On the 2^nd of February the world celebrates World Wetlands Day. This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of Global Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Each year government agencies, non-government organisations and groups of citizens at all levels have celebrated this day. They celebrate it by undertaking activities to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits, and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. This day also offers an opportunity for South Africans to be part of a worldwide celebration of wetlands and their value for biodiversity and human well-being

Wetlands activities include seminars, nature walks, festivals, and launches of new policies, the announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation. In South Africa many events are organised around the country.

World Wetlands Day 2010

The worldwide theme for World Wetlands Day 2010 is "Wetlands, Biodiversity, and Climate Change". The focus is on Caring for our wetlands - an answer to climate change. The theme relates to 2010 being proclaimed the International Year of Biodiversity and to the impacts of climate change for present and future wetland ecosystem health. This was to coincide with the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity and in recognition of the likely impact of climate change on wetland ecosystems, and importantly, about the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation and adaptation.  

In support of World Wetlands Day activities in 2010, some materials have been produced for download.  These are posters, leaflets, stickers; some briefing notes to set the scene.

For WWD materials, follow this link.

• Ramsar

Sources:

• Australian Government 
• Ramsar
• Indaloyethu

Updated: 02 February 2010