of wetlands
Holiday Status	No holiday is declared
First Observed in	1997

Importance

World Wetlands Day raises awareness about ecosystems like marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes, and mangroves, which are extremely important for natural water purification, conservation of ecosystems, and balancing climate change. Celebrated every year on 2nd February, the day inspires people to conduct activities that support the sustainable use and protection of this valuable natural area. Governments, environmental groups, NGOs, INGOs, schools, and individuals observe it worldwide to promote wetland protection.

World Wetlands Day reminds us that wetlands are crucial for clean water, wildlife habitats, climate stability, and human livelihoods, and that protecting them benefits the entire planet and beings living within it.

Celebrations

This day is celebrated in over 170 countries, including Nepal, China, India, Australia, the United States of America, the UK, and many other African and European countries. The parts of such countries, which are rich in terms of wetlands, are mainly focused on the day of the event, as they also host specific programs. 
                Events like webinars, seminars, workshops, and discussions are conducted among the communities and organizations that contribute to the protection and preservation of wetlands. Millions of people take part in online as well as offline events to exchange information about wetlands and their condition in various places of the world.

Origin and History 

Commemorating the day the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed, the UN observes 2nd February as Wetlands Day each year. The convention was signed in 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, to encourage countries about the importance of wetlands in addressing climate change and pollution.   
     In 1997, this day was first officially observed, whereas it was later recognised by the UN in 2021. From the first time, this day has been growing as a global campaign with various themes, educational resources, and increased participation worldwide. The  Okavango Delta in Botswana receives attention from around the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

SIGNIFICANCE

The day contributes to influencing the local communities whose lifestyle is directly based on wetlands by conveying its importance and methods to preserve it from deterioration. Various interactive activities are conducted in educational institutions to increase awareness in the young minds.
     Exhibitions and cleaning rallies, site visits are also conducted to spread awareness at the school level. On social media as well, various hashtags, videos, and posters go on trend, which assists in increasing awareness. Children are believed to learn about the responsible use of these natural resources through these activities. They are also taught about their moral and ethical duty of protecting and encouraging others to protect natural resources and ecosystems.

Recommendations

It is recommended to join and contribute to cleanup activities at your nearby water body, plant trees, and spread awareness to reduce polluting activities this day. Involving children in such activities also helps as it leaves an imprint they would possibly apply in their future. Although this day is celebrated worldwide, schools and workplaces do not give a holiday on this day but emphasise on contributing to this day through their work desks.